A2P 10DLC Campaign Approval Best Practices

Effective January 26, 2023, newly registered A2P Campaigns are subject to a manual vetting process. To help ensure your Campaigns are approved in this vetting process, please follow these best practices when submitting new Campaigns.

In This Article:

• Prerequisites
• Step 1: Required Business Documentation
• Step 2: Configure Business Profile in FG Funnels
• Step 3: Purchase a Phone Number
• Step 4: Create or Update Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
• Step 5: Guidelines for Creating Your Opt-in Form
• Step 6 : Set Up the Opt-in Webpage
• Step 7: Set Up Automations in FG Funnels
• Step 8: Register for A2P
• Approved Campaign Example
• Step 9: Monitor and Maintain Compliance
• Ensure Data Accuracy and Consistency
• Ensure Your Use Case Involves Consumer Consent Before Sending Messages
• Some Other Possible Reasons for A2P Rejections
• FAQ

Prerequisites

• A domain that you can host your opt-in form page on [ If using a subdomain, be aware the validators might check your main domain; if it has different information, you will fail ].
• A Twilio account, or a FG Funnels account with LC Phone enabled.
• A registered business with details that match government records exactly (e.g., EIN, legal business name, address). If you are a business based in the US you will need your CP-575 document.
• "Privacy Policy" and "Term of Service" documents.

Step 1: Required Business Documentation

• When filling out the standard registration form, make sure your details are an EXACT MATCH to the details on your CP575 letter that you received from the IRS with your EIN number. Every comma, hyphen, space, and spelling. Seriously.

  • If your CP575 says:

    Apt. 9A

    Do NOT Enter:

    • #9A
    • Apt 9A
    • Apt-9A
• If you have moved since filling out your EIN application, you may be wondering if you should put your new address. You need to fill in what the IRS currently has on file. If you have already updated them with your new address, then use the address that you updated them with (match exactly how you entered it with them). If you have not updated your address, use what is listed on the CP575 letter.

Step 2: Configure Business Profile in FG Funnels

When setting up your business profile please make sure all details match your official government registration document. If you have an EIN, make sure all the business info you enter matches your EIN info the government has on file *exactly*. Like every comma, period, apostrophe, etc.

1. Go to Settings > Business Profile
   • Business Friendly Name: Enter the exact name from your registration form.
   • Legal Name: Enter the exact name from your registration form.
   • Street Address: Enter the exact address from your registration form.
   • Registration Number: For US based business, please enter your EIN from your CP575 document.
     • For Canadian based business, please enter your Business Registration Number ( BN )
     • The US Mobile Carriers will only accept the first 9 numeric digits of the BN (BN-9). Here is an example of the format of a BN where the bolded part is the part we will collect in the Canadian Brand Registration: 123456789RT0001
   • Website URL: Your domain ( Example: https://mydomainname.com )
   • Business Phone Number: Be sure to list the phone number of your actual physical cell/mobile phone for the OTP verification. DO NOT use an LC Phone or Twilio number. This will not be used in sending going forward, it is just for them to reach out and verify that it is you and that you are registering.
   • Authorized Representative: Your name, email, and phone number ( be sure to list the phone number of your actual physical cell/mobile phone ).
   • Business Type: Enter the business type you registered as. Examples: LLC, Sole Prop, etc.
2. Enable: Make SMS compliant by adding opt-out message at the end of every message.
3. Save Changes.

Step 3: Purchase a Phone Number

1. Go to Settings > Phone Numbers > Add Number
2. Filter by your area code to find a local phone number. Please do not select a toll-free number.
3. Select and purchase a number.
4. Save this number for registration and messaging.

Step 4: Create or Update Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

• Must show company name for branding in the header.
• In both the privacy policy and terms and conditions pages, remove all keywords such as 'share,' 'sell,' 'affiliate', 'third', or 'party' that indicates selling or sharing leads' information with a third party.
• Provide a functioning Privacy Policy URL. It must not mention sharing of personal information with any third parties/affiliates/non-affiliates. If it does mention this, you may need to add a disclaimer, such as:
  • How do we share your information section of the privacy policy:
    • All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.
• An A2P compliant Privacy Policy must state that:
  • No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. Information sharing to subcontractors in support services, such as customer service is permitted. All other use case categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Terms of Service

