FAQs

Yes, text messaging can be highly cost-effective for nonprofits. Compared to traditional marketing methods, text messaging often has lower costs per message sent. Additionally, text messaging platforms offer features like bulk messaging, automation, and targeting, allowing nonprofits to efficiently manage their communication efforts within budget.

Nonprofits must ensure compliance with privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and mobile carrier requirements and best pracrices. It's essential to obtain proper consent from supporters before sending them text messages. Implementing opt-in processes, providing clear information on data usage, and offering opt-out mechanisms are key steps in ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Text messaging can be a powerful tool for fundraising. Nonprofits can send donation appeals, event invitations, and updates directly to supporters' mobile devices, making it convenient for them to contribute. Text-to-donate campaigns, where supporters can make a donation by texting a keyword to a designated number, are also an effective way to engage donors and simplify the donation process.

Nonprofits can employ various strategies to grow their text messaging subscriber list. These includes leveraging their existing email list, promoting the text messaging program on their website, social media platforms and other communication channels. Offering exclusive content or incentives to those who subscribe, such as early event registration or opportunities to take action can also encourage supporters to opt-in. Collaborating with partner organizations or leveraging offline events can further expand the subscriber base.

Yes, there are several best practices to consider when crafting text messages for nonprofits. Messages should be concise, engaging, and action-oriented. It's important to personalize messages whenever possible and segment the audience to send targeted content. Nonprofits should also consider the frequency of messages to avoid overwhelming supporters and ensure they provide clear instructions or calls-to-action.

Text messaging can be integrated with other communication channels to create a cohesive and omnichannel experience. For example, nonprofits can use text messaging to drive traffic to their website, promote social media campaigns, or share updates that link to more detailed content via email. Integrating text messaging with other channels helps reinforce messaging and increases overall engagement.

First think about how you plan on using text messaging? Organizing, fundraising, advocacy, education? Then ask if your list of mobile numbers is opted in to received texts or not? If they aren’t you might not want to message them via a broadcast texting tool since this is considered a bad pracrice. What does your budget look like? Then consider how big your mobile list is and it’s likely growth over the next couple months to a year. Next think about how many SMS Broadcasts you plan to send over the course of one month. The best practice is to send between 2-4 messages per month to your list. 

To ensure compliance with spam regulations, nonprofits should obtain proper consent from recipients before sending text messages. Implementing an opt-in process, providing clear information on message frequency and content, and offering easy opt-out mechanisms are essential steps to comply with anti-spam regulations. It's also important to follow industry guidelines and best practices to maintain a positive sender reputation.

A broadcast mobile solution typically requires that you need an opt-in (consent via text or form) to send one message enmass out to hundreds, thousands or millions at a time. Whereas peer-to-peer mobile currently operates in what is a considered loophole within the FCC telecom regulations. You do not need an opt-in, but staff (or volunteers) must press send on every message using the platform provided. So if you are contacting thousands of people, an individuals needs to press send on every text message sent. Peer-to-peer also tends to cost slightly more either because the cost per SMS/MMS message is higher or the cost and time for someone to send each message. You can learn more by checking out this blog post on Broadcast vs. Peer-to-peer Mobile.  

10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code. It refers to the use of a standard local phone number for text messaging, allowing organizations to send and receive SMS messages. 10DLC numbers are typically used for application-to-person (A2P) messaging, including marketing campaigns, customer notifications, and two-way communication. They can be limiting for larger volume campaigns depending on how your organization is characterized and scored during the registration process.

A shortcode is a shortened phone number used for SMS messaging. Shortcodes typically consist of five or six digits, making them easy to remember. They are often used for high-volume messaging, such as mass marketing campaigns or automated notifications (ex. 56788). 

Toll-free texting allows organizations to send and receive SMS messages using a toll-free phone number. Toll-free numbers typically start with a specific three-digit code, such as 800, 888, or 877. Toll-free numbers are recognizable and trusted, providing customers with a convenient way to engage with the messages they receive. They can be purchased for both low and high volume campaigns, but the cost per month will differ depending on that volume.

Shortcodes are generally recommended for high-volume messaging campaigns, such as large-scale marketing or information services. They offer higher message throughput and can handle a larger volume of messages compared to 10DLC. If your organization requires the ability to send a high volume of messages quickly, a shortcode might be the better option. They are also great for keyword opt-in or text-to-give campaigns since they are short and easier to remember (ie. Text GIVE to 66778)

Yes, there are compliance requirements for using these messaging methods, including adherence to carrier regulations, industry guidelines, FCC regulations and best practices. It's important to ensure proper consent and opt-in processes, follow anti-spam regulations, and provide clear instructions for opting out. Compliance helps maintain message deliverability and protects against misuse.