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How to Avoid Blocked Texts and Get More Replies with Sierra

Stay Compliant, Boost Deliverability, and Get More Replies from Leads.

Table of Contents

  1. Step-by-Step Best Practices

  2. What Sierra + Twilio Do Behind the Scenes

  3. Tools & Resources

  4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  5. FAQs

  6. Final Takeaways

Why This Feature Matters

Text messaging is one of the fastest ways to connect with leads—but it’s heavily regulated and monitored by carriers. Sierra uses Twilio, a carrier-grade platform, to power all text communication.

That means:

  • Messages are subject to carrier filtering (spam checks, frequency checks, opt-out monitoring).
  • Error codes come directly from Twilio when a carrier blocks or rejects a message.
  • Business registration (A2P 10DLC in the U.S.) flows through Twilio to improve deliverability and trust.

Sierra adds safeguards like automatic opt-in and opt-out language, ensuring compliance while keeping messages effective and more likely to get replies.

For more information on opt-in and opt-out language visit Ensure Compliance with Text Messaging Regulations Using Sierra 

Step-by-Step Best Practices

1. Collect Written Consent via Lead Capture Forms

  • Use website forms, landing pages, or property inquiries with explicit opt-in.
  • Example: “Enter your name and phone number to get new listing alerts. By submitting, you consent to receive texts from [Your Company]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
  • Pre-checked boxes do not count under TCPA/CASL.

Imported leads must also have documented consent before sending promotional texts.

2. Introduce Yourself Clearly

  • Include your name, company, and purpose in every new message.
  • Example: “Hi John, this is Sarah from Coastline Realty. Thanks for signing up on my site! Let me know if you're still looking in Tampa. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
  • Carriers and recipients are more likely to trust messages that clearly identify the sender.

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3. Always Include Opt-Out Language (Auto-Appends)

  • Sierra automatically appends opt-out instructions for new leads.
  • Example: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe. – [Office Name]”
  • Sent on the first message and repeated every 30 days until the lead replies.

4. Keep Texts Short & Relevant

  • Use Text Segment Counter to stay within 1–2 SMS segments (~160 characters).
  • Avoid filler, emojis, and multi-segment messages.
  • Send messages triggered by recent lead activity (e.g., saved searches, contact form submissions).

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5. Time and Frequency Matter

  • Text only during business hours (8 AM – 8 PM local time).
  • Respond after hours only if in an active conversation.
  • Limit unengaged leads to 1–2 texts/week and adjust based on reply rates and opt-outs.

6. Avoid Spam Triggers

  • Words/phrases flagged by Twilio: “Buy now,” “Offer,” “Free,” “Click here now!”
  • Avoid ALL CAPS, excessive punctuation, free URL shorteners.
  • Use branded links and clean, professional language.

7. Be Strategic with Bulk Texting

  • Don’t send mass messages to cold or unengaged leads.
  • Use behavior-based automations via Smart Filters or engagement triggers.
  • Focus on one-to-one conversational flows to maximize responses.

8. Audit Campaigns Regularly

  • Monitor opt-out spikes, delivery drops, and engagement rates.
  • Remove unresponsive or inactive leads to protect number reputation.
  • Review automated campaigns for repetitive or outdated language.

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9. Twilio & Error Codes

Error 30007 signals a blocked message by a carrier. Causes include:

  • Spammy words, formatting, or free links.
  • Bulk texting unengaged leads.
  • Unregistered business numbers (A2P 10DLC).
  • Previous abuse reports affecting the number’s reputation.

Fix It By:

  • Cleaning content, scrubbing inactive leads, confirming A2P registration.
  • Reducing frequency and targeting engaged leads.

What Sierra + Twilio Do Behind the Scenes

  • Enforce opt-in and opt-out compliance.
  • Help register your business via A2P 10DLC.
  • Provide reporting on delivery rates, error codes, and opt-outs.
  • Flag risky language with spam-content filters.

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Tools & Resources

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Texts aren’t delivering: Review Twilio error codes, avoid spam triggers, confirm opt-in consent.
  • Error 30007 persists: Adjust content, scrub inactive leads, verify A2P registration.
  • Opt-out rates climbing: Reduce frequency, personalize messages, focus on active leads.

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FAQs

  • Do I need consent to text a lead?
     Yes. Written, explicit consent is required under TCPA, CASL, and Twilio messaging policy.
  • How often should I text?
     Start with 1–2 texts/week for unengaged leads; adjust based on engagement and opt-out rates.
  • Why are links sometimes blocked?
     Free URL shorteners are often blocked. Use Sierra tracking links or your own domain.
  • How can I improve replies?
     Keep messages short, relevant, and personalized. Trigger messages based on lead activity.
  • How can I check my number’s health?
     Monitor delivery rates, Twilio error codes, and opt-out trends in Sierra. Register numbers with Free Caller Registry or First Orion for added protection.
  • Why regulates texting?

    FCC – Oversees U.S. regulations via the TCPA, FTC – Prevents misleading or deceptive marketing, TCPA – Requires written consent before texting U.S. consumers, CASL – Canada’s anti-spam law, Mobile Carriers – Use algorithms to block unwanted traffic

✅ Final Takeaways:

By combining Sierra’s best practices with Twilio safeguards, you can:

  • Keep your number carrier-compliant and clean
  • Increase delivery and response rates
  • Build stronger, more trustworthy relationships with leads