• Must show company name for branding in header.
• Make sure to add these 6 bullet points ( Enclosed is a copy of the boilerplate terms of service covering minimum requirements from the carriers ):

1. {Insert program description here; a brief description of the types of messages users can expect upon opting in.}

2. You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Simply text "STOP" to the shortcode. Upon sending "STOP," we will confirm your unsubscribe status via SMS. Following this confirmation, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. To rejoin, sign up as you did initially, and we will resume sending SMS messages to you.
3. If you experience issues with the messaging program, reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or reach out directly to {support email address or toll-free number}.
4. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
5. As always, message and data rates may apply for messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies. For questions about your text plan or data plan, contact your wireless provider.
6. For privacy-related inquiries, please refer to our privacy policy: {[ Insert link to privacy policy }.

Step 5: Guidelines for Creating Your Opt-in Form

As per carrier requirements (not set by FG Funnels, LC Phone, Twilio, but by the US Mobile Carriers themselves ), opt-in forms should follow the following guidelines.

• You cannot require the person to enter their phone number on any of your form/surveys. The phone number field must be an optional field.
• You will need to have two consent checkboxes on any form that collects a phone number.

Consent Checkboxes

• Messaging consent must ALWAYS be optional. Checkboxes cannot be pre-selected or pre-checked.
• Opt-in consent message and checkbox must be separated from your Privacy Policy | Terms of Service consent checkbox.
• You will need to have two consent checkboxes on any form that collects a phone number. All of your forms must be compliant on all your subdomains and domains, and privacy and terms need to be consistent everywhere. Here are some examples of the consent checkboxes:

Consent Checkbox 1 ( Automated Reminders and Service-Based Messages ):

I agree to receive Automated Reminders and Service Based messages from [Business Name], at the phone number provided above. This agreement isn't a condition of any purchase, Msg & data rates may apply, message frequencies vary. Text HELP to [Business Number] for assistance, reply STOP or OUT to opt out or unsubscribe at any time

Consent Checkbox 2: Marketing and Promotional Messages:

I agree to receive Marketing and Promotional messages from [Business Name] at the phone number provided above. This agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg & data rates may apply, message frequencies vary. Text HELP to [Business Number] for assistance, reply STOP or OUT to opt out or to unsubscribe at any time.

Create the Consent Checkbox Custom Field

1. Go to Sites > Forms
2. Open one of your existing forms, or create a new form.
3. Drag-and-drop the checkbox custom field onto the form builder.
4. Add two optional checkboxes to your checkbox field:
   • Automated Reminders Consent (checkbox type)

     • Checkbox 1: Automated Reminders and Service-Based Messages

       I agree to receive Automated Reminders and Service Based messages from [Business Name], at the phone number provided above. This agreement isn't a condition of any purchase, Msg & data rates may apply, message frequencies vary. Text HELP to [Business Number] for assistance, reply STOP or OUT to opt out or unsubscribe at any time.

   • Marketing Consent (checkbox type)

     • Checkbox 2: Marketing and Promotional Messages

       I agree to receive Marketing and Promotional messages from [Business Name] at the phone number provided above. This agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. Msg & data rates may apply, message frequencies vary. Text HELP to [Business Number] for assistance, reply STOP or OUT to opt out or to unsubscribe at any time.

Website Posting (Support): Prominently display the phone number on your website so customers can find it and use it to opt-in for messaging. This can be done through support pages, contact sections, or call-to-action buttons. Make it clear that customers can use the provided phone number to opt in and receive messages.

Keyword or QR Code Opt-In: Use specific keywords or QR codes that customers can use to opt-in for messaging. Communicate the keyword or display the QR code in ads, social media posts, or physical materials. Instruct customers to text the keyword or scan the QR code to opt in.

Please Note: Please provide photos or screenshots for verification, showing where customers can find the keyword or QR code to opt-in.

Step 6 : Set Up the Opt-in Webpage

Create and publish a webpage where people can fill out a form and consent to receive text messages from you. This will need to be a live page because it will be reviewed by a real human who works for the US Mobile Carriers.

