Best practices for sending text messages

• Why compliance matters
• Key compliance tips
• Best practices for sending text messages
• How Textmagic can help

Sending text messages is a powerful way to engage with your customers. However, it’s important to balance effective communication with legal compliance and best practices to build trust and avoid issues.

Why compliance matters

Before you send any text messages, it’s essential to understand and follow the regulations that apply in your region. These laws protect consumers from spam and ensure responsible messaging.

• Legal protection: Regulations like the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and CAN-SPAM Act require you to get consent before messaging and to respect privacy.
• Builds trust: When you follow the rules, customers know you respect their privacy and preferences.
• Better delivery: Compliant messages are less likely to be blocked by carriers or marked as spam.

Key compliance tips

• Get consent: Only send messages to people who have explicitly opted in. Use compliant opt-in forms, checkboxes, or double opt-in processes.
• Include opt-out and help options: Add clear instructions like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” and “Reply HELP for help.”
• Use approved sender types: Use verified toll-free or approved 10DLC numbers where required to meet carrier requirements.
• Avoid misleading content: Keep your messaging honest, relevant, and free of spammy language.
• Respect quiet hours: Avoid sending messages too early or too late; check local laws for any time restrictions.
• Keep records: Save proof of consent, opt-in dates, and unsubscribe requests in case you need to show them later.
• Follow local regulations: Respect country-specific laws, especially for marketing and promotional texts.

Best practices for sending text messages

Beyond compliance, there are additional tips to make your messages more effective and customer-friendly:

• Keep it short and simple: SMS has character limits. Use clear, concise language. Avoid sending links.
• Personalize messages: Use the recipient’s name or other details to make the message more engaging.
• Be relevant and timely: Send messages that matter to your audience at the right time. Don’t overwhelm them with too many messages.
• Recommended frequency: Sending 4–8 messages per month is a good starting point. You can adjust based on how engaged your audience is and how often they want to hear from you.

How Textmagic can help

Textmagic provides free tools to help you stay compliant across regions, including opt-in forms, sample SMS Terms and Privacy Policy for 10DLC, and practical guidance on compliance, such as tips and support for Toll-free and 10DLC registration.

We also help you with:

• Automatic opt-out management: Numbers that reply with STOP will be automatically removed from your contact list, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Quiet hours: Schedule messages to avoid sending them at inappropriate times, keeping your outreach respectful and compliant.
• Personalized messages: Make each message more relevant to each recipient by using dynamic fields like first name, company name, or custom variables.