Text message marketing is an effective method to connect with your audience, but subscribers must opt-in first.

This guide will show you the rules and best practices to ensure your mobile marketing is legal. You can then confidently engage your customers through SMS. Use these opportunities to increase conversions and engagement!

What Does Opt, Opt In, or Opt-Out Mean?

When you “opt-in,” you agree to get texts from a business. In contrast, opting out lets you stop receiving SMS messages.

Why Do We Ask for Permission to Text Customers?

You want to keep communicating with your customers using SMS, a quick and effective method. That’s why it’s essential to get their consent before messaging them.

Text notifications are quick, simple, and less disruptive than calls or emails. Customers also decide how often they receive them, making SMS a valuable and time-saving tool.

Everyone benefits when businesses ask for texting consent. Customers get relevant updates, and companies gain their audience’s attention respectfully.

How to Ask Customers to Opt-In

Businesses use different methods to ask customers to opt into their texting services. The most common ways include:

• Collecting contact information: When customers fill out forms or start an online chat, businesses ask for phone numbers and include a checkbox to confirm if they want to receive messages.
• Receiving texts from customers: Businesses provide a text-enabled number on their “Contact Us” pages or social media profiles, making it easy for customers to connect through text.

These are typical scenarios where businesses send opt-in requests for text messages.

Examples of Opt-In Text Messages

• “Text YES to join our SMS list!”
• “Reply START to get text notifications!”
• “Want special deals? Text OPTIN now!”

What Is Double Opt-In?

Double opt-in ensures the phone number added to a mobile marketing list belongs to the person who entered it. This extra step confirms that people explicitly agree to receive messages, protecting businesses from sending unwanted notifications.

How Do Customers Opt-Out?

Opting out should be simple. Businesses include an unsubscribe keyword (like STOP) or a link at the end of each message so customers can easily opt out if needed.

Examples of Opt-Out Messages:

• “Text STOP to leave our SMS list!”
• “Reply END to stop receiving text alerts!”
• “Don’t want more exclusive offers? Send OPTOUT now!”

Why Customers Choose to Opt-In:

Opting into a business’s text message list provides several benefits:

Receive Timely Updates:

Get product launches, special offers, and important news instantly.

Access Exclusive Discounts:

Take advantage of special deals and personalized coupons only for subscribers.

Get Immediate Support:

Quickly reach customer service and support teams with just a few taps.

Experience Personalized Notifications:

Receive custom updates that match your preferences and interests.

Why Customers Choose to Opt-Out:

Opting out of a business’s text list can also be helpful:

Enhance Security:

Protect your personal data and account information by maintaining privacy.

Maintain Privacy:

Stop unwanted messages from cluttering your inbox.

Improve Time Management:

Cut down on notifications to reduce distractions and free up more time.

Opt-In and Opt-Out Guidelines

Businesses must respect customers’ time and preferences. They should always provide an easy way for customers to opt in or opt out of text messages whenever needed.

Best Practices for Opting In

• Simplify the process: Make the terms and conditions of your texting service straightforward to understand.
• Explain the message details: Clearly outline what type of messages customers will receive, who sends them, and how often.
• Ensure easy opt-out: Always allow customers to opt out anytime without difficulty.

Best Practices for Opting Out

• Include an unsubscribe option: Make sure every message offers a simple way for customers to unsubscribe.
• Stop sending messages: Once customers opt out, immediately stop sending messages.
• Honor their choice: Respect their decision to opt out without any pushback.

Launch Your Opt-In Texting Campaign with Avochato

Avochato enables you to start an opt-in texting campaign in just minutes. The platform provides everything you need to create engaging conversations with your customers and keep them informed about what matters to them.

Customers stay connected and informed by opting into your business’s text message list. Avochato helps you launch opt-in campaigns quickly and send personalized messages efficiently. Sign up for a free trial today and experience the benefits of opt-in texting!