Mobile carriers (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile) now mandate all businesses to register their texting number with 10DLC. Starting September 1, unregistered business texting numbers will face temporary suspension. Birdeye will facilitate outgoing text messages, automations, and auto-replies via a shared toll-free number, +18449090202, appending "Sent via Birdeye" to each text. Unregistered numbers won't have incoming text capabilities. Register your number promptly to avoid disruptions. Access your Birdeye dashboard and complete registration via the link on the top banner. For guidance, visit. For help, reach us at 1-800-561-3357 Ext. 3 or support@birdeye.com.

Ensuring compliance with texting regulations and guidelines is crucial for businesses sending mass text messages to their customers. By adhering to carrier regulations and industry guidelines, businesses can maintain compliance, avoid penalties, and ensure their text messages get delivered.

One of the key ways to ensure your business is compliant is by ensuring you are not sending any prohibited content to customers. Prohibited content refers to certain categories of content that are restricted or regulated when sending text messages.

Here are some examples of prohibited content categories:

S.H.A.F.T. (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco/Vaping)

• Explicit or adult-oriented content: Avoid sending messages with explicit language, adult-oriented imagery, or sexually suggestive content.
• Hate speech: Do not engage in any form of hate speech, discriminatory language, or offensive content targeting specific individuals or groups.
• Alcohol promotions: Refrain from promoting alcohol brands, events, or offers through text messages.
• Firearms sales: Avoid sending messages related to selling or promoting firearms, ammunition, or related accessories.
• Tobacco/Vaping advertisements: Do not promote tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or related accessories through SMS marketing.
   

Cannabis/Marijuana/Hemp/CBD/Kratom

• Promoting or selling cannabis: Avoid sending messages that promote or sell cannabis, marijuana, or related products.
• Hemp/CBD products: Avoid advertising hemp-derived products, oils, or other CBD-infused items.
• Kratom: Do not promote or sell kratom, which is a psychoactive substance. 
  
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  Businesses operating in the medical sector and interacting with patients regarding cannabis are also prohibited.

Gambling

• Promoting gambling activities: Avoid sending messages that promote online casinos, sports betting, poker rooms, or any form of gambling.
• Lottery services: Do not advertise lottery services or encourage participation in lottery games or contests.
   

Cryptocurrency

• Advertising cryptocurrencies: Refrain from sending messages that advertise or provide information about cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital currencies.
• Related investment opportunities: Avoid promoting investment schemes, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), or other cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
   

Financial Offers

• Payday loans, auto loans, student loans: Do not send messages offering payday loans, auto loans, or student loans, which often have high-interest rates and can target vulnerable individuals.
• Debt consolidation services: Avoid advertising services that consolidate debts or provide relief solutions.
• Investment opportunities: Refrain from promoting investment schemes, get-rich-quick programs, or opportunities that promise high returns with little risk.
• Credit repair services: Do not offer credit repair services that claim to improve credit scores or erase negative credit history.
• Debt collections: Avoid sending messages related to debt collections or attempts to collect outstanding debts.
• Tax relief programs: Do not advertise services that promise to reduce or eliminate tax obligations.
• Work-from-home programs: Refrain from promoting work-from-home programs that may be associated with scams or fraudulent activities.
   

Stock Tips

• Stock market tips: Avoid providing unsolicited stock market tips, investment advice, or insider trading information through SMS marketing.
• Investment advice: Refrain from sending messages that offer financial advice, stock recommendations, or market predictions.
   

Failure to comply can result in severe consequences, such as being added to a blocked list and losing the ability to engage in text messaging, which can harm marketing efforts and customer communication.

By avoiding prohibited content categories and adhering to regulations, businesses demonstrate their commitment to responsible messaging practices, protecting their brand reputation and fostering trust with recipients.

When it comes to messaging best practices for SMS marketing, here are some key guidelines to follow:
 

• Obtain proper consent: Ensure recipients have explicitly opted to receive your text messages. Maintain a record of consent for compliance purposes. Click here for more details.
• Provide clear opt-out instructions: Include instructions on how recipients can opt out of receiving future messages. Honor opt-out requests promptly and remove opted-out recipients from your messaging list.
• Be transparent about sender identity: Clearly identify your business or brand as the sender of the message. Avoid using ambiguous or misleading sender names.
• Monitor frequency and volume: Avoid bombarding recipients with excessive messages. Maintain an appropriate frequency and volume of messages to prevent annoyance and maintain engagement.
• Maintain data privacy and security: Safeguard customer data and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Use secure systems to handle and store customer information.
• Regularly review and update your practices: Stay informed about evolving regulations and guidelines related to SMS marketing. Regularly review and update your messaging practices to align with industry best practices and legal requirements.

By following these best practices, businesses can enhance the effectiveness of their SMS marketing campaigns, improve customer engagement, and maintain compliance with relevant regulations.