Safety First
SMS Compliance
Texting isn’t just about great engagement – it carries serious legal weight. That’s why transparency, consent, and rules are at the heart of responsible SMS marketing.
AGENCIES
Who Sets The Rules?
In the U.S., SMS compliance comes from two main sources. You need to obey both, to ensure your messages get delivered and stay valid in carrier systems.
TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act):
This federal law treats marketing text messages like phone calls. If you don’t play by its rules, you risk fines.
CTIA (Cellular Industry Body):
The CTIA works with carriers to define extra guidelines (beyond the law) to keep the texting ecosystem clean.
What To Avoid
Prohibited Content
Certain types of text messaging content are restricted by mobile carriers and state and federal law. Marketers should avoid the types of content listed below.
Hate Speech
Avoid any messages that promote discrimination, harassment, or hate toward individuals or groups based on any protected status.
Games of Chance
Refrain from promoting or facilitating poker, BINGO, betting, lotteries, or any games of chance that involve monetary stakes or prizes.
Controlled Substances
Avoid marketing or distributing alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or controlled substances via text, especially to underage recipients.
Threats of Violence
Never send texts that contain, imply, or encourage physical harm, intimidation, or threats against any person or organization.
Adult Content
Never send sexually explicit or suggestive material through text messages; all content must be appropriate for general audiences.
Firearms
Do not promote, sell, or facilitate the exchange of firearms, ammunition, or related accessories through text messaging.
Opt-In Required
Types of Messages that Require Consent
Not every text is the same. Whether it’s a promo, a reminder, or a reply, you’ll need your customer’s permission.
Because it’s often unclear whether a message is “informational” or “promotional,” it’s smart to treat everything as promotional and require express written consent.
Violations
Fines and Bans
What can happen if you break the rules? Some consequences are monetary, some are regulatory, and some – like message blocking and blacklisting – are controlled by the carriers.
TCPA Violations
Fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 per message, plus the potential for costly class-action lawsuits and permanent reputational damage.
CTIA Violations
Carriers can initiate audits of your messaging activity, issue formal warnings, or suspend your number for noncompliant content or practices.
Short Code Audits
If your short code program fails to meet CTIA or carrier standards, your short code may be suspended or permanently deactivated.
10DLC Violations
Carriers can shut down your toll-free or 10DLC number, block message delivery, or revoke registration if compliance standards aren’t met.
Prohibited Content
Sending prohibited material (such as hate speech, explicit content, or illegal content) can lead to message blocking and account termination.
Ignoring Opt-Outs
Ignoring “STOP” requests or continuing to message unsubscribed users can result in FCC complaints, carrier blacklisting, and federal penalties.
Customer Stories
Testimonials
Learn firsthand why our customers trust us with their marketing and mobile communication initiatives.
More Leads from Targeted Texts
We promote property inspections before hurricane season and it’s brought in more contracts.
★★★★★
Steven H.
Two-Way Job Alerts
We use the two-way inbox to notify clients about schedule changes and they really appreciate it.
★★★★★
Robert M.
Better Coupon ROI
We send out coupons to landlords for move-out repairs and it always gets a great response.
★★★★★
Kevin G.