Are Your SMS Marketing Messages Being Delivered?
Validating Your Telephone Numbers is Critical!
It doesn't matter who you are Soldier, Tailor, Music Maker ...
Your business will not survive if you are unable to communicate with your customers and prospects.
We've all seen it, business-to-consumer texting has increased in popularity. With an average open rate of 98% and a response rate of 48% (Forbes), its little wonder we have embraced this marketing strategy.
Here's why you should do it;
Ensure delivery - Not validating your digital numbers means that your campaigns will not be delivered.
Brand reputation - Sending messages to incorrect or outdated phone numbers can come across as unprofessional and may damage your brand's reputation.
Customer trust - all of your text messaging is kept separated from spammers. Mobile carriers are committed to keeping scammers separate from your brand.
Not validating your digital numbers will mark your campaigns as undeliverable
Local Number Verification (A2P)
A local number allows you to establish a local presence where you want! Choose any area code, city, province or state using Go HighLevel.
Toll Free Number Registration
An 8xx toll-free number provides both toll-free call-back and texting services. Choose any 8xx number using Go HighLevel.
I live in Canada, so why do I need to verify my numbers?
SMS text messages using "local" numbers and sent within Canada only do not require A2P validation at this time (but it's coming). All text messages using a "local" number and sent to US numbers will be blocked unless the sending number is A2P verified. ALL Text messages sent using Toll-Free numbers need to be registered otherwise they will be blocked.
I live in the US, do I need to verify my numbers?
If you live in the US and will be using any form of texting in your marketing campaigns (either local number or a toll-free number) it will need to be verified before it can be used.
Using numbers for branding and / or tracking
If you will use your number for branding purposes only, you'll need only a single number. However, if you want to use the number for individual marketing campaigns, (call tracking, etc,) you'll want a separate number for each campaign, and each will require validation.
How long will this take?
You should allow 2-3 weeks from the time your application is submitted for approval. Not to worry, while your application is in the "pending" state, your messages will continue to be delivered.
What type of numbers can I have?
When applying for number verification, and for each number, you will define how you intend to use it - for Branding, or in specific marketing campaigns.
Where do I get my number?
You choose your local / toll free numbers in your Go HighLevel account. Go to settings, Phone Numbers, and + Add Number, where you can choose between local and toll-free numbers. You can have as many of these numbers as you need to support your marketing needs. At least 1 number is required to support SMS messaging.
Why is verification required?
U.S. text/SMS infrastructure was not built to withstand the volume of business texting that occurs today. Plus, this channel is being abused by scammers and spammers. Consequently carriers have taking action to protect consumers by building a new channel specifically for business texting. To gain access to this channel, you must have an approved business texting plan for each number you will be using.
Validating your digital telephone number is required. No validation, no delivery.