SMS remains one of the most reliable ways businesses communicate with customers, but only when done right. To ensure your SMS campaigns succeed, getting clear consent is crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about SMS consent and how it impacts your messaging strategy.
Introduction to SMS consent collection
Before you send any SMS text messages to customers, you need their permission. Laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require it. Getting consent the right way protects your business and keeps your messages welcome.
Why SMS consent matters for businesses
Getting permission to send SMS messages isn’t just about avoiding fines. It shows customers you respect their time and privacy. When people know what they’re signing up for, they’re more likely to engage and stay subscribed. That’s how you build a trusted SMS campaign.
Legal requirements for SMS consent
Understanding the legal landscape is key to ensuring your SMS campaigns comply with local regulations and avoid costly penalties.
Telephone consumer protection act (TCPA)
The TCPA sets rules for how U.S. businesses can send promotional text messages. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get written permission: People must agree in writing before you send marketing texts.
- Don’t use auto-dialers without consent: Only send messages with permission.
- Make opt-outs easy: Every message should let people unsubscribe by replying “STOP.”
GDPR and other global regulations
If you’re texting people in the EU, GDPR applies. It requires you to:
- Ask clearly before collecting any personal data
- Say exactly what messages you’ll send and how often
- Let people withdraw their consent at any time
Other industries follow additional rules:
- Healthcare: HIPAA protects patient data.
- Finance: Regulations like FINRA and SEC cover how you handle customer info.
Key elements of proper SMS consent
Make sure customers clearly agree to receive your messages. This can happen when they:
- Check a box on your website
- Send a keyword like “JOIN” to your number
Opt-in mechanisms
Let people opt-in using clear, simple methods:
- Web forms: Use clear wording and leave checkboxes unchecked by default.
- Text-to-join: People text a word to sign up.
- Double opt-in: Ask for a second confirmation to verify their intent.
Clear opt-out instructions
Always inform people how to stop messages by opting out:
- Include “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” in every text.
- Remove users from your list right away when they opt out.
Best practices for collecting SMS consent
Use Simple and Clear Language
Write your opt-in messages in plain language. Let people know:
- What kind of texts they’ll get
- How often you’ll send them
- That message and data rates may apply
Prominently display consent requests
Don’t hide consent forms in long paragraphs or terms. Keep your request easy to find and read. Put it close to where users take action, like clicking a button.
Adopt multi-channel consent collection
Make it easy for people to opt in:
- Show consent options on your website
- Use social media and email to invite sign-ups
- Offer opt-ins in stores or at events
Crafting effective SMS consent language
Understanding what makes an effective consent message can help you communicate clearly and stay compliant. Let’s explore what should be included.
What to include in consent messages
A good SMS consent message should include:
- Who is sending the messages
- What type of texts the person will get (updates, offers, etc.)
- How often you’ll send them
- That standard message and data rates may apply
- How to unsubscribe
Examples of effective consent language
- E-commerce: “Sign up for exclusive deals. Up to 4 texts a month. Reply STOP to opt out. Message and data rates may apply.”
- Events: “Get event updates by text. Reply YES to confirm. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- Promotions: “Text YES to get alerts and offers. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
Managing SMS consent and subscriber preferences
Keeping your SMS campaigns compliant and user-friendly means not just collecting consent, but also managing it carefully and respecting user preferences.
Importance of accurate record-keeping
Keep track of when and how people gave consent. Store the:
- Date of opt-in
- Method of opt-in
- Customer’s phone number and preferences
Secure data storage and privacy
Keep all data encrypted and limit access to it. Run regular checks to make sure your system follows privacy laws.
Common SMS consent challenges and how to avoid them
- Unclear consent: If you don’t have a record of permission, don’t send messages. Make your opt-in steps easy to understand.
- Old contact info: Update your contact lists regularly. Remove people who haven’t confirmed recently.
- Ignored opt-outs: Process unsubscribe requests right away. Automate this step to avoid mistakes.
Solutions for consent compliance challenges
- Run audits to check that your records are current.
- Keep your consent language clear and simple.
- Use a platform that automatically manages opt-ins and opt-outs.
Technology solutions for SMS consent management
SMS consent management platforms like Infobip help you:
- Track opt-ins and opt-outs automatically
- Collect consent across different channels
- Stay compliant with SMS laws
To see how automated SMS consent management works in practice, you can always try it yourself through a free trial—it’s a straightforward way to determine if it fits your needs.
Future innovations: AI, chatbots, and consent
AI and chatbots can:
- Answer consent questions in real time
- Guide people through opt-in and opt-out steps
- Keep your consent records up to date
Conclusion: Effective SMS consent for long-term marketing success
Collecting SMS consent isn’t just a box to check—it’s the start of a respectful, trust-based conversation with your customers. By making consent clear, easy, and transparent, you not only follow the rules but also show your audience that their choice matters. And when people feel in control, they’re more likely to stick around.
FAQ
SMS consent is the explicit permission given by an individual to receive text messages from a business. This consent is typically obtained through opt-in methods like web forms or text replies and is required by laws such as the TCPA and GDPR.
Collect SMS consent by:
- Providing clear opt-in options: Use web forms with unchecked boxes or text-to-join campaigns.
- Disclosing message details: Inform users about message content, frequency, and potential costs.
- Implementing double opt-in: Send a confirmation message requiring user response to confirm consent.
- Maintaining records: Keep detailed logs of consent for compliance verification.
Consent is gathered through:
- Opt-in forms: Online forms with clear consent checkboxes.
- Text-to-join campaigns: Users text a keyword to subscibe.
- Double opt-in processes: Confirmation messages to verify consent.
- In-store sign-ups: Physical forms or digital kiosks for consent collection.
Always ensure that consent is documented and that users can easily opt out of communications.
Implied consent occurs when a customer provides their phone number during a transaction, suggesting they expect related communications. However, for marketing messages, explicit consent is generally required under laws like the TCPA and GDPR.
