If you're in the thick of evaluating customer communication methods, you've likely felt the pinch of conventional messaging. Traditional numbers, while familiar, were designed with person-to-person (P2P) communication in mind, not the hustle and bustle of modern business communication. And then there are shared short codes – a breeding ground for scams and malware that were even banned by…, It’s efficient, compliant, and cost-effective., In this guide, we’ll cover what 10DLC is, what its benefits are, which businesses can benefit from it, and how to use it for your brand., What is 10DLC?, 10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code. It’s a specialized phone number type that U.S. mobile operators have given a green light for A2P messaging. It allows businesses to send text messages directly to their customers using a 10-digit business (landline) phone number that mirrors the familiar format of personal phone numbers. This method extends across the North American Numbering Plan (NANP),…, 10DLC allows brands to send text-based communications via SMS and MMS., With 10DLC, you can tailor your outreach to meet diverse customer preferences and needs, all while using a single, compliant, cost-effective business number. Additionally, because these are your business numbers, you most likely have voice enabled on them as well, making 10DLC your one-stop shop for voice, SMS, and MMS messaging. Whether announcing a new product, offering customer support, or…, 10DLC vs toll-free long codes and short codes, Understanding the differences between 10DLC, toll-free long codes, and SMS short codes can be tricky, but also important so you know your options inside out. 10DLC is tailored for business-to-consumer communication and offers a blend of the personalized touch of traditional phone numbers with the efficiency and compliance needed for mass messaging. 10DLC is a great solution for A2P messaging,…, 10DLC strikes a balance between personalization and mass communication, toll-free numbers prioritize customer service, while short code numbers cater to high-volume, broad-reach campaigns., Benefits of 10DLC messaging, 10DLC opens up valuable new opportunities to connect with customers. By following a few simple protocols, brands can now reach mobile users via SMS using a 10-digit phone number. Read on to learn how switching to 10DLC can increase engagement, improve message delivery rates, and help future-proof your SMS messaging strategy. , Higher SMS message volumes and throughput, Dispatch your messages swiftly and reach your audience exactly when it matters most with 10DLC messaging. Unlike traditional messaging systems that can bottleneck under heavy loads, 10DLC handles the high-volume demands of modern businesses, ensuring your communication is both timely and efficient. , This is great for businesses where message timing is critical., For example, e-commerce companies launching flash sales, event organizers sending real-time updates, or service providers offering timely customer support can all benefit from 10DLC. Sending large numbers of messages ensures your audience receives important information without delay, directly influencing customer satisfaction, experience, and revenue. Additionally, 10DLC messaging is ideal for…, Local area code, A message from a local number reduces the skepticism often associated with unknown or generic numbers, while also identifying recipients as being from their area. For example, a restaurant chain using 10DLC to send promotional SMS with updates can use local area codes for each location. This recognition boosts your message's open and engagement rates – it's like getting a letter from a neighbor…, Improved deliverability and reliability, Since 10DLC numbers are registered specifically for A2P traffic, U.S. carriers recognize them as legitimate sources of mass messaging. This 10DLC registration process reduces the chances of your messages being filtered out or rejected as spam. The benefit here is twofold: your messages reach their intended recipients more consistently and the delivery reliability also improves your brand's…, Regulatory compliance, Unlike person-to-person (P2P) long codes, which aren't designed for mass messaging and may violate regulations, 10DLC numbers are ideal for A2P messaging. This means they're pre-approved for the type of mass communication efforts businesses undertake to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations from the start. How does this help you? First,, it reduces the legal and operational risks, associated with non-compliance, such as fines or messaging service interruptions. Secondly,, it streamlines setting up and launching messaging campaigns, , saving valuable time and resources. For example, a health clinic using 10DLC for appointment reminders and health tips can do so knowing their communications align with telecommunications standards, avoiding penalties and ensuring their messages reach their patients without issue. Regulatory compliance of 10DLC messaging offers peace of mind and operational efficiency. Mobile carriers,…, Cost-effective with added flexibility, With 10DLC, you're not juggling multiple numbers or platforms – one number supports SMS, MMS messages , and voice communications. This unified approach simplifies your messaging infrastructure and reduces costs for managing separate channels for different communications. For starters, it provides a more cohesive communication strategy where you can tailor and adapt messages without needing…, Supports a great customer experience, 10DLC messaging improves customer experience and allows you to build long-term relationships with your audience. High deliverability rates ensure your messages reach your customers without getting lost or falling victim to spam filtering. Plus, a local business number adds a personal touch and makes your communications feel more friendly and less intrusive. These elements combined create a…, Who should use 10DLC?, A2P 10DLC is excellent for a wide range of businesses that need to send alerts, reminders, OTPs, or promotional content. It's especially critical for you if you rely heavily on notifications to keep your audience engaged and informed. Here are some businesses that should use 10DLC. , Retailers, Retailers can use 10DLC to build more personalized and responsive customer relationships. It enables a direct and effective way to reach customers to improve engagement and sales. Here are some retail use cases for 10DLC: , Send targeted promotions and discounts, directly to customers and