Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Sierra’s Best Texting Practices for Online Success

Follow these texting best practices to improve deliverability, protect your number’s reputation, and ensure compliance with federal and carrier regulations.

 

Why This Feature Matters

 

 

As text messaging becomes more regulated, adhering to Sierra’s texting best practices ensures that:

 

  • Your texts are delivered successfully and not blocked by mobile carriers

  • You remain compliant with federal laws like the TCPA and CASL

  • Your business reputation remains strong and trusted by leads

  • You avoid costly fines, opt-out spikes, or carrier filtering

 

 

 

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

 

 

Best Practices to Follow

 

 

  1. Get Written Consent

     

    • Always obtain written opt-in from cold leads before sending promotional texts.

     

  2. Introduce Yourself

     

    • In every initial message, include your name, company, and reason for contacting the lead.

     

  3. Include Opt-Out Language

     

    • Clearly explain how recipients can unsubscribe (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).

     

  4. Avoid Long Texts

     

    • Use a text segment counter to stay within 1–2 segments. Avoid messages that break into multiple SMS parts.

     

  5. Audit Your Campaigns

     

    • Regularly review campaigns for:

       

      • Over-texting inactive leads

      • Messages with high opt-out rates

       

     

  6. Avoid Spam Trigger Words and Formatting

     

    • Especially in first texts or automated campaigns, avoid terms like:

       

      • Offer, Refinance, Buy Now, Get Rich, Loan, Credit

       

    • Also avoid:

       

      • ALL CAPS, !!!!, $$$, excessive emojis, or free URL shorteners (e.g., TinyURL)

       

     

  7. Be Strategic with Bulk Texting

     

    • Don’t send mass texts to cold or unengaged leads

    • Instead, use automations triggered by lead behavior (e.g., contact forms)

     

  8. Use One-to-One Conversations

     

    • Sierra’s tools are designed for personalized, interactive texting, not blast marketing

     

 

 

 

 

Avoiding 30007 Error Code Violations

 

 

  • Error Code 30007 means your message was blocked by a mobile carrier.

  • Carriers evaluate your number based on:

     

    • Answer Rates

    • Frequency and Time of Messages

    • Opt-Out Rates

    • Complaint History

     

 

 

Following Sierra’s best practices is your best defense against filtering.

 

 

 

What Sierra Is Doing to Help

 

 

  • A2P 10DLC Compliance: Required registration of your business with dialer tools

  • Improved Opt-In/Opt-Out Flows

  • Coming Soon (Q2 2024):

     

    • Email notifications to Primary Managers when usage falls out of compliance

    • Live webinar to review texting rules, industry changes, and delivery optimization strategies

     

 

 

 

 

Tools to Maintain Healthy Reputation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historical Context: Who Regulates What?

 

 

Federal & Industry Regulators:

 

  • FCC: Oversees TCPA compliance

  • FTC: Protects consumers from deceptive marketing

  • TCPA: Restricts marketing calls and texts without consent

  • CASL: Canadian anti-spam law

 

 

Mobile Carriers:

 

  • Enforce private filtering rules

  • Created A2P 10DLC to regulate business messaging

 

 

Messaging Providers (like Sierra):

 

  • Facilitate compliant texting

  • Help clients maintain good standing but rely on you to follow best practices

 

 

 

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

 

 

  • My messages are being blocked: Review your content, message frequency, and consent process

  • I’m receiving Error 30007: You may be using flagged words, violating opt-in rules, or over-texting

  • My delivery rates are dropping: Reduce message frequency, avoid bulk texts, and clean your lists

 

 

 

 

FAQs

 

 

Do I need consent to text a lead?

Yes, especially for promotional or automated messages. Consent must be written and explicit.

 

What’s the difference between cold and warm leads?

Cold leads haven’t engaged with you yet—warm leads have responded or opted in through forms or conversations.

 

How can I monitor text message performance?

Use Sierra reporting tools to monitor deliverability, opt-outs, and response rates.