If the purpose of 10DLC could be described in one word, it would be “trust.” Trust that can enforce happy, sustainable, and engaging relationships with customers who will appreciate spam-free text messaging they actually enjoy receiving. 

The process for getting started using 10DLC can sound complicated and time-consuming, but the long-term benefits companies can receive more than justify the investment. (Plus, our FreeClimb team will get you started and approved with 10DLC as part of our white-glove concierge service!) 

Let’s take a look at what 10DLC is, how it affects businesses, and related pros and cons. 

What is 10DLC? 

10DLC stands for “10-digit long code,” or a 10-digit phone number with a local area code. Businesses can use 10DLC to register their traditional 10-digit phone numbers to use for application-to-person (A2P) text messaging. 

Unlike short codes, 10DLC allows businesses to send text messages from familiar local phone numbers through a verified system at a high volume. This offers an improved experience for companies, mobile phone carriers, and customers. 

How 10DLC affects businesses 

10DLC can be a boon for businesses trying to reach customers via SMS and/or MMS messaging. 10DLC is cost-effective, helps to reinforce brand credibility, and enhances customer engagement. Additionally, companies reduce the risk of blocked messages by maintaining compliance with mobile phone carrier policies. 

10DLC is a transparent, verified, and private SMS and MMS ecosystem that protects companies and individual users. Companies that use 10DLC will have to undergo a registration process to ensure verification and trust, but if you choose FreeClimb, our team will handle most of this on your behalf.

Pros of 10DLC 

Improved message delivery

With registered 10DLC traffic, businesses can achieve higher messaging volumes, improved delivery rates, and faster processing times. 10DLC messages that meet carrier requirements are far less likely to be blocked or marked as spam. 

This increases the likelihood of reaching your target audience and improves the overall effectiveness of messaging campaigns.

Enhanced brand identity and customer engagement 

Businesses can enhance brand identity by using local, recognizable phone numbers with 10DLC messaging. It’s a much better user experience to receive a message from a familiar area code rather than an unfamiliar short code. Messages sent from local numbers have higher engagement rates and conversions. 

Younger generations especially expect more from the brands they want to purchase from, including how they can interact with them through their smartphones. A 2022 SMS marketing report shows 20% of Gen Z consumers would be likely to use text-to-buy functionality.

10DLC registration includes monitoring for spam and fraud. And while your business isn’t sending spam, your customers will stop receiving unwanted or unwelcome messages from random numbers they don’t recognize. That makes them more likely to sign up for, open, and engage with your messages. 10DLC unlocks the ability to reach an audience with meaningful, relevant, and timely messages on the device they use the most. 

Cost effectiveness 

10DLC can be very cost-effective. 10DLC numbers are typically much less expensive than dedicated short code numbers, which have an average monthly fee between $500-$1,000. Businesses can also 10DLC-enable existing numbers. 10DLC’s low per-message fees also allow businesses to send high message volume more cost-effectively.

Scalability 

10DLC offers advantages for scalability, making it ideal for large and growing companies who want to maintain seamless customer communication as the business expands and evolves. The scalability of 10DLC gives businesses the freedom to expand their communication efforts without facing limitations. For example, if an organization is cash-strapped, they can run a promotional campaign at any time to boost sales. Or, software teams can send urgent notifications regarding system outages.

Cons of 10DLC

Compliance requirements 

Using 10DLC requires businesses to adhere to specific compliance standards. These standards ensure messaging campaigns are conducted within legal boundaries, protecting both businesses and consumers. 

Understanding and complying with these requirements will take time and internal resources. It’s crucial for companies to comprehend compliance standards and ensure they can meet necessary requirements to avoid legal or reputational consequences.

To send 10DLC messages, businesses are required to complete registration with The Campaign Registry (TCR). If you’re a FreeClimb customer, we’ll do it for you. Tier 1 wireless carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile may impose additional regulations, but they are carrier-specific. Companies with multiple brands will need to complete registration (or have FreeClimb complete registration) for each brand and register each campaign name and purpose.

Requires setup  

The 10DLC setup process involves multiple steps, such as registration and Brand verification as discussed above. Businesses should plan accordingly to avoid delays or disruptions to messaging campaigns. The good news is that FreeClimb makes the process intuitive with a step-by-step 10DLC registration guide.

The first step includes providing the business name, contact information, and EIN. FreeClimb will use this information to obtain a Brand ID on your behalf. Next, FreeClimb will guide you through 10DLC campaign registration, which includes sharing the campaign description and sample messages, and submit them for approval. You’ll need to share specifics about your message flow, any call-to-action, and opt-in/opt-out messaging. Finally, we link your newly registered 10DLC ampaign with one or more phone numbers connected to your FreeClimb account.

FreeClimb provides the necessary support and resources to optimize 10DLC campaigns and ensure a smooth customer communication experience. Teams can get expert help directly from a FreeClimb engineer whenever they have a question.

Get a positive 10DLC experience with FreeClimb  

To ensure a seamless 10DLC experience, businesses can rely on FreeClimb’s expertise and dedication to customer service. FreeClimb streamlines the registration process, completes necessary Brand and Campaign registrations, and supports high messaging throughput. 

Allowing FreeClimb to do the heavy lifting mitigates any risk of making a mistake through the 10DLC Brand or Campaign registration process and ensures ongoing compliance with 10DLC requirements and standards. 

10DLC will transform an organization’s text messaging capabilities, making it possible to deliver valuable information to customers quickly and affordably. For example, delivery notifications help buyers know when to expect their package to avoid porch pirates and marketing messages about limited-time discounts make it more likely that customers will see the message before the sale ends. 

Ensure your business only experiences the positives of 10DLC by partnering with FreeClimb throughout the entire process.