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QUICK GUIDE
U.S. A2P business text messaging checklist
You’ll Learn:
- Self-regulation for A2P messaging to help you avoid being seen as a message spammer
- What kind of A2P messaging technology is right for your business
Spam messaging has become an increasingly scrutinized practice.
Why not get ahead of the A2P messaging curve and make sure you are following text messaging best practices?
Sending A2P messages in the United States doesn’t have to be scary or difficult, but it’s up to the messaging ecosystem, and businesses like yours, to protect it from unwanted traffic.
The voluntary guidelines that have been put in place by the CTIA, the group focused on creating guidelines for the industry, are there to help avoid SMS and MMS messaging channels being inundated by spam in the same way email has. Utilize this simple checklist to determine if you’re sending A2P messages and how best to gain consent, so you can be on your way to texting with confidence.
Are you text messaging on behalf of a business, non-profit, or political or education services?
No? This checklist probably isn’t for you. But if you’re nodding your head, congrats, you qualify for A2P (business text messaging)! Scroll on…
The A2P checklist
There are three main options when deciding how to get your message to users: short codes, toll-free, and local A2P. You can learn more about how to pick the right number for your use case here.
This kind of messaging is initiated by the end user, and feels more like a person-to-person conversation. If yes:
- Did the user initiate the conversation? Great! No other opt-in needed?
- Do you intend to continue texting them outside of the context of this initiated conversation? Don’t! The implied consent from the user only applies to the conversation initiated by them.
Informational text messaging includes account notifications, appointment reminders, etc., and requires express consent. If yes:
- Has the user given express consent via one of the following opt-in methods?
- Text message confirmation
- Verbal consent
- Consenting via form, either written or digitally
Any text that is promoting or marketing a business in any way is considered promotional messaging and this type of messaging has the most stringent opt-in requirements. If yes:
- Has the user given express written consent via one of the following opt-in methods and the consent must be tracked and managed?
- Manually checking a box on a web consent form
- Manually checking a box on a written, signed consent form
- Manually checking a clearly worded consent box on any other type of web form
Carrier relations can be complicated, so find a partner who will help you make sure your text messages are wanted traffic with proper opt-in practices.
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