SMS capabilities are currently available to North American customers only. We look forward to implementing GDPR-compliant SMS functionality for our UK customers in the future.
Overview
GotPhoto uses a third-party text messaging service called Twilio to securely send text messages to your customers via communication profiles and newsletters. When you complete your SMS Settings in GotPhoto, you will be assigned a Twilio phone number, which allows you to mask your own phone number whenever communicating with customers through your GotPhoto account; your own personal phone number will always remain private to your customers. In this article, we'll review the Twilio registration requirements for setting up your text messaging settings.
Requirements
US phone carriers, such as AT&T and T-Mobile, have implemented something called Application-to-Person 10 Digit Long Code (A2P 10DLC) messaging campaigns. A2P 10DLC is a formal program designed by US phone carriers that secures and improves business-to-consumer text messaging. It aims to build and maintain trust between businesses and consumers by establishing routes and validity for sending messages.
In accordance with A2P 10DLC messaging campaigns, US phone carriers now require all Twilio users to register and provide information to verify that they are a trustworthy business. Otherwise, text messages are more likely to be flagged as spam and not be delivered.
Shared Information
From your SMS Settings in GotPhoto, you will now be required to provide details about your photography business and consent to GotPhoto sharing this information with Twilio in order to register your business on your behalf.
You will be asked to provide the following information in order to register:
Businesses using an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Business name (this should be the LEGAL business name and should correspond to what's listed in your CP575 Notice)
- Physical address (this should be the LEGAL business address and should correspond to what's listed in your CP575 Notice)
- Business Type
- EIN (Employer Identification Number — this should be the EIN that corresponds to what's listed in your CP575 Notice)
- Website
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Your business title
- Your mobile phone number (this needs to be a working mobile number that you can be reached on. You may receive a text message to verify the number)
- Your job position
Businesses NOT using an EIN (i.e. Sole Proprietorship)
- Business name
- Physical address
- Business Type
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Your phone number
If you are a Sole Proprietor AND you also have an EIN (possible, not required), please make sure that the information you provide above corresponds to your CP575 Notice.
All registered accounts will receive a text to confirm their registration. It will say, "Please confirm your registration for US A2P Messaging by replying YES. Msg & data rates may apply."
Completing Registration
You can find your registration status directly in GotPhoto, under your SMS- Settings.
The following statuses will be shown:
- Completed: Your registration was fully approved by Twilio (no action required)
- In progress: If your registration is in progress, it's actively being reviewed by Twilio. No action is needed at this point.
- Rejected: If Twilio has rejected your application for some reason, either because the information you provided is wrong or because you haven't replied to the SMS to verify your registration. In this case, your action is required, Please get in touch with our support team.
FAQ
I'm in Canada, do I also need to go through the registration process?
Only US users need to register with Twilio; you simply need to share your cell phone number, and a Twilio number will be created. Only US users need to register with Twilio. Once you have set up your SMS settings in GotPhoto, their service will be enabled for your communication profiles that include text messages.
What happens if I don't consent to Twilio's registration requirements?
Only users who have registered with Twilio will have the SMS function enabled. If you want to connect with your customers via SMS with GotPhoto, you will need to register with Twilio.
Why is Twilio making this registration mandatory for US customers?
US phone carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others) have changed their requirements for third-party SMS applications. As our SMS integration is via a third party with Twilio, we have to abide by their decision and regulations to safeguard the customer. Phone carriers want to reduce unwanted and spam messages, and registering your number with Twilio is the only way to prevent an incorrect spam designation and to continue contacting your customers through SMS.
What does Twilio do with the registration information?
Twilio will send your information to The Campaign Registry (TCR), a 3rd party at the center of this program, who will validate your information and provide you with a Trust Score. The Trust Score confirms the legitimacy of the business entity and ensures SMS gets delivered seamlessly.
Can I use a virtual number (VoIP) like Google Voice?
For authentication purposes, you must register with a physical mobile phone in order to perform the initial text message confirmation. If you switch to a VoIP number after the confirmation, please note that you will not be able to receive text messages sent by customers. In addition, using a VoIP number can lead to disruptions in your communications with customers, as Twilio conducts audits from time to time that disable VoIP numbers.
The Takeaway
Registering with Twilio, providing business details, and confirming your registration via SMS ensure SMS functionality, prevent potential spam designation, and maintain a seamless connection with your customers.