10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a new standard that helps keep SMS messaging trustworthy, reliable, and spam-free. We will guide you through the registration process step by step. Let’s dive in!

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What is 10DLC, and Why Should You Care?

10DLC is a system designed by U.S. mobile carriers and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging using 10-digit phone numbers (like 777-777-7777). It’s all about ensuring your texts reach your customers without getting blocked while protecting them from spam or unwanted messages.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Better Deliverability: Registered 10DLC numbers have higher messaging capacity and are less likely to be filtered or blocked by carriers.
  • Customer Trust: It ensures your messages come from a verified business, building trust with your audience.
  • Compliance: By registering, you avoid hefty carrier fees, message filtering, or even complete blocks on unregistered numbers.
  • Cost Savings: 10DLC is more affordable than shortcodes and supports SMS and voice capabilities.

In short, registering for 10DLC is necessary if your texts land smoothly in your customers’ inboxes.

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Who Needs to Register for 10DLC?

If your business uses Zuper Connect to send texts to your customers in the US, 10DLC registration applies to you. This includes:

  • Promotional texts (e.g., sales offers or discounts)
  • Transactional texts (e.g., appointment reminders or payment confirmations)
  • Customer support messages

Note: 10DLC rules don’t apply to short codes or toll-free numbers, only 10-digit long codes.

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What Happens if You Don’t Register?

Skipping registration is risky! Here’s what could happen:

  • Extra Fees: You’ll face pass-through surcharges from carriers (and these are increasing!).
  • Message Blocking: Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon may block unregistered messages.
  • Disrupted Communication: Your customer-facing texts could stop working, impacting your business.

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Step-by-Step Guide to 10DLC Registration

The registration process involves working with The Campaign Registry (TCR), the official authority that manages 10DLC campaigns. You’ll need to register your brand and campaign. Here’s how to do it, focusing on using Zuper Connect.

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Step 1: Gather Your Business Information

Before you start, collect these details:

  • Company Legal Name: The exact name registered with your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Use a third-party EIN lookup service to confirm if needed.
  • EIN: Your Federal Tax Identification Number.
  • DBA Name (if applicable): Your “Doing Business As” name, if different from the legal name.
  • Contact Information: Phone, email, and address so that TCR can reach you.
  • Website or Social Media: A valid online presence (HTTPS website or active social media like a Facebook Page or LinkedIn profile). Make sure it’s functional, secure, and represents your business.

Pro Tip: Avoid vague or incomplete info. TCR (The Campaign Registry) reviews your details, and inaccuracies can lead to rejection.

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Step 2: Update Your Website Policies

Your website needs a Terms and Conditions page and a Privacy Policy with specific language for 10DLC compliance. These must be separate, accessible links on your site. Here’s what to include:

Terms and Conditions

Add this paragraph:

Please note that, subject to end-user opt-in, [Your Company Name] will periodically send SMS payment links, receipts, and care-related notifications. Msg volume may vary. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Privacy Policy

Include this statement:

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with third parties.

If you already have these pages, update them with the above text. If not, create them.

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Step 3: Registration

Let us see the required and optional fields for 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) registration, essential for businesses in the U.S. to comply with messaging regulations for Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS campaigns.

1. Profile Information

a. Company Details

  • Profile Alias: A unique identifier for the company profile.
  • Legal Business Name: The registered name of the business.
  • Company Website: The official website URL of the business.
  • Country of Registration: The country where the business is legally registered.
  • Company Registration Number: A government-issued business identification number (e.g., EIN in the U.S.).
  • Company Industry: The industry sector in which the business operates (e.g., retail, healthcare).

b. Company Address

  • Street: The street address of the business headquarters.
  • City: The city where the business is located.
  • State: The state or region of the business address.
  • ZIP/Postal Code: The postal code for the business address.
  • Country: The country of the business address.

c. Contact Person

  • First Name: The first name of the primary contact person.
  • Last Name: The last name of the primary contact person.
  • Salutation: The preferred title ( Mr., Ms., Dr.).
  • Job Title: The contact person’s role in the company (e.g., Marketing Manager).
  • Email: A valid email address for communication.
  • Phone Number: A contact phone number, including country code.

2. 10DLC Brand Details

  • Brand Name: The name representing the business for messaging purposes.
  • Brand Type: The category of the brand, such as:
  • Standard Brand: For businesses with regular messaging volumes.
  • Low Volume Standard Brand: This is for businesses with lower messaging needs.

3. 10DLC Campaign Details

  • Campaign Name: A unique name for the SMS campaign.

  • Campaign Description: A brief explanation of the campaign’s purpose and content.

  • Campaign Type: The type of messaging (e.g., Promotional, Transactional, Conversational).

  • Message Flow (Opt-in process and consent): A detailed description of how users opt in and provide consent to receive messages.

  • Sample Message 1: An example of a typical message sent in the campaign.

  • Sample Message 2: A second example of a campaign message.

  • Help Message: The response sent when a user texts “HELP” for assistance.

  • Opt Out Message: The response sent when a user texts “STOP” to unsubscribe.

    Submit the above details via support@zuper.co for registration.

  • Business ID & Type: A unique business identifier (e.g., DUNS number) and its type.
  • Help/Opt-out/Opt-in Keywords: Custom keywords for user interaction (e.g., “HELP”, “STOP”, “START”).
  • Opt-in Message: A sample message sent to confirm user opt-in.

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Best Practices for a Smooth 10DLC Experience

To ensure your campaign gets approved and your messages reach customers, follow these tips:

  • Be Accurate: Double-check all info (EIN, website, campaign details) for consistency.
  • Avoid Prohibited Content: Don’t send messages about cannabis, hate speech, or other forbidden topics. Check TCR’s Messaging Policy for details.
  • Use Clear Opt-Outs: Every message should include “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” and “Text HELP for help.”
  • Monitor Campaign Status: Check your platform for approval updates or requests for more info from TCR.
  • Stay Updated: 10DLC rules evolve. Look for carrier updates or platform notifications.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Here are some mistakes that could delay or reject your registration:

  • Vague Campaign Descriptions: Be specific about your messaging use case.
  • Missing Policies: Ensure your website has updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy pages.
  • Inaccurate Info: Mismatched EIN or company names can lead to rejection.
  • No Online Presence: A non-functional website or unverified social media profile won’t pass TCR’s review.

What’s Next?

Once your brand and campaign are approved, you can send compliant 10DLC messages! Your platform, Zuper Connect, will handle most of the technical stuff, but keep these in mind:

  • Monitor Deliverability: Check if your texts are reaching customers.
  • Respect Opt-Outs: Honor STOP requests immediately to stay compliant.
  • Plan for Growth: If your messaging volume increases, you may need to adjust your campaign or request a higher throughput tier.

Need Help?

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry! Your messaging Zuper Connect platform likely has support resources:

  • Contact your platform’s support team for expert guidance via support@zuper.co

10DLC registration might seem like a hurdle, but it’s a game-changer for reliable, trustworthy texting. By following this guide, you’ll be set up for success with messages that reach your customers and comply with the latest standards.