Webpage Must Have:

• Your domain connected to it.
  • Here is our tutorial going over how to connect a domain to your FG Funnels account: https://support.fgfunnels.com/article/1718-connecting-your-domain-to-fg-funnels
  • If you would like to have a member of our support team connect your domain to your FG Funnels account, you can schedule an onboarding appointment here: https://www.fgfunnels.com/dfy-onboarding
• Your business' "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Service" linked in the footers of your:
  • Funnel pages
  • Website pages
  • Forms
  • Surveys
• SEO Meta Data that is Customized with your business info.

How to Build the Webpage

1. You can use a lead magnet funnel in FG Funnels.
   1. Here is our tutorial going over how to request a collection: https://support.fgfunnels.com/article/1546-how-to-request-a-design-collection-funnel-website-template
   2. Most of our design collection include a "Lead Magnet " funnel that you can use.
   3. Here is our guide going over how to set up a Lead Funnel: https://support.fgfunnels.com/article/1758-learn-through-a-funnel-lead-funnel
2. Include a clear call-to-action on your opt-in page. Examples: "Get the Guide", "Sign Up Below to Receive the Free Mini Course" , or "Join Our Waiting List" are a few examples.
3. Here is our tutorial showing an example of how to create a page for your "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Service" : https://support.fgfunnels.com/article/1741-creating-pages-for-your-legal-policies-in-fg-funnels
4. Update the SEO meta data on your page with you business logo. Enter a title, and description for the page. Plus, enter your name as the author name. Here is our tutorial showing where to update your SEO meta data: https://support.fgfunnels.com/article/722-seo-meta-data
5. Make the page live by connecting a domain.
   1. Here is our tutorial going over how to set the default page for your domain: https://support.fgfunnels.com/article/1525-changing-the-home-default-page-on-a-domain

Step 7: Set Up Automations in FG Funnels

Settings up your automations now will help ensure compliance by handling opt-ins, opt-outs, and double opt-in messages automatically. Here is a list of workflow automation you will need:

1. Opt-In Workflow Automation:
   • Trigger: Form submission or contact change where opt-in consent is checked for either one or both checkboxes.
   • Actions:
     • If Automated Reminders Consent is checked: Add tag "Automated Reminders Opt-In" and send the appropriate opt-in SMS.
     • If Marketing Consent is checked: Add tag "Marketing Opt-In" and send the appropriate opt-in SMS.
     • If both of the "Automated Reminders" and "Marketing Consent" checkboxes were checked on their opt-in form, then add both the "Automated Reminders Opt-In" tag and "Marketing Consent" tag and send the appropriate opt-in SMS.
     • Condition: Only send if not already tagged ( to avoid duplicate messages ).

2. Opt-Out Automation:
   • Trigger: Inbound SMS with "STOP" or "OUT"
   • Actions:
     • Remove tags: Automated Reminders Opt-In and Marketing Opt-In
     • Set SMS to DND ( Do Not Disturb ) for the contact.
     • Send internal notification to your team.

3. Help Automation:
   • Trigger: Inbound SMS with "HELP"
   • Actions:
     • Send SMS: "We have alerted our team, and someone will assist you shortly."
     • Notify a user internally using your preferred channel ( email, SMS, or system notification ).

4. Restart Automation:
   • Trigger: Inbound SMS with "START"
   • Actions:
     • Re-add appropriate tags based on prior consent.
     • Send the relevant opt-in message(s).

Step 8: Register for A2P

1. Go to Trust Center > Scroll down and click on the blue button that says "Start Registration Now" at the bottom of the page.

2. All the information for the A2P brand registration will be pulled in from your "Business Profile" settings. This is why we went over what to enter earlier.
3. Campaign Type:
   • Select Low Volume Standard( up to 6,000 segments/day ) - or - High Volume Standard( up to 600,000 segments/day ).
   • Acknowledge the fees: Registration and campaign fees vary and may change over time. Check the current fee structure during your registration process

Approved Campaign Example

4. Campaign Details

Campaign Use case:

Low Volume Mixed ( Recommended)

"This campaign sends appointment confirmations, message notifications, and offers for chiropractic adjustments to existing patients or new patients who have opted in to receive SMS notifications. The communications are sent via in-person POS, website forms, or webchat."

