Understanding 10DLC: Essential Insights & Implementation
Are you curious about what exactly 10DLC is and how it plays an important role in modern messaging? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
So, “What is 10DLC?”
It stands for 10 Digit Long Code, a method that allows businesses to send and receive text messages using their own dedicated phone numbers.
It’s worth taking the time to explore its benefits: cost-effectiveness, higher message capacity, improved customer engagement, compliance adherence, and future-ready communication tactics.
Whether you’re a marketer looking for affordable and effective messaging solutions or a business owner wanting to increase sales and receive massive savings, 10DLC has got you covered.
The 10DLC Glossary
First things first.
Before diving in to all things 10DLC, there are many related terms and acronyms.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself:
- 10DLC: 10-digit Long Code
- A2P: Application-to-Person
- Carrier: Mobile network service provider that sets guidelines and regulations for 10DLC usage
- Compliance: Adherence to carrier guidelines and industry regulations
- CSP: Campaign Service Provider
- MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service
- Opt-Out: Feature allowing recipients to unsubscribe from receiving further messages
- P2P: Person-to-Person
- Short Code: Short numerical sequences used for commercial messaging
- SMS: Short Message Service
- Throughput: Rate at which messages can be sent or received within a specific period
- Toll-Free Number: Numbers allowing free calls, sometimes used for messaging but primarily for voice calls
What is 10DLC?
10DLC, short for 10-Digit Long Codes, represents a standardized approach to business communication via SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) using standard 10-digit phone numbers. Initially, people primarily used these long codes for person-to-person (P2P) communication.
But with 10DLC’s arrival, businesses now get a chance to use these long codes for better communication with customers in Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging.
The concept of 10DLC stemmed from the necessity to provide a more cost-effective and versatile alternative to traditional short codes for business messaging. Short codes were often expensive and had limited availability, making them less accessible to smaller businesses. 10DLC emerged to bridge this gap, offering a more affordable and accessible option for businesses to engage with customers using the same familiar 10-digit phone numbers while still maintaining compliance and quality standards.
Coincidentally, 10DLC usage brings several advantages to businesses. It’s not just less expensive, it also lets companies send more messages. Additionally, it enhances customer engagement by leveraging familiar long codes, which instills a sense of trust and recognition among recipients.
Understanding 10DLC Application
Setting up and registering for 10DLC involves a structured procedure to ensure compliance and efficient messaging. Initially, businesses need to partner with a trusted service provider or a registered Campaign Service Provider (CSP) to acquire a 10DLC number. The registration process typically involves providing details about the business, its intended use of 10DLC, and adhering to carrier-specific requirements and guidelines.
The 10DLC registration process with Clerk Chat involves sharing your company’s:
- Legal company name
- Brand name
- Country of registration
- Organization legal form (i.e. non profit, government, etc.)
- Company EIN and issuing country
- Address
- Point of contact
After registration, businesses must vet their campaigns to guarantee alignment with carrier guidelines. This process aims to maintain the quality of messaging and avoid spam or misuse of the system, ensuring a positive experience for both businesses and recipients.
Numerous industries and business sectors leverage 10DLC for their messaging needs. For example, in retail and e-commerce, it’s used for order confirmations and deliveries. In healthcare, it’s for appointment reminders and notifications. And in finance, it’s for transaction alerts.
Implementing 10DLC effectively involves adhering to a set of best practices. These include maintaining transparency with recipients, providing sms opt-out options, and ensuring messages contain clear identification of the sender. Additionally, sticking to carrier rules, always updating and improving campaigns, and watching for any irregularities in messaging traffic are crucial for successful 10DLC use.
By following these best practices, businesses not only ensure adherence to regulations but also foster a positive customer experience, leading to enhanced engagement and satisfaction.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 10DLC
10DLC presents several advantages for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective messaging solutions. One of the obvious advantages is its affordability in comparison to dedicated short codes. 10DLC often offers inexpensive plans that fit within tight budgets. Businesses can save by sending messages instantly and receiving discounts on bulk purchases.
Not only does 10DLC increase sales and savings, but it also provides unlimited opportunities for businesses to engage with their customers. With helpful guides, templates, and tools, businesses can create sales announcements and share updates in minutes. The flexibility of 10DLC allows businesses to tailor their messages and strategies to specific factors, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Many businesses also opt for using their familiar 10-digit phone numbers, fostering trust and recognition among recipients. Additionally, 10DLC offers a more accessible option for smaller businesses to engage in A2P messaging, expanding their reach and communication capabilities.
Despite its numerous advantages, implementing 10DLC can present a number of challenges and limitations, too. First, understanding what 10DLC actually is and being aware of varying carrier requirements can be a hurdle for many. Choosing the right service provider and adhering to deadlines can be crucial in order to avoid delays or complications. Moreover, even though it can be cost-effective, if not managed properly, costs can increase significantly.
Despite the potential for savings and discounts, navigating this process can be time-consuming and require extensive knowledge. However, with the right tools, strategies, and solutions, businesses can overcome these challenges and make informed decisions when opting for 10DLC as their messaging solution.
It’s worth doing your homework.
Comparing 10DLC with Other Messaging Solutions
When it comes to business messaging, explore 10DLC in addition to other communication options. Each has its strengths and specific uses. Understanding the differences between 10DLC and other messaging systems is important for businesses seeking effective communication channels.
Here are a few examples:
10DLC vs. Short Codes: Short codes, which are short and easy to remember numbers, are widely used for commercial messaging. These exclusive, dedicated numbers offer high throughput and instant recognition. However, acquiring and maintaining a short code can be expensive and time-consuming.
10DLC vs. Toll-Free Numbers: Toll-free numbers have been the go-to for businesses, providing a free calling option for customers. It also supports messaging but mostly focuses on voice calls. Toll-free numbers can be expensive and have limited availability.
10DLC vs. P2P Messaging: Person-to-person (P2P) messaging involves traditional, non-commercial use of standard phone numbers for personal communication. P2P messaging allows for direct and informal exchanges between individuals. While P2P messaging focuses on personal interactions, 10DLC extends the use of these numbers for professional and promotional purposes.
The Future of 10DLC
The future of 10DLC looks promising. One key area of development involves streamlining the registration and application process, potentially reducing complexities and making it more accessible for businesses. Additionally, advancements in technology may further optimize message delivery, ensuring faster and more reliable communication through 10DLC.
There’s always a possibility of the combination of AI joining 10DLC, bringing more personalized communication. As tech keeps moving forward, teamwork between service providers, businesses, and carriers is getting stronger, refining rules, and creating smoother experiences for business texting.
These advancements may pave the way for a more seamless and user-friendly 10DLC ecosystem.
Business Messaging Potential with 10DLC
10DLC is an essential tool that holds great significance in the world of business messaging by giving businesses and organizations a way to effectively communicate with their customers through text messages. It’s a cost-effective, accessible, and compliant solution.
Its use of familiar 10-digit phone numbers make it possible for businesses to establish a trustworthy and direct line of communication and stay connected with their customers in a convenient and efficient manner.
And, the ability to adapt these numbers for commercial use while maintaining compliance with carrier regulations ensures a sustainable and efficient messaging system for businesses across various industries.
Implementing 10DLC relies on commitment to compliance and best practices. Follow carrier guidelines, be honest with customers, and fine-tune your messaging.
Schedule a demo to understand 10DLC’s impact on your business communication. We are here to help.
