How to Get Started with Compliant Texting for Business
Businesses can’t just plan to get started with texting without being prepped. Without a doubt, texts provide the easiest and quickest way to reach out to prospects and customers and maximize returns, but messaging can backfire too if it’s not compliant. It can lead to heavy financial penalties rather than increasing business returns. This is why one should be familiar with the ins and outs of texting to stay compliant with texting rules and regulations and steer clear of penalties. And the best part of compliant messaging is it is uncomplicated and easy to implement.
Ways to Compliant Texting
Express Written Consent for Informational and Promotional Texts
Opt-in and opt-out compliance form the major part of compliant texting.
Express written consent is one of the most vital requirements before getting started with text messaging. Whether you’re sending an informational text or promotional text, you must obtain written express consent from customers to send text messages.
Also, customers must have clear and conspicuous disclosure while opting-in to receive texts, so they are aware of the purpose they are providing written consent for. More importantly, you cannot put a purchase condition if they are opting-in to your text program.
Things to include while seeking Written consent
- Business Identity
- SMS program name
- Messaging Frequency
- An easy and clear way to opt-out
- Applicable messaging rates
Pay Attention to Timings while Sending SMS
Ultimately TCPA intends to protect the customer’s privacy and regulate telemarketing calls and messages.
There are various carrier regulations and SMS compliances that contribute to compliant texting. One of them is text timings. Your text should never be a cause of disturbance to your prospects and customers. Thus, to stay compliant with TCPA texting rules and regulations, do not send Salesforce text messages before 8:00 A.M. or after 9:00 P.M.
Consent for Conversational Texts
As conversational texting is back and forth communication in real-time between agent and customers, it doesn’t require express written consent. Instead, it requires implied consent. Implied consent does not involve direct express written consent.
It’s the person’s actions, circumstances, and facts that implicitly grant consent to organizations. When customers initiate a conversation, it’s evident they are expecting a response that does not require permission. Thus, different types of messaging need different types of consent.
Do Not Text Related to Certain Topics
You can’t simply text anything to your prospects and customers. They are certain topics that you should avoid sending related content.
You cannot text content related to alcohol to customers whose age is not verified. But, as there’s always an exception, you can send messages related to happy hours and exclusive deals if you’re operating a bar but only after verifying the age. Besides, you cannot send texts that contain graphics unsuitable for viewers or carries content related to tobacco, firearms, violence, hate, or confidential information.
Avoid Financial Penalties and Keep Customers Happy with Compliant Texting
Text messaging is a robust tool to communicate reliably with audiences until you are compliant with texting rules and regulations. By respecting the customer’s privacy and being compliant with TCPA and other regulatory bodies, business ventures can make the best out of text messages without any risk of penalties. Also, compliant texting not only helps business ventures but customers too. This is because customers do not have to encounter unwanted text or information from brands.
To know more about how 360 SMS can help you stay compliant with texting rules and regulations, reach out to our experts at care@360smsapp.com or contact us here.