🚫 How to Avoid Phone Carriers Marking Your Messages as SPAM

✨ When You Need This Guide

If you’ve ever wondered why some of your messages don’t get delivered, phone carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are likely doing their job protecting users from unwanted or spammy content. This article will help you write better messages that get delivered, every time.

Use this guide when:

Patients report not receiving your messages
You want to improve deliverability of appointment reminders or campaigns
You’re writing custom messages and want to stay compliant

📋 What This Covers

You’ll learn:

What kind of language phone carriers may block
How to avoid spam filters
Tips to boost message deliverability

✅ Best Practices for Writing Messages That Won’t Get Flagged

Carriers automatically block messages that look like spam or scams. These filters look for certain words, phrases, links, or patterns.

Here’s how to keep your messages compliant:

1. Avoid "Spammy" Language

Don’t use phrases like:

“Free money,” “Cash prize,” “Congratulations—you’ve won!”
“Urgent,” “Act fast,” “Immediate response required”
“Lose weight fast,” “Miracle cure,” “No credit check”

✅ Instead, write natural, helpful messages that clearly state their purpose.

2. Use Full, Clear Website Links

Avoid:

Shortened URLs like bit.ly, goo.gl
Links that don’t clearly match your brand

✅ Do:

Use full URLs
Make sure links are trustworthy and relevant

3. Keep Messages Short & Useful

Avoid long, paragraph-style texts
Focus on appointment reminders, helpful updates, or opt-in content

✅ Tip: If you have a lot to say, send a brief text and direct patients to check their email for full info.

4. Avoid Special Characters or Emojis

Dollar signs ($), emojis, or non-standard characters can trigger filters

✅ Stick to standard text with clear, plain language.

5. Make Sure Patients Opted In

Before messaging, confirm:

Patients clearly agreed to receive texts
You give them a way to opt out if needed

✅ This is required by TCPA & CTIA guidelines—and keeps you trusted.

💡 Common Scenarios & Solutions

Scenario	What Might Be Happening	What You Can Do
Message never delivered	Flagged by a carrier filter	Check for spammy words or short links
Messages to many people fail	Looks like a mass marketing blast	Keep it short and relevant; break large sends into smaller batches
You used a $ symbol or emoji	Unicode triggers filters	Use standard characters only
You included “Click here to win”	Phrase likely flagged	Use more conversational, clear language
Your link looks suspicious	It may not match your domain	Use full links from your actual website

🔎 Common Questions

Why do phone carriers block messages?
To protect people from scams, spam, and unwanted messages.

What is 10DLC?
It’s a 10-digit long code—like a regular phone number—that’s used to send texts professionally.

Should my messages sound robotic?
No! Always write like you’re speaking to a real person. Make it friendly and helpful.

What kinds of phrases should I avoid?
Any phrases related to free money, urgency, health cures, prizes, or suspicious links.

Can I use emojis or dollar signs?
It’s best not to. Some special characters can trigger spam filters.

What if my message is long?
Send a short text telling the patient to check their email for more details.

🎉 You’ll Know It Worked When:

Messages are delivered successfully
Patients reply or confirm receipt
You feel confident sending clear, helpful communication

Still Not Sure? Let’s Check It Together.

We’re always happy to review a message before you send it!
📞 Call us at 1-800-563-0469
💬 Reach out via in-app chat—we reply in 30 minutes or less during business hours

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