encourage immediate action. , Automatically confirm orders, to provide customers with peace of mind immediately after purchase. , Keep customers informed, with real-time updates on the status of their deliveries. , Gather valuable feedback, by sending surveys post-purchase or post-interaction. , Alert customers, to in-store events, sales, or VIP shopping sales. , Share updates, about loyalty points, rewards, and exclusive offers to engage and retain customers. , Provide OTPs, to consumers trying to log into their accounts. , Enterprises that need cost-effective messaging, Enterprises constantly seek efficient, cost-effective ways to communicate with their audience, and 10DLC offers just that, bringing the perfect blend of affordability, scalability, and reliability. Enterprise use cases for 10DLC can include: , Share company news, , policy updates, or important alerts to employees and stakeholders. , Send event reminders, or internal survey links to boost employee involvement. , Alert customers and partners, about new product releases or updates. , Provide timely notifications, during critical situations to ensure safety and continuity. , Integrate with CRM systems, for automated customer communications like appointment reminders or service feedback requests. , Businesses focused on compliance, If you operate in an industry that prioritizes compliance like healthcare, finance, and education, you’ll find 10DLC a critical asset. It aids compliance, offering peace of mind and reducing the risk of penalties. Types of businesses in this category include: , Nonprofits, can engage with donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries about fundraising events, program updates, and emergency assistance efforts to ensure messages are respectful and comply with solicitation laws. , Healthcare providers, can send appointment reminders, patient care follow-ups, and public health notifications, all while adhering to HIPAA regulations. , Financial institutions, can deliver OTPs, account alerts, fraud warnings, and transaction confirmations to ensure compliance with financial communication regulations. , Educational institutions, can communicate with students and parents about emergencies, school events, and academic reminders in a manner that respects privacy laws. , Government agencies, can issue public safety announcements, community alerts, and citizen engagement messages that follow government communication standards. For businesses and organizations in these sectors, 10DLC provides a framework that respects the stringent regulatory requirements inherent to these industries., Best practices for 10DLC campaigns, Now that you know the basics of 10DLC, let's discuss some best practices for running effective campaigns. Applying these tips will help you create relevant messaging, drive engagement, and get the most out of the 10DLC platform. , Create descriptive names for your campaigns, to help recipients understand the context immediately, enhancing engagement. Choose names that reflect the campaign's intent and content, making it easier for users to recognize and trust your messages. , Include compliance information in every message, such as including your brand name, and instructions for "help" and "stop" to opt-out. Brand recognition, transparency and opt-out instructions satisfy regulatory requirements and build trust with your audience. , Provide a clear description of your campaign, because a well-articulated campaign purpose removes ambiguity and sets the right expectations. For example, if your campaign concerns customer feedback, specify this to avoid confusion. , Ensure all submitted information is accurate, as your company name, tax ID, and address must all match your official records. Accuracy is key to avoid delays or rejections in campaign approval. , Avoid public URL shorteners, since U.S. carriers often block messages containing links from programs like bit.ly or tiny.url, which are often fraudulent. Instead, use branded/private paid-for short links to maintain message integrity and deliverability. , Control the messaging throughput level, to maintain quality and avoid carrier penalties. It’s better to handle this internally than rely on your connectivity partner to manage it. Six best practices for 10DLC campaigns to maximize impact., Get started with 10DLC, Getting started with 10DLC is a simple two-step process: registering your brand and campaign information. One brand can have multiple campaigns, and each customer can have multiple brands. As you’ll see, choosing the right SMS provider can make all the difference when navigating the nuances of 10DLC. , Step 1: Register your brand , To send 10DLC campaigns, brands must register with The Campaign Registry (TCR): If you’re not a Content Service Provider (CSP), Sinch can manage all your registration needs. Get in contact with our team, and then we'll ask you for your company name, tax ID, and contact details so we can take care of the rest. Or, if you're a CSP, visit TCR and select "Register Now". Then, as you set up your…, Step 2: Register your campaign, Once your brand has been verified, and hopefully vetted, register your messaging campaigns through with these steps: If you’re a Sinch customer, log in to the Customer Dashboard and enter in your campaign information from the left side menu under “SMS.” If you’re a CSP, log into the TCR portal, select "Register Campaign" and choose Sinch as your connectivity partner. You can have multiple…, Step 3: Purchase or port your 10DLC numbers, The next steps involve getting 10DLC numbers for your campaigns and having them text enabled. At Sinch, we can assist with both. Throughput is set at the number/campaign level (AT&T) or brand level (T-Mobile). If porting an existing number, you must provide Letters of Authority. Prior to 10DLC you may have used many numbers to send your messages and stay below throughput thresholds. With…, Step 4: Submission, If you’ve registered your 10DLC campaigns with Sinch and tied your numbers to the campaigns, you’re all set to go. Start messaging! If you’re a CSP, and have registered your brand and campaign in TCR, and selected Sinch as your DCA we’ll take it from there. We’ll do all the back-end work and once your campaign has been reviewed and approved, you’ll be all set to go., Contact a 10DLC expert, Contact our team of experts at Sinch to begin the approval process and improve your business text messaging experience. With our guidance, you can get set up on 10DLC quickly and maximize customer engagement with impactful messaging.
