Opt-In & Opt-Out Text Messages: Definition, Examples & Guidelines
As a business, you must follow certain guidelines when adding and removing customers from your text message lists to ensure you only send messages customers want and comply with SMS regulations. These are text message opt-in and opt-out guidelines, and this post will explain everything you need to know about them.
Collecting opt-ins for your SMS recipients is critical to responsible communications. It is also a requirement by the FCC to ensure high delivery and reduced filtering of messages.
All active TrueReview subscriptions receive a dedicated number for their outgoing SMS review requests. To process this on your behalf, we'll need to know how your customers opt-in to receive SMS text messages from your business.
How do I get a dedicated number?
- TrueReview will collect business information, along with your SMS opt-in form or example, and will submit this information to the network carriers for verification.
- Verifying a toll-free number is a 2 step process.
- When we receive the initial approval (Pending state) that your information was accepted and submitted to the network carriers, we will move your SMS review request traffic to your dedicated number.
- Final verification usually takes 4-6 weeks. Nothing is needed from you while we wait for final verification. If the information you've provided is rejected by the network carriers, TrueReview will reach out to you to provide additional information or to make updates to your SMS opt-in process.
Examples of SMS Text Message Opt-In
There are several ways you can ensure customers are aware that providing their phone number will opt them in to receive SMS messages from your business.
Here are a few examples:
1. Check box confirming opt-in on your online contact form.
- If the phone number is required, provide a check box for the customer to select to opt-in to SMS messages.
- You can modify the message to fit your business, however it is important to clearly state that they will receive SMS messages by opting in.
2. SMS opt-in message below the phone number field
- If the phone number field is optional, and the customer is not required to provide it, add a message clearly stating that by providing the phone number they opt-in to receive SMS messages from your business.
3. SMS Text Message online opt-in form
- Add a form on your website that collects customer information explicitly for SMS communication with your business
- Add a check box that the customer checks off confirming they agree to opt-in to receive SMS text messages from your business before submitting the form.
4. Addendum in your customer contract or work order
- If your customers sign a contract, add an addendum near the customer's phone number and signature
- Provide information about carrier fees, ways to opt-out, and ways to get help.
- Add a checkbox where customers indicate a Yes/No to opt-in to SMS messages from your business.
5. Physical/signed form for SMS opt-in
- If your customers sign documents to engage with your business or services, add a form that your customers sign consenting to receive SMS text messages from your business.
How will customers Opt-out of SMS messages from my business?
Customers can opt-out by replying the following keywords:
"Stop"
"Stopall"
"Unsubscribe"
"End"
"Cancel"
"Quit"
They can choose to resubscribe by replying "Start"
How will customers know they can opt-out?
TrueReview automatically adds opt-out messaging at the bottom of all SMS review requests.
Not sure what's the best option for your business?
Contact TrueReview support from your dashboard and we'll be happy to provide guidance to ensure your opt-in form is in compliance with the FCC regulations and policies.