"This campaign sends appointment confirmations and updates to customers who have scheduled services with [[[ Insert Your Business Name ]]]. Our specific use cases include:

• Reminder messages sent 24-48 hours before the client's scheduled appointments.
• Account information delivery including estimate details, pricing, and payment confirmations.
• Confirmation messages when a customer books an on-site/online website or installation appointment.
• Day-of-service notifications about technician arrival times.
• Rescheduling notifications if an appointment time need to change.
• Follow-up communications after service completion.
• Order delivery updates.

Hi John! This is Jane from [[[ INSERT YOUR BUSINESS NAME ]]]. Our appointment for July 20 11:00 AM is confirmed. Please reach out to [[[ YOUR NAME ]]] in case you need to reschedule. Reply STOP or OUT to unsubscribe.

Hey John, Thank you for your recent purchase, here is the 20% discount code you can use toward one of my coaching packages: 2025COACH. Thank you again, [[[ INSERT YOUR BUSINESS NAME ]]]. Reply STOP or OUT to unsubscribe.

Note: Provide examples of messages you will send. Use the phone number that you purchased through LC Phone or Twilio inside of these message templates. If you use a text message opt-in, make sure to include supporting images or Google Doc links.

The messages include age gated content as defined by Carrier and CTA guidelines.

For most people the answer to this question will be no, and you will leave this box unchecked. [ Check this box if your messages will contain age gated content as defined by Carrier and CTA guidelines ]

The messages include content related to direct lending or other loan arrangement.

For most people the answer to this question will be no, and you will leave this box unchecked. [ Check this box if your messages will contain content related to direct lending or other loan arrangement ]

How do lead/contacts consent to receive messages?

End users opt in through a form on the website: https://www.abccompany.com/contact-us, via the website chat widget, and also through our POS system at our office, with consent language similar to that on our website.

Opt-in Message

Jane, you have successfully opted-in to receive notifications and promotional SMS from [[[ INSERT YOUR BUSINESS NAME ]]]. Standard Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Please reply STOP if you need to Opt-out in the future.

5. Submit your registration.

Step 9: Monitor and Maintain Compliance

• Please test the opt-in webpage and automations regularly.
• Update your "Privacy Policy" and Terms of Service" as laws and regulations change.
• Make sure that your campaigns only send messages matching the consent that the contact gave you on the opt-in form. Example: Do not send marketing messages to contacts who only opted in for "Automated Reminders and Service Based messages."

Notes on Keywords

Opt-in Keywords?

Subscribe, Start

Note: Opt-In Keywords should be alphanumeric or accented characters. The use of spaces between keywords, such as 'I Agree' and 'Sign UP,' is not permitted. However, one-word keywords are acceptable. Suitable options include Subscribe, Start, Y, Yes, Confirm, and Register.

Opt-out Message:

You have successfully been unsubscribed. You will not receive any more messages from this number. Reply START to resubscribe.

Opt-out Keywords:

CANCEL, END, QUIT, UNSUBSCRIBE, STOP, STOPALL

Help Message:

Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.

Help Keywords:

HELP, INFO

Ensure Data Accuracy and Consistency

Ensure Your Use Case Involves Consumer Consent Before Sending Messages

What Can I Do If My Campaigns are Rejected?

Some Other Possible Reasons for A2P Rejections

Sometimes, A2P campaigns are rejected due to users including custom fields or values in their sample message templates that are submitted for approval for campaign details. It's important to note that this practice is strongly discouraged.

Here is an example of a message template that should be avoided:

"Hey {{name}}!

Samuel from [write the client's company name here] here. We remember you had signed up to receive an appointment with us a little while back.

When could we get you rescheduled?

Reply STOP to opt out."

Instead, here is an example of a well-structured message template:

"Hey John!

Samuel from Media Realty LLC here. We remember you had signed up to receive an appointment with us a little while back.

When could we get you rescheduled?

Reply STOP to opt out.

Forbidden Use Cases Will Result in Campaign Rejection

FAQ

What if my consent checkboxes are not on the first page?

• If the consent checkbox is showing at the end of a survey, behind an appointment booking calendar, or a paywall Please include a hosted link to an image of the opt-in.

