SMS Brand & Campaign Registration: What Businesses Need to Know

When sending SMS or MMS messages to U.S. numbers via 10DLC (10-digit long code), your business must register with The Campaign Registry (TCR) to comply with carrier rules and avoid message blocking or surcharges.

✅ Why Registration Matters

Wireless carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.) require all 10DLC traffic to be registered to:

• Prevent spam and abuse
• Increase transparency about senders and content
• Improve consumer trust
• Enable better deliverability and throughput

Unregistered traffic may be blocked or fined.

🧾 Step-by-Step: How to Register Successfully

1. Gather Your Business Information

Prepare the following:

• Legal business name
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Business type (LLC, Corp, Sole Proprietor, etc.)
• Website URL
• Contact name, phone, and email
• Industry or vertical

🔍 Use your official, publicly listed info to avoid verification errors.

2. Register Your Brand

This is your business identity in TCR. You'll provide:

• Brand name
• EIN
• Business contact info
• Brief company description

Your brand will receive a trust score (0–100), which affects how many messages per second you can send.

3. Register Your Campaign(s)

Each campaign defines the type of messages you’ll send. You’ll need:

• Campaign use case
• Campaign description
• 2–3 sample messages
• Opt-in method and wording
• Support for STOP and HELP replies

A brand can have multiple campaigns.

📦 Common Campaign Use Cases

🚫 Prohibited use cases include SHAFT (sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco), debt collection, and illegal services.

✍️ Message Content Requirements

• Match the stated use case
• Include accurate sample messages
• Clearly explain how users opt in
• Include STOP and HELP response instructions
• Avoid link shorteners like bit.ly (especially free ones)

🔒 Compliance Best Practices

• ✅ Require and record opt-in
• ✅ Keep timestamp and source of opt-in
• ✅ Include STOP and HELP support in every campaign
• ✅ Use clear, non-deceptive language
• ✅ Keep sender info consistent
• ✅ Avoid spammy content or aggressive promotions

💡 Tips to Improve Trust Score

• Use a real EIN (not a personal SSN)
• Register a domain with SSL (https)
• Make sure your website is live and public
• Ensure all business details match your official filings
• Be transparent in message content and opt-in process

💬 Example Campaign Registration

Brand Name: EchoTexting Inc.
Use Case: Customer Care
Description: We send appointment reminders, confirmations, and 2-way customer support replies.
Sample Messages:

• "Hi {FirstName}, your appointment with EchoTexting is confirmed for July 16 at 3pm."
• "Need help with your service? Reply HELP to chat with a support agent."
  Opt-In Method: Customers opt in via our website form or by texting JOIN to 73737.
  Opt-Out Instructions: All messages include "Reply STOP to unsubscribe."

🧰 Helpful Tools

• The Campaign Registry
• A registered SMS platform (e.g., EchoTexting, Twilio, Telnyx)
• Valid EIN and business website
• Privacy policy and opt-in terms

🚨 What Happens If You Skip Registration?

• 🚫 Higher message filtering
• 🚫 Messages may be blocked
• 🚫 Fines or surcharges
• 🚫 Lost sender reputation
• 🚫 Poor delivery rates

📞 Need Help?

We're here to assist! If you need help preparing your brand or campaign registration, reach out to your SMS platform's support team.

🧭 Registration Checklist

📢 Registering is not optional. It’s required for all U.S. business texting using 10DLC numbers.