SMS and MMS messaging have become essential communication tools for businesses. Whether it’s engaging customers with promotional campaigns or sending important alerts, enabling SMS/MMS through cloud calling platforms can significantly enhance your communication strategy. However, before you can begin leveraging these tools, your brand must be approved with The Campaign Registry (TCR). TCR ensures that businesses comply with regulations and carrier requirements, enhancing trust and reliability across messaging platforms.
Here are some essential tips to successfully get your brand approved with TCR and enable SMS/MMS for your cloud calling solution:
1. Understand TCR’s Role and Requirements
The Campaign Registry serves as a central hub for registering Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging campaigns. Its purpose is to ensure transparency and compliance while preventing spam and fraudulent messaging. Registration involves submitting details about your brand, use cases, and the types of messages you intend to send. Familiarize yourself with TCR’s rules to avoid delays or rejections.
Key information you’ll need:
- Business name and legal entity information
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Website URL and business contact details
- Details about your messaging campaigns (e.g., promotional, customer service, alerts)
2. Ensure Your Brand’s Information is Accurate
One of the most common reasons for delays in TCR approval is inconsistent or inaccurate information. Double-check that your business name, TIN/EIN, and contact details match your legal records. Discrepancies can lead to verification issues and unnecessary delays.
3. Define Your Use Cases Clearly
When submitting your application, you must specify the purpose of your messaging campaigns. TCR categorizes campaigns based on their intent, such as:
- Promotional: Marketing messages, discounts, or sales notifications
- Informational: Alerts, reminders, or updates
- Customer Care: Support and interaction with customers
Be clear and transparent about your intended use cases. If you’re planning multiple campaigns, register each one individually to ensure compliance.
4. Use a Trusted Partner
Partnering with a trusted cloud calling provider, such as UCC Networks can simplify the TCR registration process. Reputable providers often have established relationships with TCR and can guide you through the requirements while ensuring your SMS/MMS services are set up correctly.
At UCC Networks, we dedicate a project management team to each customer for helping with porting, call routing, and configuration, and the TCR registration process. UCC Networks may enable SMS/MMS for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, Vonage, and our upcoming proprietary cloud calling solution. We’ll handle the technical complexities, so you can focus on delivering value to your customers.
5. Adhere to Compliance Standards
To maintain approval and avoid penalties, it’s crucial to follow industry standards and regulations:
- Obtain Consent: Ensure customers opt-in to receive messages
- Provide opt-out options: Include clear instructions for unsubscribing in every message
- Avoid Spam: Send messages only to users who have granted permission
Carriers monitor messaging traffic for spam or fraudulent activity, so strict adherence to these guidelines is critical.
6. Be Prepared for Fees
TCR registration involves fees, which vary depending on the type of campaign and volume of messages. Budget accordingly to ensure your campaigns are financially sustainable. Working with a cloud calling partner can help you understand these costs upfront and plan effectively.
7. Test Your Messaging Setup
Once your brand and campaigns are approved, conduct thorough testing to ensure your SMS and MMS messages are delivered as expected. Verify formatting, links, and opt-out functionality to provide a great experience for your customers.
8. Monitor Performance and Compliance
After launching your campaigns, regularly monitor performance metrics like delivery rates and customer engagement. Stay updated on TCR and carrier regulations to maintain compliance and avoid disruptions to your messaging services.
At UCC Networks, we specialize in helping businesses unlock the full potential of their cloud calling platforms. Our solutions for Microsoft Teams, including our upcoming proprietary cloud calling solution, and partners such as Zoom, Vonage, and others makes it easy to integrate SMS and MMS while ensuring compliance with TCR.
Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your TCR approval process and elevate your business communications with SMS/MMS capabilities.
About UCC Networks
UCC Networks is a leading provider of unified communications and contact center solutions, tailored for business, financial, government, healthcare, retail, and international industries. Certified in multiple UCaaS and CCaaS partner programs, UCC Networks simplifies calling, messaging, meetings, and the customer journey experience. UCC Networks also offers multiple financial options, including leasing.
