Guide to 10DLC Registration: Boost Your Messaging Capabilities
With the increased regulations around SMS messaging, businesses are required to register for 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) to maintain high deliverability and avoid hefty fines. However, the vetting process evaluates your business’s credibility, which directly affects your messaging limits and throughput. Here’s everything you need to know about registering for 10DLC and steps to improve your score before you start.
1. What is 10DLC and Why Does Your Business Need It?
10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, a sanctioned messaging channel specifically designed for businesses to send application-to-person (A2P) messages via local phone numbers. It is crucial for compliance with carrier regulations and to ensure that your messages are delivered without delays or blockages.
2. The Importance of Your Vetting Score and Initial Limits
Upon registering for 10DLC, it’s important to understand that you won’t be able to sign up and immediately send thousands of messages per day. Most businesses start with conservative limits based on their vetting score:
- Initial Limits: Typically, new registrants are allowed to send up to 2,000 messages per day to carriers like T-Mobile, with hourly limits such as 200 messages per hour to AT&T. Verizon and other carriers may have less restrictive limits, but high throughput is not guaranteed without a strong score.
- Score-Based Limitations: Your score, which ranges from 0 to 100, directly impacts your messaging capabilities. Lower scores restrict your daily and hourly message quotas, while higher scores unlock greater throughput.
3. How the Vetting Process Works
The vetting process assesses your business’s legitimacy and credibility. This evaluation, conducted by The Campaign Registry or similar entities, is designed to prevent spam and ensure that only reputable businesses are allowed to send high volumes of messages. Here’s a brief overview of the vetting process:
- Information Submission: You’ll be required to submit details such as your business name, EIN, website URL, and information on your business’s operational history.
- Scoring Criteria: The score is determined based on factors like business history, online presence, consistency in communication, and transparency of public records.
- Initial Vetting: The standard vetting process is typically quick but may result in lower initial scores for newer or less established businesses. Enhanced vetting options are available for those seeking higher messaging limits but take longer to process (2-3 months).
4. Factors That Influence Your 10DLC Vetting Score
Before starting your registration, it’s crucial to understand the key elements that affect your score:
- Business History: Longer operational histories score higher. Newly established businesses may need to take extra steps to establish credibility.
- Online Presence: Your website, domain, and an active online footprint are critical. An up-to-date and professional website with visible policies builds trust.
- Consistent Branding: All email communications should use addresses that match your domain. Free email addresses (e.g., Gmail) can negatively impact your score.
- Public Records: Your business’s status on public government websites should be clear and verifiable.
- DUNS Number: A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number boosts credibility by providing a globally recognized business identifier.
5. Steps to Take Before Registering for 10DLC
To ensure a higher vetting score and maximize your messaging capabilities, take the following actions before registering:
A. Strengthen Your Online Presence
- Update Your Website: Ensure your site is professional, secure (SSL certificate), and includes all necessary policies like privacy and terms of service.
- Consistent NAP Information: Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across all platforms, including directories and social media.
- Professional Email Use: Avoid free email domains and ensure all business communications use domain-matching emails.
B. Obtain a DUNS Number
- Why You Need It: A DUNS number acts as a verification tool for your business and is essential for building a solid business credit profile.
- How to Get It: Register through Dun & Bradstreet; the process is usually straightforward but can take some time, so plan accordingly.
C. Build an Active Social Media Presence
- Engage Regularly: An active presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms reflects positively in the vetting process.
- Professional Appearance: Use professional graphics, logos, and consistent messaging to establish your brand.
D. Register Your Business with Reputable Directories
- Google My Business: This is one of the most influential platforms. Ensure your profile is fully optimized.
- Industry-Specific Directories: Register with any relevant industry directories or associations to enhance your business’s visibility and credibility.
E. Secure Transparent Business Information
- Licensing and Registrations: Display your business’s licenses, certifications, and any awards on your website.
- Public Filings: Ensure your business’s registration status is accessible and up-to-date on public records.
F. Prepare for Enhanced Vetting
- Consider Enhanced Vetting: For $80, you can opt for enhanced vetting, which takes 2-3 months but can significantly improve your score and message throughput.
6. Step-by-Step Guide to Register for 10DLC
- Step 1: Gather all required information, including your business’s EIN, website URL, and proof of business operations.
- Step 2: Log into the Voice360 Portal and go to Settings -> 10DLC
- Step 3: Complete the registration forms accurately, ensuring all details match your public profiles and documents.
- Step 4: Await vetting results and monitor your score. If the score is lower than desired, implement the recommended changes and consider re-vetting if necessary.
7. After Registration: Maintaining and Improving Your Score
Once registered, continually update your business information, maintain a professional online presence, and engage actively with customers and stakeholders. Regular audits of your business profiles and communications can help sustain or even improve your vetting score over time.
Conclusion
Starting with lower messaging limits is common, but taking proactive steps before and after your 10DLC registration can greatly enhance your vetting score and unlock higher messaging capabilities. By following these guidelines, your business can build a solid reputation and make the most of 10DLC’s benefits.
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