Ron Kinkade
The frustration of having your text messages blocked is not just inconvenient; it can be detrimental to businesses relying on timely messaging. As we explored in our previous blog post, "Why Aren't My Text Messages Being Delivered?", various factors contribute to this issue, from flagged keywords to carrier filtering.
In this guide, we'll dive into a step-by-step recovery plan for businesses facing text message blocks, shedding light on how Text-Em-All can be your reliable ally in overcoming these challenges.
Table of Contents
6 Reasons Text Messages Get Blocked by Carriers
A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
Proven Success Stories
6 Reasons Carriers are Blocking Your Text Messages
Understanding why text messages get blocked is crucial for creating an effective recovery strategy. Carrier filtering plays a significant role in preventing spam and maintaining the integrity of communication channels. Businesses can face blocks for reasons such as sending messages in bulk, using flagged keywords, or including elements that trigger carrier filters.
Here are six common reasons texts are blocked:
1. Bulk Messaging Practices
Carriers are vigilant against spammers who overwhelm users with identical messages in quick succession. If a business sends bulk messages without changing its messaging and appropriately scheduling, it might trigger filters designed to identify potential spam.
Our recommendation: To avoid this, implement staggered sending schedules, vary your message content, and consider personalizing messages to reduce the appearance of bulk messaging.
2. Flagged Keywords
Carriers use sophisticated algorithms to identify messages containing flagged keywords associated with spam or unsolicited marketing. These could include terms that spammers commonly use to elude filters.
Here are a few examples:
- “Congratulations! You’re a winner! Get your cash now!”
- “Limited time offer - act now!”
- “Urgent: Claim your free prize now!”
Our recommendation: Make sure your messages avoid these flagged keywords. Regularly update your keyword lists to align with carrier guidelines.
3. Message Content Characteristics
Messages written in all caps, full of special characters, or featuring excessive punctuation might be flagged as spam. Adjusting your content to maintain a professional tone can significantly improve your messages' chances of reaching their intended recipients.
Our recommendation: Adjust your content to maintain a professional and natural tone. This will significantly improve your messages' chances of reaching their intended recipients.
4. Including Email Addresses or Links
Carriers often block messages containing email addresses or links, especially if they appear suspicious. Utilizing a branded link or providing the full link instead of a shortened URL can help bypass filtering and enhance message deliverability.
Our recommendation: Ensure that any links included in your messages are relevant and lead to legitimate destinations.
5. Numeric Overload or Dates in Messages
Excessive use of numbers or dates in your messages can trigger filters. Maintaining a balance in your content and avoiding overloading messages with numerical information can prevent your messages from being flagged.
Our recommendation: Use numbers as needed and provide information in a clear and concise manner.
6. Repetitive Content
Carriers may block messages that feature repetitive content, especially if sent to multiple recipients frequently. Changing your messaging strategy and introducing variety can signal carriers that your messages are not spam.
Our recommendation: Ensure your messaging content is diverse and relevant to the recipient, reducing the likelihood of being flagged for repetitive content.
Understanding these factors is crucial for developing a robust messaging strategy that minimizes the risk of your messages being blocked by carriers.
Read: Texting 101: The Full Guide to Mass Texting as a Business
A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
If your text messages are getting blocked, the first step is to determine whether it's a carrier-specific issue or due to other reasons. Follow this step-by-step guide to recover:
Step 1: Identify the Issue
Check your messaging platform for any indications that your messages are marked as "Not Delivered," “Failed,” or if there's a red exclamation mark. Use your platform's tools to analyze delivery details and pinpoint the problem.
In your Text-Em-All account, your message will be marked as “Failed” in red.
Step 2: Contact the Carrier
If you’ve ruled out other delivery issues and suspect the problem is with a specific carrier, contact your mass messaging platform’s customer support team. They will contact the carrier on your behalf to get more information about the reason for blocking. Be prepared to provide specific details about your messaging practices.
Step 3: If Suggested, Register Your Text Number
Your mass messaging platform should help you submit your registration information and confirm your status. Local number registration only takes a few days, but toll-free number registration can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Here are a few things you’ll need for local number registration:
- Your DBA or Brand Name
- Business EIN
- Primary Contact
- Sample Messages
- Consent Details
Step 4: Ensure Compliance
Review your messaging practices to ensure compliance with carrier policies. Adjust your content to avoid flagged keywords or elements that could trigger filters.
Step 5: Optimize Message Delivery
Implement best practices for messaging, such as using a mass messaging service like Text-Em-All. The right tools and services can help you detect mobile numbers, automatically handle opt-outs, and significantly reduce deliverability issues.
How Text-Em-All Can Help
Text-Em-All is your trusted partner in overcoming text message delivery challenges. Here's how we make sure your message gets delivered to your recipients:
Automated Detection of Invalid Numbers
Our platform automatically identifies invalid numbers, helping you maintain an accurate and up-to-date contact list.
Opt-Out Management
Text-Em-All's system detects and handles inbound messages expressing an intent to opt out. This ensures compliance and keeps you connected with an engaged audience.
Award-Winning Support
Benefit from personalized guidance through the recovery process. Our experienced team is ready to assist you in resolving issues and optimizing your messaging strategy.
Proven Success Stories
Read testimonials and case studies from businesses that have successfully navigated text message blocks with Text-Em-All's support.
When we learned of this customer’s deliverability issues, our team proactively updated their registration and reached out with an update via email.
“It was a nice surprise to see this communication already in my inbox this morning. Thank you so much for the quick reply to the issues we were having yesterday.”
This customer reached out to us because their number was blocked. We collected more information from them and resolved the block.
“You guys are fantastic. I never thought the issue would be so easy to resolve.”
This customer needed clarification on registration. They were not blocked but proactively reached out to us.
“I appreciate the help that Sarah and Reanna provided concerning my question on registering our toll-free number.”
Break Free from Message Blocking with Text-Em-All
Don't let text message blocks hinder your business communication. With Text-Em-All, you have a reliable ally to guide you through recovery and enhance your messaging strategy. Get started for free today and experience the difference in message deliverability. Your communication success is just a click away.