Andrei Ghimpu July 15, 2024 A 2 minute read

Handling unwanted text message marketing – advice for recipients and senders

Unsubscribing from marketing text messages is a simple process. If you’re tired of receiving unwanted SMS, follow these straightforward steps to regain control of your inbox.

General Guidance for Consumers

  1. Common Commands: To unsubscribe, reply to the text message with “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE.” Other commands that often work include “END,” “QUIT,” or “CANCEL.”
  2. Confirmation: Once you send the unsubscribe command, the system should process your request, and you’ll receive a confirmation message indicating that you have been unsubscribed.
  3. Links and Instructions: Sometimes, texts may contain a link to unsubscribe or detailed instructions. However, using the commands mentioned above is usually effective across most services.
  4. Scam Awareness: Be cautious with links in text messages, especially from unknown senders, as they could be scams. Legitimate services will provide a clear way to opt-out without requiring you to click suspicious links.

Best Practices for Businesses Sending SMS Marketing Messages

As a business, it’s crucial to follow best practices when sending marketing messages to ensure a positive experience for your customers and compliance with regulations.

  1. Clear Opt-Out Instructions: Always include an easy way for recipients to unsubscribe in every marketing message. The commands “STOP,” “UNSUBSCRIBE,” “END,” “QUIT,” and “CANCEL” should be effective.
  2. Immediate Confirmation: Once a customer sends an unsubscribe request, immediately confirm that their request has been processed and they will no longer receive marketing messages.
  3. Regular Compliance Checks: Regularly review your SMS marketing practices to ensure they comply with legal standards and respect customer preferences.
  4. Avoid Over-Messaging: Be mindful of the frequency of your messages to avoid overwhelming recipients, which can lead to higher unsubscribe rates.
  5. Transparency: Clearly state how often customers can expect to receive messages and what type of content they will receive.

By following these guidelines, businesses can maintain a respectful and effective SMS marketing strategy, while consumers can easily manage the messages they receive.

For more information and support, check out the resources provided by O’Brien Media.