[Webinar] Using Two-Way Text Messaging

When contacting your next customers, two-way text messaging is a great way to do it. Studies show the majority of texts are read, so it’s an effective way to reach the people who matter to your business. While phone calls are still best for detailed conversations, text messaging is perfect for short introductions, reminders, and follow-ups.

In this webinar we show you how to how to use BellesLink two-way text messaging, how to get opt-ins, and manage text conversations.

Texting compliance

Texting is a great way to reach your customers, but it comes with additional compliance requirements that businesses don’t have when making phone calls. These Federal compliance requirements are defined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). As a business, it’s important to understand the details of text message compliance laws and regulations before gathering contacts or sending text messages.

Express written consent

According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), customers must give businesses “express written consent” before the business sends them text messages. Even text messages that are merely informational require consent.

When you send a text message to a contact who does not have an opt-in recorded in the BellesLink system, you will be required to self-certify that you have express written consent to text that phone number.

Opt-in messages

To record an opt-in for your contact’s phone number in the BellesLink system you can send them a pre-formatted opt-in request message. When your contact replies YES, their opt-in is recorded in your account.

Opt-out messages

If you do not have an opt-in recorded in the BellesLink system for a number you are texting, an opt-out message will automatically be appended to your text—Reply STOP to opt out. Once you have an opt-in on record the opt-out message will no longer be added to texts sent to that contact’s number.

Toll-free texting

To improve deliverability and overall compliance BellesLink requires toll-free numbers for texting. If your account does not already have a toll-free number you can quickly and easily add one through the Number Setup screen.