Type: Blog Article
In recent years, Artificial Inflation of Traffic (AIT) has cast a shadow over the messaging ecosystem, leaving brands grappling with inflated costs and diminished trust. AIT is a type of SMS fraud that generates high volumes of fake Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS traffic through mobile applications or websites. It distorts metrics and misleads everyone involved, from operators, to SMS service…, Key findings about the current state of AIT from Mobilesquared, Let’s dive into four key findings from the report about how AIT is changing the way brands use messaging. , Finding 1: International termination rates (ITR) are on the rise, Over the last two years, international termination rates (ITR) have doubled. For clarity, ITR refers to the fee paid by one telecommunications carrier to another for terminating international calls on its network – essentially, it’s the charge incurred when a call originates in one country and terminates in another. The report found how much mobile operators have substantially increased their…, Finding 2: OTPs are in high demand, creating a perfect avenue for AIT, SMS is a perfect channel for sending OTPs because consumers expect to receive these messages within seconds. SMS offers a level of reliability for sending OTPs that’s unmatched by any other communication channel because of its reach and immediacy. According to the report,, OTPs now constitute approximately 89% of total international traffic, . Given that OTPs are primarily sent via international routes, brands must pay existing ITRs to ensure delivery. When it comes to trends that define AIT, Lee Suker, Head of Authentication and Number Information at Sinch, says it best . “It can take just one bad actor to disrupt parts of the mobile ecosystem and generate fake SMS OTP traffic. And the longer the chain of trust, the more…, Finding 3: AIT is everywhere, The increase in ITRs and the number of brands that are sending OTPs via international traffic has created a “perfect storm” scenario for AIT. And it’s cause for significant concern. According to the report, over the last 24 months, AIT has emerged as the foremost threat to the monetization of A2P SMS, more so than even grey routes . Here are a few more of their findings: Between, 19.8 billion and 35.7 billion, fraudulent AIT messages were sent in 2023 alone, constituting a significant chunk of total international traffic – nearly 5%. AIT cost brands a staggering, $1.15 billion in 2023, alone, illustrating its substantial financial ramifications. Furthermore, brands have been compelled to escalate spending on international traffic over the last couple of years, with expenditures ranging from, 10% to 40% above the expected market growth rate, . This spending is highlighting the need to address the threat of AIT to secure the messaging ecosystem. , Finding 4: AIT has hit its peak, The report presents that, AIT had its peak in 2023, , having a projected cost of $655.6 million in 2024. The cumulative impact of AIT from 2022-2024 is estimated to be around $2.4 billion. At the same time, brands are exploring other channels, like WhatsApp, in-app push notifications, and email. This may have to do with higher termination rates and the conversational nature of these channels. But when it comes to SMS, the report details, brands…, SMS remains in their long-term plans, . Here’s how brands are being strategic to navigate the evolving landscape of SMS while also combatting AIT., What leading businesses are doing to combat AIT, While the report paints a growing picture of the impact of AIT on brands, big enterprises are stepping up to tackle AIT head-on. Understanding the critical importance of SMS, these brands implemented anti-bot protection and partnered with Sinch to proactively monitor conversions using both manual and automated methods. , How a global e-commerce business combats AIT, One global e-commerce company offers a compelling example of combatting AIT. They partnered with Sinch and started with manual detection methods, blocking suspicious traffic from going to specific destinations or based on volumetric alerts. Eventually, they transitioned to an automated AIT detection and prevention system which analyzes traffic patterns and identifies statistically unlikely…, blocked 9.2 million AIT SMS messages, saving approximately $806,000., Building on this success, they estimate savings of around $5 million from January to October 2023. This case shows how being proactive can really make a dent in the financial impact of AIT. Over the course of 18 months, a large global e-commerce company used defined control measures that allowed them to identify and block AIT. , Example of a last-mile delivery company combatting AIT, Noticing severely inflated traffic and low conversion rates with their previous CPaaS provider, a popular last-mile delivery company found itself at a crossroads. They decided to transition from their previous provider to Sinch, aiming to address the signs of AIT they saw head-on. They configured automated blocking rules designed to limit abnormal traffic behavior for all types of numbers and…, 2.7 times more