More in depth tips can be found in our Tips and Tricks article.

How to build a compliant campaign?

When building a campaign for one of your clients there are a number of requirements the DCA vetting need before they can approve a campaign. Here are the minimums to getting a campaign approved. For a more in-depth look please review the CTIA Guidelines.

How was consent gathered? Also known as Opt-In.
- There are multiple way to gather consent, see the Opt-In Types and Ways to Gather Consent & Call-to-Action Examples sections below.
Brand Privacy Policy or Data Protection Policy
- If the brand has a website, there needs to be a easily accessible Privacy Policy page.
- If the brand has no website, include the Data Protection or Privacy Policy as an attachment when building the campaign.
A proper Call To Action that details how the consent or opt-in occurred and how opt-out can occur.
Proper example messages.
- These example messages need to pertain to the use-case and business types.
- Setting a sample message that does not match the use-case and business vertical can cause rejections.

Opt-In Types

Express Written Consent:

This is the gold standard for opt-in consent, where the recipient explicitly agrees in writing to receive messages from an organization. This consent often includes digital forms, checked boxes on websites, or signed agreements. It should be clear, specific about the type of messages (promotional, informational, etc.), and documented for future reference.

Verbal Consent:

Consent obtained through verbal communication. While this can be a valid form of opt-in, it's important to have a system in place to document the consent, such as recording the call (with the caller's permission) or sending a follow-up confirmation via text or email.

Implicit Consent:

Sometimes referred to as "implied consent," this is based on the existing relationship between the organization and the individual. For instance, if a customer provides their phone number and requests service updates, it can be implied they consent to receive texts related to those services. However, implicit consent may not cover promotional messages.

Ways to Gather Consent & Call-to-Action Examples

Below you will find several example CTA's based on how the Consent was gathered. The italicized text would be the the text contained in TCR's "Call To Action/Message Flow" field. These are examples that contain the necessary minimums to getting a campaign approved.

Website Forms:

Include an opt-in checkbox (not pre-checked) on forms where users submit their phone numbers, clearly stating that they are agreeing to receive text messages.

On the Brand website > Contact Us Form: "Sign up for exclusive deals directly to your phone! Check the box below to receive our latest offers and updates via SMS. [ ] Yes, I want to receive text messages from [Brand Name]. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. Standard message rates apply."

Text-to-Join Campaigns:

Invite individuals to text a keyword to a number for subscribing. Follow up with a confirmation message to document consent.

On adverts the following is displayed or if a consumer does not send the correct OPT-IN keyword: "Get 10% off your next purchase! Text JOIN to [Short/Long Code] to subscribe to our VIP text alerts and claim your discount. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. Msg&Data rates may apply."

Point of Sale or Service Agreements:

When customers make a purchase or sign up for a service, include an opt-in clause for text communications in the agreement or receipt, making sure the customer acknowledges it.

While completing a purchase, the sales associate says: "Would you like to receive tracking updates and special offers through text? If you provide your mobile number, we'll keep you updated. You can reply STOP to opt out anytime. Standard message rates apply."

Voice Recorded Consent:

During phone calls, ask customers for their consent to send them text messages, clearly explaining the types of messages they will receive. Record the consent verbally and send a text confirmation.

During a customer service call: "Can we send you a quick text message for feedback on our service today? It's a great way for you to let us know how we're doing and for us to improve and you can text STOP to opt out anytime. Just say 'Yes' to consent, and you'll receive a message shortly."

QR Codes:

Use QR codes that link to a mobile landing page where users can opt into receiving text messages. This method is useful in physical locations or print materials.

Brand provides QR code on poster or flyer: "Scan this QR code with your phone to subscribe to our event alerts! Stay in the loop for schedule updates, exclusive content, and more, directly through text messages. You can text STOP to opt out anytime. Messaging rates may apply."

Email Confirmations:

If you have an existing email relationship with customers, you can send an email asking them to opt into text messages. Include a clear CTA and link to an opt-in form or instructions on how to text to opt in.

Brand sends an email: "Don't miss out on our email-exclusive offers! Click here [link to a consent form] to opt-in for SMS notifications too, and double the deals you receive. By signing up, you agree to receive text messages from [Brand Name]. You can text STOP to opt out anytime."

Email Signature:

Brand has the following email signature: "Want the latest updates right at your fingertips? Text 'SUBSCRIBE' to [Number] and be the first to know about our new releases and special offers. Text 'STOP' to unsubscribe at any time. Message and data rates may apply."

Each of these CTAs is designed to be clear and engaging, providing potential subscribers with all the necessary information about what they're signing up for and how to opt out if they choose to. The key is to make the value proposition compelling enough to motivate users to opt-in while ensuring compliance with messaging consent regulations.

Best Practices for Consent:

Clarity: Make it clear what the subscriber is signing up for, including the type of content (e.g., promotional, informational) and frequency.
Documentation: Keep records of consent, including date, time, and the method through which consent was obtained.
Easy Opt-Out: Provide a straightforward way for subscribers to opt out of receiving messages at any time.
Follow-Up Confirmation: After obtaining consent, send a confirmation message to reiterate their subscription and provide opt-out information again.