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A2P Compliance Checklist

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, the use of A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging has become a pivotal strategy for businesses seeking to engage with their audience. However, navigating the regulatory environment is crucial to establish trust and comply with legal requirements. In this blog post, we will provide you with an in-depth A2P compliance checklist, ensuring not only legal adherence but also the creation of a robust and effective SMS marketing strategy.

Master Compliance with Our Essential Checklist for Seamless Success! 👊

In the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, the use of A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging has become a pivotal strategy for businesses seeking to engage with their audience. However, navigating the regulatory environment is crucial to establish trust and comply with legal requirements. In this blog post, we will provide you with an in-depth A2P compliance checklist, ensuring not only legal adherence but also the creation of a robust and effective SMS marketing strategy.

Master Compliance with Our Essential Checklist for Seamless Success! 👊

Step 1a: Implementing a Transparent Opt-in Mechanism

The cornerstone of A2P compliance lies in obtaining explicit consent from your audience. To achieve this, integrate a Terms and Conditions (T&C) element and a checkbox field on all lead intake forms. The text should be crystal clear, explicitly stating the terms of communication. Transparency is key in this step.

T&C Element:
“I agree to terms & conditions and privacy policy provided by VA Matters."

Opt-in Consent Check Box Field:
"By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from VA Matters. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply Stop to Unsubscribe."

Step 1a: Implementing a Transparent Opt-in Mechanism

The cornerstone of A2P compliance lies in obtaining explicit consent from your audience. To achieve this, integrate a Terms and Conditions (T&C) element and a checkbox field on all lead intake forms. The text should be crystal clear, explicitly stating the terms of communication. Transparency is key in this step.

T&C Element:

Example:

“I agree to terms & conditions and privacy policy provided by [COMPANY NAME].”

Additionally, ensure that the T&C and privacy policy is available on your company website, and hyperlink it within the text of the form for users to easily access and review.

Opt-in Consent Check Box Field:
Example:
"By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from [COMPANY NAME]. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply Stop to Unsubscribe."

Additionally, ensure that the Legal business name is used as the company name for both of these elements.

NOTE: Please make sure that for Sole-Proprietor do not put company name in any fields during the A2P process. Only use personal name.

Step 1b: Privacy Policy Inclusion

Enhance your website's privacy policy or terms and conditions with a clause emphasizing the non-sharing of personal information without explicit consent. This further builds trust and reinforces your commitment to safeguarding user data.

Example:

4. Sharing of Personal Information:

At [Your Company Name], we prioritize the security and privacy of your personal information. We are committed to ensuring that your data remains confidential and protected. Here's how we handle the sharing of your personal information:

Limited Third-Party Sharing: We do not share your personal information or phone number with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes without your explicit consent. Your privacy is paramount, and we respect your choices regarding the sharing of your data.

Exceptional Circumstances: There may be instances where we are obligated to share your information as required by law or to fulfill legal obligations. In such cases, we will only disclose the necessary information to comply with legal mandates.

Service Support: We may share your personal information with trusted subcontractors who assist us in providing support services, such as customer service. These subcontractors are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are only permitted to use your information to support our services and enhance your experience.

Opt-In Data Protection: Your opt-in data and consent, particularly regarding text messaging origins, are strictly safeguarded. We do not share this information with any third parties under any circumstances, ensuring your privacy and consent preferences are respected at all times.

Message Frequency and Rates: We understand the importance of transparency regarding message frequency and associated data rates. Please note that message frequency may vary based on your interaction with our services, and standard message and data rates may apply as per your carrier's terms and conditions.

Your trust is integral to us, and we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data protection. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the handling of your personal information, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you for choosing [Your Company Name].

Step 1b: Privacy Policy Inclusion

Enhance your website's privacy policy or terms and conditions with a clause emphasizing the non-sharing of personal information without explicit consent. This further builds trust and reinforces your commitment to safeguarding user data.

Example:

4. Sharing of Personal Information:

At [Your Company Name], we prioritize the security and privacy of your personal information. We are committed to ensuring that your data remains confidential and protected. Here's how we handle the sharing of your personal information:

Limited Third-Party Sharing: We do not share your personal information or phone number with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes without your explicit consent. Your privacy is paramount, and we respect your choices regarding the sharing of your data.

Exceptional Circumstances: There may be instances where we are obligated to share your information as required by law or to fulfill legal obligations. In such cases, we will only disclose the necessary information to comply with legal mandates.

Service Support: We may share your personal information with trusted subcontractors who assist us in providing support services, such as customer service. These subcontractors are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are only permitted to use your information to support our services and enhance your experience.

Opt-In Data Protection: Your opt-in data and consent, particularly regarding text messaging origins, are strictly safeguarded. We do not share this information with any third parties under any circumstances, ensuring your privacy and consent preferences are respected at all times.

Message Frequency and Rates: We understand the importance of transparency regarding message frequency and associated data rates. Please note that message frequency may vary based on your interaction with our services, and standard message and data rates may apply as per your carrier's terms and conditions.

Your trust is integral to us, and we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data protection. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the handling of your personal information, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you for choosing [Your Company Name].

Step 2: A2P Registration

Initiate the A2P registration process and meticulously verify all details for business profile submission and brand registration. This step ensures that you are providing accurate information and abiding by the registration requirements.