traffic than their actual volume, due to AIT. And by migrating to Sinch Verification with automatic blocking rules, they achieved a remarkable, 70% reduction, in the number of SMS verification attempts globally., Making a cleaner A2P SMS ecosystem for everyone, Combatting AIT is a shared responsibility of the messaging ecosystem, from brands, to aggregators, and mobile operators. Our experience has shown the most successful businesses effectively combat AIT by partnering with a provider that has robust detection and mitigation strategies in place, like: , Automated AIT detection:, The provider should have automated mechanisms that monitor conversion rates and trigger an alert when conversion percentages drop below expected norms. , A process in place on how to handle detected AIT:, They should have a clear, standardized process for handling detected AIT instances. This includes protocols for investigation, escalation, and resolution. , A plan to block identified AIT based on country tier:, They should have a structured plan to block AIT on destination network level and MSISDN range level. At Sinch, we prioritize combatting AIT and have implemented comprehensive measures to address this challenge. Our approach includes: , Having a zero-tolerance approach to AIT:, This means that any instance of AIT is swiftly identified and dealt with. , Partner agreements:, We uplift partner agreements to address AIT. , Routing strategy to exclude fraudsters:, Our routing strategy is designed to exclude fraudsters to keep our network as clean as possible. , Proactive traffic monitoring:, We proactively monitor traffic to identify abnormal usage patterns and inform clients if we detect it. , Over 600 direct carrier connections:, With over 600 direct carrier connections to operators, we maintain a clean ecosystem and minimize opportunities for third parties to benefit from fake traffic. Join us in the fight against AIT. Learn more about our approach to SMS fraud and how we’re helping to safeguard the integrity of the messaging ecosystem.
Type: Blog Article
When you’re spending millions on your digital marketing campaigns, you need to ensure that you’re getting a decent return on every service you invest in. And if there’s one area where most enterprises struggle, it’s getting people to actually engage with your key marketing assets., WhatsApp click-to-chat is emerging as a high-ROI channel for enterprises leveraging conversational marketing., When you bring a discussion to the world’s most popular messaging chat app, you can massively increase one-on-one engagement, which means more sales and leads. Let’s take a close look at WhatsApp click-to-chat and how your enterprise can make the most of this tool in future marketing strategies., What is WhatsApp click-to-chat?, The premise of WhatsApp click-to-chat is simple: click a chat link, open a WhatsApp chat . It’s just like a traditional lead capture form but condensed into one single click. All you have to do is leave a link or a WhatsApp button on your website, email, social media, or anywhere else, and a business chat will open in the Android/iPhone app or in WhatsApp web. A pre-filled message template…, What are ads that click to WhatsApp?, Click-to-WhatsApp ads have a similar premise, except you’re able to use WhatsApp click-to-chat in your Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns. With this feature, you can add a call-to-action to your ads that instantly connects users to your brand’s official WhatsApp Business account. Rather than sending them to a landing page, a WhatsApp chat opens and interested users are able to voice…, What are the benefits of WhatsApp click-to-chat?, When you’re running a large business and juggling leads, you can’t waste time and money on solutions that don’t work. So what makes WhatsApp click-to-chat worth your attention?, Global reach, : With over two billion monthly active users around the world, you can benefit from nearly unlimited campaign extensibility. , High engagement, : People are more open to having a conversation when you approach them on a platform they’re familiar with. WhatsApp has average open rates of over 98% – if you have a good enough pitch, you’ll get bites. , User-initiated conversations, : You’re not just here to blindly advertise, but to have a genuine conversation. WhatsApp’s free entry point conversations incentivize 72-hour chats between brands and consumers. , Lower cost-per-acquisition (CPA), : Thanks to facilitating direct user engagement, WhatsApp click-to-chat links eliminate the need for intermediaries. Engagement, conversion, and marketing happens entirely within WhatsApp. , Convenience, : To convert customers, make the process for them to reach out to you as easy as possible. For example, WhatsApp allows users to easily add your business to their contact list without needing to hunt down your phone number. , Better customer experience, : Offering your customers a comfortable and streamlined experience is a great way to convert, and it allows them to get in contact any time. , Use cases for WhatsApp’s click-to-chat feature, Other enterprises are already successfully leveraging WhatsApp