What is 10 DLC?

A 10-digit long code (10DLC) is the new industry-led long code solution for North American application-to-person (A2P) business messaging.10DLC numbers are local long-code numbers that are approved by mobile network operators for A2P SMS messaging. This approval comes about by registering the local long-code number with a verified 10DLC brand and an approved 10DLC campaign.

A 10 DLC-approved long-code number can support high volumes of text messages. Mobile network operators in the US are implementing requirements that 10DLC-approved numbers are used for all A2P messaging on their networks.

Why 10 DLC?

Your business may already be familiar with using long codes to send text messages to customers and the benefits they provide, such as text-enabling a customer service number. However, “10DLC” is introducing a new component to any business who would like to send text messages to a customer in North America. Carriers are now stepping in to regulate these messaging programs to better protect their subscribers (your customers) and eliminate the spam going to them. While the experience received for mobile users will still feel very much the same, the process for businesses to implement these programs will look quite a bit different and there are several things you should know.

Benefits of 10 DLC

10DLC numbers give businesses the best of both worlds: mass text messaging support, with lower overhead costs.

Higher SMS message volumes. Depending on details of the brand and campaign use case for which a 10DLC number is approved, 10DLC numbers can potentially send SMS message volumes that are somewhere between the limits of short codes and toll-free long codes.

Lower costs. 10DLC numbers have lower monthly costs than dedicated short codes. So, businesses that can’t afford a short code number or don’t send enough messages to justify paying for a short code have a cost-efficient alternative.

Additionally, businesses will be able to convert their existing landlines to 10DLC numbers. This means businesses can send more messages from their existing phone number, and won’t have to pay for an additional number to get 10DLC capabilities.

Better Deliverability. Because 10DLC numbers are pre-approved by mobile network operators, messages sent on these numbers are more likely to reach the recipient than with regular local long codes.

What phone numbers does 10DLC impact?

This 10dlc registration process is required for Any local phone number that is sending business-related traffic over US carriers.

Toll-free numbers are not required to register as of today, but registering them can help improve deliverability and throughput, so while they are still optional, it is highly recommended to register, especially if you have been struggling with deliverability or deliverability of messages that include links.

Finally, shared short codes are being banned as of June 2021.

Process of 10 DLC registration

Register your company: This lets everyone know about who you are. When you register your company, you receive something called a Trust Score. This is carriers assigning you to a level of trust they have of your brand in the ecosystem. Why is this important? What it does is it dictates throughput and daily volumes allowed.

Link to register your company is : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTtw6Ww0r4YbIOCgQBEhCC-DrKAylADPliajeAHNZwfGxb6g/viewform

Register your Campaigns: This tells carriers what type of content you will be sending. This impacts your throughput and volume by use case for certain carriers.

Link to register your company is : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6YXqV80R4P0h3IPj3D_Qe04P6xr414FQvQr1XehkBqiGd4g/viewform

Best practices to create a message

Keep in mind:

Message length: keep your messages under 140 characters, 1-3 sentences max, and try to avoid line breaks
Target audience (narrow down your audience to cater to your recipients)
Always include context around the scheduling link so recipients understand what you’re sending them

Avoid the following:

Using links when possible, especially on large broadcasts
Make sure not to include the URL link at the end of a long message as it may be broken into segments if the number of characters for that message is crossed
Special characters (especially the $ sign)
Multiple punctuation marks (multiple exclamations are scary!!!!)
Using all caps (THIS IS ALSO SCARY)

Do:

Use multiple broadcasts--especially for larger audiences
Schedule broadcasts to send throughout the day/week
Use variables and different phrasing in your messages
Ask for a reply in your message (this will ensure you maintain a good ratio)
Check your messaging stats on a regular basis to ensure you have a good response rate
If you notice lots of candidates opting out of your broadcast, reach out to your CSM to diagnose your message and give recommendations on how to improve the quality of your outbound texts

Example messages

#1 Onboarding Paperwork

Hi <first name>, Can you please fill out this onboarding form by tomorrow? <link>

#2 First Day Check In

Hi <first name>, How was your first day at Gamestop?

#3: First Day Scheduled Reminder

Hi <first_name>! BlueSteel is looking forward to meeting you tomorrow at 9 am. Remember to wear steel-toed boots and ask for Jenny when you arrive.

#4: Redeployment

Hi <first name>! Have you lined up your next gig after BlueSteel yet?