Ensure the accuracy of your registered business name and add the Employer Identification Number (EIN) or registration ID to your Business Profile. This step not only contributes to the legitimacy of your A2P messaging efforts but also ensures transparency in your business dealings.

Step 2: A2P Registration

Initiate the A2P registration process and meticulously verify all details for business profile submission and brand registration. This step ensures that you are providing accurate information and abiding by the registration requirements.

Ensure the accuracy of your registered business name and add the Employer Identification Number (EIN) or registration ID to your Business Profile. This step not only contributes to the legitimacy of your A2P messaging efforts but also ensures transparency in your business dealings.

Step 3: Crafting Campaign Use Case Description and Sample Messages

On Campaign Description page, You can use the following sample Use Case Description and Sample Messages 1 and 2. Otherwise, Craft your messages thoughtfully, ensuring they align with the purpose of your A2P campaign.

Campaign Use Case Description:

"This campaign sends appointment reminders, confirmation messages, marketing messages, follow-up messages, customer service messages, and similar communications to individuals who have opted in and given their explicit consent and agreed to our terms and conditions."

Sample Message 1 (Replace any custom fields or custom values with sample data):

John, this is Sarah with “COMPANY NAME”

This is a confirmation of your appointment:

Appointment Date: 07/01/2024

Appointment Time: 12:00 PM

Please don't hesitate to call or text “COMPANY PHONE” if you have any questions

Reply with STOP to unsubscribe

Sample Message 2 (Replace any custom fields or custom values with sample data):

Hi Brian, Samuel here with “COMPANY NAME”

Just want to remind you that our meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 12:00 PM.

If you want to reschedule, please text us at “COMPANY PHONE”

Reply with STOP to unsubscribe

And check the necessary boxes if your messages will contain URLs or phone numbers.

Step 3: Crafting Campaign Use Case Description and Sample Messages

On Campaign Description page, You can use the following sample Use Case Description and Sample Messages 1 and 2. Otherwise, Craft your messages thoughtfully, ensuring they align with the purpose of your A2P campaign.

Campaign Use Case Description:

"This campaign sends appointment reminders, confirmation messages, marketing messages, follow-up messages, customer service messages, and similar communications to individuals who have opted in and given their explicit consent and agreed to our terms and conditions."

Sample Message 1 (Replace any custom fields or custom values with sample data):

John, this is Sarah with “COMPANY NAME”

This is a confirmation of your appointment:

Appointment Date: 07/01/2024

Appointment Time: 12:00 PM

Please don't hesitate to call or text “COMPANY PHONE” if you have any questions

Reply with STOP to unsubscribe

Sample Message 2 (Replace any custom fields or custom values with sample data):

Hi Brian, Samuel here with “COMPANY NAME”

Just want to remind you that our meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 12:00 PM.

If you want to reschedule, please text us at “COMPANY PHONE”

Reply with STOP to unsubscribe

And check the necessary boxes if your messages will contain URLs or phone numbers.

Step 4: End User Consent

How do end-users consent to receive messages?

End User Consent

"Customers provide opt-in specifically when enrolling into our website [WEBSITE] and giving their explicit consent by adding their phone number and checking a box agreeing to receive text messages from [COMPANY NAME]. They also check a box agreeing to the mentioned terms & conditions as well as privacy policy. Additionally, end users can also opt-in by texting START or SUBSCRIBE to [PHONE NUMBER] to opt-in."

Opt-in Keywords

"Subscribe, Start"

Opt-in Message

"You are successfully opted in for messages from [COMPANY NAME]. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply Help for additional support. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."

Step 4: End User Consent

How do end-users consent to receive messages?

End User Consent

"Customers provide opt-in specifically when enrolling into our website [WEBSITE] and giving their explicit consent by adding their phone number and checking a box agreeing to receive text messages from [COMPANY NAME]. They also check a box agreeing to the mentioned terms & conditions as well as privacy policy. Additionally, end users can also opt-in by texting START or SUBSCRIBE to [PHONE NUMBER] to opt-in."

Opt-in Keywords

"Subscribe, Start"

Opt-in Message

"You are successfully opted in for messages from ACME. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply Help for additional support. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."

NOTE: Make sure to have a OPT-in Workflow triggering from incoming message containing “Subscribe” or “Start” and if condition = True -> Send the above mentioned Opt-in message.

Opt-out Keywords

"Stop, Unsubscribe"

Opt-out Message

"You have successfully been unsubscribed from ACME LLC. You will not receive any more messages from this number."

NOTE: Make sure to have a OPT-out Workflow triggering from incoming message containing “Stop” or “Unsubscribe” and if condition = True -> Send the above mentioned Opt-out message.

NOTE: Make sure to have a Opt-In Workflow triggering from incoming message containing “Subscribe” or “Start” and if condition = True -> Send the above mentioned Opt-in message.

Opt-out Keywords

"Stop, Unsubscribe"

Opt-out Message

"You have successfully been unsubscribed from [COMPANY NAME]. You will not receive any more messages from this number."

NOTE: Make sure to have a OPT-OUT Workflow triggering from incoming message containing “Stop” or “Unsubscribe” and if condition = True -> Send the above mentioned Opt-out message.