click-to-chat in their own marketing channels . Here are just a few of the many use cases: , Targeting and retargeting ads, Meta’s Ads Manager allows you to pick from six campaign objectives for your click-to-WhatsApp ads, including engagement, conversions, or sales, and push your ad to relevant audiences by age, location, gender, or lookalike audiences. Retargeting strategies also hook in users who slipped out of the funnel. By personally re-engaging these users through WhatsApp chat, you may just be able to make the…, Lead generation, Fostering a one-on-one connection allows you to personally guide potential customers down the sales funnel. Many enterprises are ditching traditional, impersonal landing pages in favor of starting a conversation. WhatsApp’s one-click chat and the right business template instantly gets users talking. Click-to-WhatsApp ads, in particular, benefit from this efficiency, dropping potential leads right…, Online advertisements, Integrating WhatsApp click-to-chat into your Facebook and Instagram ads facilities seamless communication via WhatsApp Business messaging . The interactive nature of this, along with the direct communication line, can lead to more ad clicks, engagement, and higher-quality leads. , Customer support and service, Advertising isn’t the only area in which WhatsApp click-to-chat excels. You can also use it as a live customer support and FAQ tool, offering assistance to anyone, anywhere and anytime of the day. Support agents can send photos or videos to assist with troubleshooting, or even voice chat and screen share with people who need extra help. And when you have a large volume of support requests,…, Appointment scheduling and booking, Scheduling appointments and bookings can be a logistical nightmare for large businesses. WhatsApp’s click-to-chat solution integrates with WhatsApp Flows and allows you to smoothly handle any volume of incoming appointments. , Order placement and tracking, The click-to-chat functionality can also be used to place product orders, track existing order status, and answer user inquiries about your products. Along with selling products, you also offer a better customer experience and foster long-term brand loyalty. , Feedback and surveys, Gathering meaningful feedback from users can be tough. People are more willing to answer a few extra questions while actively engaged in conversation and will likely be receptive to follow-up feedback requests down the line., Best practices for click-to-WhatsApp ads, If you’re going to use click-to-WhatsApp ads, you want to make sure you do it right. Keep these best practices in mind as you design your ad campaign. , Get opt-in, WhatsApp chats are a great conversation starter, but make sure you get permission before you take the discussion further. Follow these opt-in guidelines if you want to keep messaging after 72 hours:, State your request clearly, : State your business name and ask for permission to continue the conversation. , Explain what you’ll send, : Outline what messages the user can expect to receive, from order updates to product recommendations. If you want to send different categories of messages, obtain another explicit opt-in. , Let people opt out, : Give clear instructions on how users can opt out, and if someone asks you to stop, discontinue right away. , Offer incentives, : Provide discounts or other rewards if users agree to receive WhatsApp messages and notifications. , Integrate a chatbot, When you have thousands of potential leads and far fewer support agents, offloading the simple queries and letting them handle the difficult problems can be very valuable. AI chatbots are capable of answering even moderately complex questions and product inquiries. Give users the option to speak to a human, but don’t overlook the value of a 24/7 chatbot plugin. , Follow through on your ad’s promise , If you want to make users happy, then don’t beat around the bush. Whatever you promised in your ad, be it a discount code, freebie, or answers to their questions, give it to them ASAP. This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many brands don’t fulfill their promises and wonder why their customers have lost interest. Once you’ve followed through, you can start a conversation and…, Upsell and cross-sell with product recommendations, WhatsApp is a conversational platform by nature, and slipping relevant products into the conversation is easier than you may think. When engaged directly, customers are more willing to entertain your recommendations. Chatbots are also capable of helping you with upselling and cross-selling, since they can reference your entire product catalog. When you’re making thousands of sales a day, offering…, Get started with WhatsApp click-to-chat, If you’re ready to launch your WhatsApp marketing campaign, start by connecting your WhatsApp Business account to an existing Facebook Business Page. You’ll then unlock the full assortment of WhatsApp Business features. But for enterprises handling thousands or millions of requests a day, the free mobile app won’t do the job. The WhatsApp Business API is much more powerful, streamlining and…
Type: Blog Article