Learn how to get approved for business text messaging with PATLive. Follow simple steps to stay compliant and connect with customers faster.
How to Make Text Messaging Work for Your Business
Text messaging is one of the fastest, most effective ways to connect with customers. From appointment reminders and account updates to promotional offers, texting keeps communication direct and convenient.
Because of consumer protection regulations, all businesses must go through an approval process before sending texts. While the process may seem complicated, PATLive makes the process straightforward. This guide walks you through how to get approved, so you can start using text messaging as a powerful business communication tool.
Why Text Messaging Approval Is Necessary
Business text messaging is regulated by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). These regulations are in place to prevent spam, fraud, and unwanted messages. Additionally, The Campaign Registry (TCR) works with wireless carriers to verify business messaging traffic and ensure compliance.
Without proper approval, your business’ messages may be blocked, undelivered, or even subject to significant fines. By completing the approval steps correctly, you can avoid these issues and ensure your messages reach your audience.
How PATLive Helps You Get Approved Quickly
PATLive is dedicated to making professional communication services easier for business owners. That’s why we’ve created a simple step-by-step process to help businesses get approved for text messaging.
Step 1: Submit Your Business Information
You will provide details that verify your business is legitimate, including:
- Business name and state of operation
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Valid business website (or social media page for verification)
- Contact information, including a business email and phone number
Important: Text messaging is not available during the free trial period and local numbers may require an additional fee depending on business type. Sole proprietors are not currently eligible for text messaging using a local number due to industry-wide restrictions. If this changes, PATLive will provide updates. In the meantime, toll-free messaging may be a good fit for sole proprietors.
Step 2: Define Your Messaging Campaign
You’ll describe who you are, who you’ll be texting, and why. Campaigns fall into three categories:
- Conversational — Two-way communication where the customer starts the conversation (e.g., customer care, support).
- Informational — One-way updates such as appointment reminders or notifications (e.g., healthcare alerts, account notifications, security alerts).
- Promotional — Marketing messages that require explicit written consent (e.g., sales promotions, surveys, contests, loyalty program updates).
Providing accurate details helps prevent delays or rejections during the approval process.
Step 3: Collect Customer Consent
Consent is a key requirement for business text messaging. Customers must agree to receive messages before you send them. There are several ways to collect consent:
- Web forms — Customers opt in by providing their phone number online.
- Text-to-Join — Customers text a keyword to opt in.
- Verbal or written agreement — Customers agree to receive messages when speaking with a representative or signing a document.
- Checkout opt-ins — Customers provide their number at checkout and agree to receive messages. Opt-in messages must include clear disclosures, including message frequency, opt-out instructions, and a link to your terms and privacy policy.
Required Opt-in Message Disclosures:
- Business name and purpose of the messaging
- Clarification that messages are automated and promotional
- Statement that consent is not a condition of purchase
- Expected message frequency
- Instructions on how to opt out
- Help instructions
- Notification that message and data rates may apply
- Links to terms and privacy policies
Sample Opt-in Message Example:
“You agree to receive automated promotional messages from [Business Name]. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Message & data rates apply. See [business website] for more details.”
Step 4: Submit Your Messaging Compliance Form
You’ll complete PATLive’s Messaging Compliance Form, which is sent to The Campaign Registry for approval. This step ensures your messaging aligns with industry regulations and includes:
- Your texting use case explanation
- At least four sample messages (one with opt-out instructions)
- Compliance with TCPA, CTIA, and TCR requirements
After your form is submitted, approval can take up to 14 days, depending on accuracy and review times.
What to Expect Once You’re Approved
Once approved, you can start sending text messages to your customers from your PATLive number. To maintain compliance, always:
- Ensure customers can easily opt out.
- Send messages only to those who have opted in.
- Avoid prohibited content.
Prohibited Content Categories:
Some types of content are strictly prohibited by carriers and industry regulations. These include:
- SHAFT — Sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco-related messaging
- Financial scams — Fraudulent loan offers, “get rich quick” schemes, credit repair services
- Cannabis/CBD — Messaging related to marijuana, even in legal states
- Unsolicited marketing — Messages sent without explicit consent
Violations can result in TCPA fines, CTIA audits, or suspension of your messaging service.
What You Need to Know About Messaging Fees
There may be activation fees or added costs for text messaging, depending on the business type. If you are texting from multiple numbers or need to reactivate a closed account, additional fees may apply. PATLive can provide up-to-date details on any costs involved.
How PATLive Makes Compliance Easy
Navigating text messaging compliance can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our customer service team is happy to answer your questions, help you through the approval process, and get you started with text messaging once your free trial ends. Feel free to contact us Monday – Friday from 8am – 8pm ET. PATLive is here to help every step of the way so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business and connecting with customers.