10DLC Registration vs. Non-Registered Messaging: A Comparison
01 May 2024
Dhimant Vyas
SMS marketing is an effective and game-changing marketing strategy for businesses. This is because SMS text messaging lets businesses do a personal and direct line of communication with their consumers. And with the introduction of 10DLC registration, text messaging has become the norm for businesses.
Gone are the days when SMS was used only to message friends and family. These days, the scenario has completely changed. Today, SMS messaging is considered an influential marketing tool for businesses.
Why?
Read on to get its answer.
Emails and other social media messages can be easily ignored or forgotten by the consumer, but there is little to no chance of SMS being ignored or forgotten. The reason is that the consumer has opted-in to receive messages from the specific business, which means they are interested in hearing from the business and likely to read and respond to the SMS.
However, you need to understand here that there is a difference between 10DLC registration and non-registered messaging traffic. This blog will discuss the head-to-head comparison of 10DLC registration vs. non-registered messaging.
So let’s get started.
First, let’s understand what 10DLC registration is.
What is 10DLC registration?
10DLC stands for a ten-digit long code, or in simple terms, you can say a phone number with ten digits. For US-based businesses/entities, it is a vital component of text message marketing through which they can send large quantities of SMS using the local phone number. They don’t have to use their personal mobile number for it.
10DLC is the requirement issued by the CTIA. All wireless carriers must follow it so consumers do not get spam messages. Businesses need to send text messages only using their 10DLC registered numbers. It ensures that the messages that consumers receive are from legitimate businesses. The main aim of it is to protect customers from receiving spam messages.
Therefore, 10DLC registration is perfect for sending promotional and transactional text messages. It is a cost-effective solution that offers the utmost personalization.
What is 10DLC registration vs. non-registered traffic?
In 10DLC registered traffic, text messages are sent to the consumers who agreed to receive and opted-in for them. On the flip side, the non-registered traffic is text messages that are sent to consumers without their permission. Or we can say consumers have not opted in for your service.
Head-to-head comparison: 10DLC registered business vs. non-registered business
1) Deliverability
When the business is registered with 10DLC, there is a low chance that the 10DLC SMS campaign’s text message will be marked as spam or blocked. On the other hand, when the business is not registered with 10DLC, there is a high chance of facing delivery issues. This is because the carriers will count it as an unverified source, which can affect its message delivery rates.
2) Message Priority
The carriers often give high priority while routing the messages when the number is 10DLC registered. So, text messages will easily reach the targeted customers faster and reliably than unregistered businesses. When it comes to non-registered numbers, there is a higher chance of messages being marked as spam.
3) Trust
The recipients will not trust messages from unregistered businesses, which can lead to lower engagement and open rates. So, it can bring a negative consumer experience for the brand. On the other hand, there is a high chance of messages being opened that are sent by 10DLC registered numbers. So it can increase the open and engagement rates. Therefore, the brand can build a strong relationship with consumers.
4) Limitations
There are some carriers that put restrictions and limitations on the message volume an unregistered business can send. On the other hand, 10DLC registered numbers can send a high volume of messages.
5) Account Suspension
Carriers can suspend or terminate the account if the business constantly uses unregistered traffic to send text messages. The reason behind it is that it violates their terms and conditions.
6) Business Reputation
When a business sends messages from the registered source, the consumers are less likely to block or ignore your message as they have opted in to receive the message. It will automatically increase your brand reputation. However, when the business sends an SMS from an unregistered source, there is a high chance that recipients will count it as spam or untrustworthy.
How Can You Achieve 10DLC Compliance For Your Business?
Achieving 10DLC compliance seems challenging because of continuously changing telecom industry regulations. However, it is not that complex. All you need to do is follow the systematic process. Following the step-by-step process can help you achieve 10DLC compliance easily.
Let’s check out which steps you need to follow for it.
