SMS opt-in permission can be tricky to navigate, with all the rules and regulations surrounding texting. At Alive5, we're here to help you understand the best ways to build a compliant SMS opt-in list, so you can communicate with your audiences confidently.

Here's a quick "Crash Course" on some the most common ways to obtain SMS permissions.

1. Verbal Confirmation

Our first example is the most natural and least technical way to obtain opt in permission from a contact. When you’re talking to someone over a phone call or Zoom meeting, you can simply ask them verbally, “Do I have your permission to text?”, or "Can I text you back at your cell number?".

2. Customer Texts In

When a customer sends a text to your phone number displayed on your company website, or opts to send a text message back instead of calling back from their call log is another "natural" form of opt in. The customer wants to connect with you, and having an auto-responder to provide a double opt-in, which is a double confirmation (first one is customer texting in, the second confirmation is the automated reply asking them again) is the best form of opt in.

3. Text Call to Action

You can prompt users to text in and start an opt in process. This would require an automated bot flow set up with a keyword to receive the inbound request and responding with a double opt-in confirmation (or reply STOP to opt out).

This is essentially the same thing as "#2 Customer Texts In" but with a marketing message element attached to it.

This can be delivered over:

• Print
• Website
• Social Media Posts
• Broadcast (radio, television, etc)

4. Website Form

During your user registration process, including an acknowledgement section with a checkbox to allow the contact to agree to receiving texts from your organization. This form should have an input for the user’s mobile phone number as well.

This can be delivered over:

• Registration Form
• Landing Page
• Chatbot Flow: This can be embedded in a chat window as an option next to others ways to engage and connect.

5. QR Codes

A special type of QR Code can be generated which starts a text message instead of visiting a website address. When creating this QR code, your SMS number and a message is embedded which opens your mobile phone’s SMS app when scanned.

A new SMS conversation is then pre-populated with an opt-in message which includes a keyword that triggers the opt-in process. The opt-in process is the same as example “3. Text Call to Action” above except with a QR code that initiates everything.

6. Email Campaign

If you are currently running an email newsletter or mailing list, incorporating content in your next campaign to opt in users is an easy way to build your SMS list quickly.

You can use several types of call to actions, such as:

• Text Call to Action
• QR Code
• Combination of Text and QR Code
• Link to Website Form

7. Written Permission

Adding verbiage on any written or digital document to ask for permission to text a user can be a great opt-in method. Be sure to have a section for use to fill in their mobile number, and outline your terms of service.

This can be delivered over:

• Paper Document
• PDF/E-Sign

Best Practices for SMS Opt Ins

For any opt-In method outlined above, here’s some best practices to follow:

• Be concise and to the point, and use proper grammar.
• Never text out to a contact first to obtain permission.
• Offer a clear opt-out option: “Reply STOP to opt out.”
• Let customers know that data rates may apply.
• Tell customers what they’re consenting to (i.e., marketing messages, updates, message frequency, etc).
• Link to full terms of service outlining details of the above.
• This is a guide for recommendations on the various methods to properly opt-in your users and receive consent to start sending SMS/MMS text messages. This is not a replacement for legal advice - please consult your own legal counsel for specifics based on your industry, use case, and geographic area.

Alive5 can help implement any of the use cases above, please contact us at contact@alive5.com or text us at 855-551-8858 for help!