Message filtering refers to phone carriers blocking outgoing messages considered spam. Here are some best practices to reduce the risk of message filtering and to maximize message delivery:
1. Identify yourself when first messaging a contact
Clearly state who you are, e.g. "Hey, this is Ty from Whippy." Only identify yourself in the initial message.
2. Use clear and concise copy
Avoid lengthy messages
Use a friendly, not overly formal tone
Don't overuse CAPITAL letters
Go easy on the use of symbols like exclamation marks !!! or emojis 😂 🔥 👍
3. Ensure message content is not spam, unwanted, or illegal
Don't include:
Marketing language like "SIGN UP NOW FREE" or "BUY NOW"
High volume to clients without prior communication
Repeated content sent to many recipients
Cannabis, prescription drugs, or fraudulent/phishing content
Malware, viruses, hate speech, harassment, or abuse
4. Allow recipients to opt out
Include "opt-out" info like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in your first message.
5. Only contact numbers that have consented to communication
Before sending your first message, clients must agree to receive communications. Keep consent records like document scans or online signup timestamps.
6. Message Length
Longer messages have a high likelihood of getting filtered by phone carriers. Our data analysis suggests that messages over 3 segments (approx 480 characters) will take longer to get delivered and may get filtered. This is especially true for recipients who don't use a major phone carrier like T-Mobile, Verizon or ATT.
Please Note
Once a message from your phone number is flagged for SPAM by a phone carrier, there is a much higher chance that future messages could also be flagged, even if you follow these best practices. In the event that this does happen, please reach out to customer support who can help you work with the downstream phone carrier to remove SPAM blocks on your number.