SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways to communicate with customers. Reselling this software lets you control the information you share with your clientele. Manage your invoices, customer lists, and marketing activities on one dashboard. Upload your logo to find multimedia graphics on every message you send.
The SMS reselling process is incredibly secure when using 256-bit encryption technologies. Your customers will receive the texts in seconds, and you can entice their attention with bold graphics and fun text. Despite the benefits of SMS marketing, you must follow some legal guidelines.
1. Provide Every Detail
Customers have every right to know the details of the marketing program you provide as an
SMS reseller. Provide information about your company’s name and the types of data they will receive from your messages. Include a notice about text messaging rates that could come from your marketing tactics. Every person deserves to read the privacy policy to know their information will stay secure. The terms and conditions describe how you intend to use your clients’ data. Finally, you must show how customers can opt out of the SMS messages.
2. Confirm a Customer’s Choice to Opt-In or Opt-Out
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, requires you to confirm a customer’s choice to opt-in to your marketing program. Send a disclosure message when someone signs up for your text messages. Again, repeat the details that come with the SMS program. Define the rates and explain how someone can opt out of the text messages. Make this step easy to understand. You could type “Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe” or another similar message. Confirm when a customer’s choice to leave the SMS messaging program is final.
3. Stop Texting Customers Who Opt-Out
As mentioned, customers can opt out of your SMS messaging program anytime. They do not have to receive your advertisements and other business-related details. Customers who opt out of text messages become a part of the National Do Not Call Registry. Believe it or not, this list is not only for phone services. You could face fines or fees if you continue to text someone who opted out of your services. It is illegal and a breach of contract to continue down this path.
4. Keep Aware of Banned Words and Topics
The Cellular Telephone Industries Association, also known as the CTIA, has a set of rules called SHAFT prohibiting specific language in business-related messages. You cannot promote content about sex, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, or hate. You can promote deals and specials offered at an alcohol-related, gun, or tobacco shop.
Remember that your customers must be older than the legal age range in your state or country to send this promotional information. The CTIA could ban you from sending marketing messages when breaking these rules. You could also face lawsuits from potential clients and customers.
5. Follow Timing Guidelines
Finally, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act requires contacting your customers during specific hours. You cannot text or call subscribers too late or too early. Do not send your SMS promotions before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. You could face fees and fines if you continually text your customers outside business hours. Eventually, your business may lose the right to use SMS marketing techniques.
Follow Legal Guidelines When SMS Reselling
SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways to promote your business to your customers. Ensure that each individual can opt in or out as they please. Do not continue hassling someone who no longer wants to receive your messages. If someone does opt-in, only send your messages between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to ensure you do not bother them too early or late. Check out the list of banned topics to prevent you from losing your right to text your customers.
Finally, always include your business name and privacy policy when someone first signs up for your SMS marketing program. Following these legal guidelines will ensure you get the best results from your business’s advertising plan. Breaking the rules in the article results in fees, fines, and other penalties.
