Follow this step-by-step guide on how to verify your number, and why it’s important in the fight against spam.
You may be thinking, why is SMS important for my business? Over the years, businesses have used SMS as a form of marketing and direct communication with their customers. From appointment reminders to sending promotional texts, SMS is a personal and direct way to communicate with your customers.
Research shows that most Millennials prefer texting over any other form of communication. Why? Simple, it is convenient, fast, and easy to utilize. Everybody owns a device that allows them to receive SMS communications, which makes it the perfect marketing tool for your business.
Toll-free industry regulators have instituted a verification process in order to reduce the frequency of spam messages and increase trust in SMS communication by having all toll-free numbers verified. This will be an improvement for reducing your risk of spam filtering on toll-free traffic towards all major mobile carriers in the United States, as well as most carriers in Canada.
Why do I need SMS Verification?
If you’re actively using or plan to use text messaging for any communication with your customer base via a toll-free number, you will need this new verification. Not only will verification of your toll-free number ensure the deliverability of your SMS marketing campaigns, but it will also add an extra layer of credibility to your brand.
This regulation may affect your toll-free numbers differently:
For toll-free numbers purchased prior to May 15th, 2022
- If you purchased a toll-free number prior to May 15th, 2022, you have until September 30th, 2022 to verify your numbers. After that date, any unverified numbers will not be able to send SMS traffic.
For toll-free numbers purchased after May 15th, 2022
- If you purchased a toll-free number after May 15th, 2022, carriers are blocking that number from sending SMS traffic by default. You will have to verify your toll-free number before you are able to send SMS traffic with it.
How do I verify my numbers?
To verify your number, simply follow these 3 easy steps:
1. Log into 800.com
2. Navigate to the Numbers page, and select “Register for Campaigns” from the number’s action menu.
3. This will open the Toll-Free Verification form. Simply complete all of the fields and click Submit.
After this is complete, we’ll pass all the information on to the carriers for your number to be verified. The verification process is handled directly by them, and the processing time can vary.
Once your number is verified, you will receive an email from us stating that your number is ready. After this happens, you are able to use all the SMS features 800.com has to offer including Campaigns (link to Campaigns). By being verified, your number is less likely to be blocked by carriers, which will make it easier for you and your business to reach out to potential or existing customers.
*** We highly recommend getting your number verified as soon as possible to prevent any disruption of service. ***
For more help, read our support article here or contact Customer Service.