1) Register Your Business With TCR (The Campaign Registry)
It is the first and most important step to achieve 10DLC compliance. Register your company/business with TCR. TCR manages the entire process of campaign registration. In this process, you need to provide your company details, and in return, you will get a unique Brand ID.
2) Do Campaign Registry
Once you have registered your company, it’s time to register your SMS campaign with TCR. You need to do this for each campaign. It incorporates providing information regarding the content, target audience, and purpose of your text messaging campaign. Based on it, your campaign will get a trust score from 3rd party auditors WMC Global or Aegis. This trust score can truly impact your messaging throughput. So, follow the entire process properly for the campaign registry.
3) Get The 10DLC Number.
You can get the 10DLC number from the Textdrip provider. We can help you in obtaining a 10DLC number for your messaging campaigns.
4) Configure 10DLC Number
Now that you have the 10DLC number, it is time to configure it to work perfectly with your Textdrip messaging platform.
5) Analyze Campaign Performance
If you want to get the desired result and maintain the 10DLC compliance, continuously monitor the campaign’s performance from the “My Phone Number” section under “My Profile” in Textdrip. In addition to this, monitor carrier feedback and deliverability rates. These metrics can assist you in identifying any compliance issues.
6) Properly Maintain All Documentation And Records
You need to maintain a record of all the documents and information related to the messaging campaigns. It incorporates campaign details, performance metrics, registration information, and optin information of those to whom you are contacting.
Is unregistered traffic the right choice for your business?
The simple answer to this question is a BIG NO. Unregistered traffic is more expensive by 3 to 5 times than the cost of registered SMS messaging so we don’t recommend it. Also, when customers get messages from unregistered traffic, they don’t consider your brand trustworthy.
Therefore, we highly recommend you use 10DLC registered traffic to send transactional or non-promotional consumer service-related messages. So, it will automatically improve your brand’s reputation.
Examples Of 10DLC Registered Messages
1) Consented Text Message
[Business/Brand Name]: Hey [consumer name]! Thank you for opt-in to our SMS service. Get ready to receive exciting news and exclusive offers. Reply ‘Y’ to confirm your subscription and ‘N’ to opt out. For help, you can reply with ‘Help’. Check our SMS terms here: [“link”].
2) Out-out Confirmation Message
[Business/Brand Name]: You have successfully opted out and will no longer receive any updates/messages. Reply ‘JOIN’ to rejoin.
Concluding Remarks
In summary, 10DLC compliance offers businesses a cost-effective, reliable, safe and sound way to communicate with consumers while ensuring the consumer’s privacy. When you use 10DLC registration for your business SMS messaging, Textdrip can help you navigate the complicated DLC registration ecosystem. We are skilled and seasoned and have industry connections, so your numbers can easily be registered and approved. And you can easily reach out to thousands of consumers in no time. So what are you waiting for? Without giving it a second thought, sign up.
You can even book a free demo and check why businesses choose Textdrip for their 10DLC registered campaigns and how we help you maximize your SMS marketing efforts.
FAQ's
| Is 10DLC different from shortcodes? |
Yes, 10DLC is different from shortcodes. Shorts codes are shorter and dedicated numbers. However, 10DLC make use of local 10-digit phone numbers for messaging.
| What type of messages can you send through 10DLC? |
10DLC is A2P – Application-to-person, and can send Information, Transactional, And Marketing messages.
| Do I need to get permission for 10DLC campaigns? |
Yes, it is mandatory to get approval from carriers for 10DLC campaigns. However, remember that each use case requires specific approval.
| Are there any content guidelines for 10DLC messaging? |
Yes, you need to follow the content guidelines of a specific carrier while sending 10DLC messaging. There are certain types of content which are restricted.
| How long does it take for the 10DLC campaign to get approval? |
Generally, approval time varies according to specific use cases. However, typically it takes 1 to 3 days.
| Can I use 10DLC for the marketing campaign? |
Yes. You can use 10DLC for the marketing campaign. However, you need to get approval and follow carrier guidelines, including optin confirmation from those you plan to be messaging.
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