• • Example Response to the question "How do lead/contacts consent to receive messages?" field:

    
    

    End users opt-in by visiting - [[ INSERT THE LINK TO YOUR FUNNEL/WEBSITE PAGE THAT HAS THE OPT-IN FORM ON IT. Example: https://www.mycompany.com/comingsoon ]] and filling in their details. This is a page where people can see a list of all the services we offer and buy. Users check a box to receive notifications & promotional messages to provide their consent. Additionally end users can also text START to [[[ INSERT YOUR PHONE BUSINESS NUMBER]]]. Example: +1 (213) 725-2867 ]]. Please note that I also have a live website where people can book a discovery call with me, while my other site is under construction. Here is where they can book a call: https://www.mycompany.com/book-a-call, the opt-in form is in the calendar. Please see attached process and form here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FjjZX4R9YOEPvg9qbk7u3btieJC0iVzRJFsh-G-EjSE/edit?usp=sharing

What if I have a DBA? I want to enter my name for the "Sender ID" instead of my legal business name.

If you have an EIN for your business, but you want to use a different brand name for your messages, you can add this sentence "We are doing DBA as [[ [ INSERT Your DBA NAME ]]]" in the Campaign Use Case Description within your Campaign Details on the A2P form. Make sure the rest of the submission including the website matches with the DBA business name. You can register the same EIN for 10 brands max.

"[[[Insert Your DBA NAME ]]]" is a DBA under [[[ INSERT YOUR LEGAL BUSINESS NAME ]]].

We are doing DBA as "[[[Insert Your DBA NAME ]]]". This campaign sends appointment confirmations, message notifications, relevant account information, opt-in and opt-out confirmations, product information, promotional offers, marketing messages, responses to help requests, links to support resources, and webchat widget responses, to existing customers or new customers who have opted-in to receive SMS notifications.

We are doing DBA as "[[[Insert Your DBA NAME ]]]". This campaign sends appointment information - confirmation & reminder messages to customers once they have booked an appointment with [[[Insert Your DBA NAME ]]] on the website and opted-in to receive promotional and notification SMS from [[[Insert Your DBA NAME ]]].

"[[[Insert Your DBA NAME ]]]" is a DBA under [[[ INSERT YOUR LEGAL BUSINESS NAME ]]].

Message Examples:

Hi John! This is Jane from [[[ INSERT YOUR LEGAL BUSINESS NAME | INSERT DBA NAME ]]]. Our appointment for July 20 11:00 AM is confirmed. Please reach out to [[[ YOUR NAME ]]] in case you need to reschedule. Reply STOP or OUT to unsubscribe.

Hey John, Thank you for your recent purchase, here is the 20% discount code you can use toward one of my coaching packages: 2025COACH. Thank you again,[[[ INSERT YOUR BUSINESS NAME | INSERT DBA NAME ]]]. Reply STOP or OUT to unsubscribe.

What happened to my A2P registration? My phone number cannot send text messages any more.

Even after the initial A2P campaign approval, your number can be retracted and suspended if the US Mobile Carriers complete an audit, and it reveals that your business is not in compliance.

We will need to reach out to the US Mobile Carriers in an attempt to get your phone account unsuspended. To make sure your website and opt-in form are in compliance, please complete the following steps:

1.Make sure to review the A2P guide above, and check your forms and SMS message templates to make sure they are in compliance.

2.Provide us with your website URL where leads go to opt-in to receive SMS messages from you.

( You may have provided this when you completed your A2P registration. )

3.Copy and paste the first text message you send to leads after they opt-in on your website.

( You may have a workflow set up for this, or you can provide us with the sample message you gave in your A2P submission. )

4.Email us at support@fgfunnels.com.

Your account may be under review for any of the following reasons:

• Sending SMS messages to leads that have not given you direct consent to do so. This means that the contacts you’re sending SMS messages to need to have gone on your website, filled out your opt-in form, and checked a consent checkbox in order to consented to receive SMS messages from you.

• You cannot buy, sell, or trade leads. This is in direct violation of the US Mobile Carriers and TCR policies.

• You have uploaded a previously opted-in lead list, and leads are opting out after they receive an SMS message.

• Customers may have marked your messages as spam directly to their mobile carrier. This metric is directly submitted to our phone provider, and is not visible in the FG Funnels platform.

• Carrier filtering ( Error Code 30007 ) will be caused by many factors, including spam messaging, no sender ID being present in your SMS, no opt-out language being present in your SMS, and forbidden messaging.

Any of these reasons listed above may led to the investigation of your account by the US Mobile Carriers.