To ensure your messages are delivered and remain compliant with carrier and regulatory standards, it's important to follow clear consent and content guidelines. Below are key best practices for sending compliant SMS through DialLink.
1. Always obtain consent before messaging
Before you message anyone, ensure they’ve given clear permission to receive texts from you. Consent protects your recipients, reduces the risk of being flagged as spam, and ensures your messaging practices comply with regulations.
See Proper consent for business text messaging for details.
2. Identify yourself and include opt-out instructions
In the first message you send, identify your business or organization and include information on how the recipient can unsubscribe. This helps build trust and ensures transparency from the start.
Including opt-out language (like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”) is required in your initial message, even if the recipient has already given consent. See Opt-out requirements for business text messaging for details.
3. Avoid generic link shorteners
If you include a shortened URL in any message, be sure to use a dedicated, branded short domain that belongs to your business (e.g., yourbrand.co/xyz). Avoid free public link shorteners like bit.ly or tiny.url, which are often flagged by carriers due to spam and fraud risks. Using your own short domain boosts credibility and reduces filtering risk.
Example of a properly branded short URL that meets US carrier expectations:
Hi, it’s John from Americans for Clean Air (ACA). Please contact your representatives today to let them know you care about reducing air pollution. For more info: aca.com/1234xyz - Reply STOP to unsubscribe.