This video breaks down what "opt" means in the text messaging industry. To learn more about opt-in messaging, its definition, and why it's important make sure to visit our blog: Esendex.us/blog/opt-in-text-m...
What Is Opt-In Text Messaging?
Opt-in text messaging requires users to agree to receive texts from a company prior to actually receiving those messages. This acceptance means that businesses can send that user messages about communication and marketing, such as sales, appointment reminders, delivery updates, and more.
What Does “Opt” Mean In Text?
The ‘opt' in mobile opt-in refers to the choice users make by agreeing to receive messages from a company. When users opt-in to receive texts, they consent to the company sending SMS or MMS messages. In the same way, users who opt-out of these texts mean they are withdrawing consent and will no longer allow that same company to send messages.
How Does Opt-In Text Messaging Work?
There are several ways consumers can agree (i.e., opt-in) to receive messages, including entering a phone number, clicking a check box, or sending a specific keyword to a number. By providing consent, users are agreeing to receive communication via SMS from a specific business.
For example, many companies include an option to receive SMS messages during their sign-up process for services and products.
There are several agencies that regulate SMS messaging and other consumer communications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) are two such agencies.
According to the TCPA, companies must receive explicit written consent from a user before sending that user communication or marketing messages via SMS. This includes companies who already have an existing relationship with the user, such as a hospital who wants to send appointment reminders to patients.
This permission is vital to staying in compliance with the TCPA, CTIA, and other regulatory agencies. Companies can request permission from users in a variety of ways. But to be TCPA-compliant, these consent practices must outline:
- How users can opt-in
- The number of messages users will receive
- If message and data dates may apply
- Details of the company's privacy policy, if applicable
- How users can get help (such as texting the keyword HELP)
- How users can opt-out
Applicable legislation that the agencies helped create include the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and CAN-SPAM Act, both of which are intended to protect customers and prevent unwanted communication from companies. Along with state-specific privacy acts, this legislation provides the bulk of SMS opt-in rules.
When Should You Use An Opt-In Text Feature?
Companies should use a text message opt-in feature prior to contacting any customer via SMS. Pre-existing relationships do not exempt companies from asking for users' permission prior to sending them text messages.
As we've covered, there are a variety of ways to ask users to opt-in. But consent is vital to building compliant and effective SMS subscription lists.
Text message opt-in language should be clear and straightforward. It should be as easy as possible for the user to understand and act on. Unclear language could result in confusion, leading to lower opt-in rates, or potentially open your company up for compliance issues.
Prior to sending any messages, make sure to research applicable SMS regulations and SMS marketing best practices.
Benefits Of Opt-In Text Messaging
Mobile opt-in has a variety of benefits, including its position as a cost effective, versatile, and convenient form of communication and marketing.
Text opt-in service is one of the most expedient ways for companies to both connect with customers and streamline their own costs. The effectiveness of SMS is bolstered by its versatility and convenience, meaning that both companies and customers alike benefit from it.
1 - Cost-Effective Marketing Method
2 - Versatility Across Industries
3 - Convenient Communication
Create And Manage Your SMS Marketing Campaign
Esendex's programmable SMS API and SMS software allow you to easily send mobile text messaging campaigns to your subscribers and expand your SMS opt-in lists. You can quickly, easily, and reliably communicate with customers both domestically and internationally- a promise backed by our Tier 1 network and 99.9% uptime SLA.
In addition to providing you with powerful and varied features, our platforms allow you to easily build your campaigns according to applicable rules and regulations.
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