Texting your customers is one of the most effective ways to stay connected and grow your business — but it only works if it’s done with care and respect. There are a few key guidelines that help protect your business and your customer relationships.

If you’re just getting started with SMS marketing, this is your crash course in staying compliant.

Why Compliance Matters

We get it — reading legal guidelines isn’t exactly thrilling. But here’s the thing:
📵 Breaking the rules can lead to heavy fines — we’re talking thousands per message.
😡 It can also hurt your brand’s reputation and get your number flagged or blocked.

The good news? Staying compliant is simple when you know the basics.

1. Get Clear, Written Consent (AKA Opt-In)

Before you text anyone, you need their explicit permission. That means no texting random phone numbers you bought or scraped. Ever.

✅ Someone can opt in by:

• Filling out a web form with a checkbox that clearly states they’ll receive texts
• Texting a keyword to your number (like “JOIN” to 888-123-4567)
• Signing up in person with a clear disclosure

❌ Someone liking your Instagram post or buying something from you once does NOT count as permission to text.

2. Disclose What They’re Signing Up For

When someone opts in, you need to tell them:

• What kind of messages they’ll receive (promotions, updates, reminders, etc.)
• That standard message and data rates may apply
• How they can opt out

👉 Example opt-in message:
“By signing up, you agree to receive promotional messages from [Your Brand]. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.”

3. Make Opting Out Easy

Your contacts should be able to unsubscribe at any time — no hoops to jump through.

✅ textLIVING includes a checkbox when sending a text:
“Reply STOP to unsubscribe”

textLIVING automatically removes them from future sends when they do.

4. Send Messages at Reasonable Hours

No one wants a 3 a.m. promo text. Most U.S. compliance guidelines recommend sending texts between 8am and 9pm local time (a.k.a. quiet hours outside of that).

textLIVING states the recommended hours to send a text before you schedule a text, make sure you’re respecting time zones.

5. Only Send What You Promised

If someone signed up for weekly deals, don’t start sending daily texts about random things. This breaks trust and the original opt-in agreement.

Stick to the type and frequency of messages you disclosed when they signed up.

6. Keep a Record of Consent

This one’s often overlooked — but super important.

📁 Keep a record of who opted in, when, and how.
If a complaint ever comes up, you’ll want to show that the subscriber agreed to receive messages.

textLIVING does all of this for you. The software tracks your subscribers and who has opted-in and out.

7. Use a Trusted SMS Platform

The easiest way to stay compliant? Use a platform that bakes compliance into the system.

At textLIVING, we’ve built all of this in:

• Double opt-in flows
• Automatic STOP handling
• Quiet hour enforcement

So you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the legal stuff.

Final Thoughts

SMS marketing is powerful because it’s personal. That’s why it’s regulated. Following the rules protects you — and shows respect for your customers’ time and attention.

Text responsibly, and you’ll build a list of loyal subscribers who actually want to hear from you.

Want help getting started the right way?

Join our FREE webinar to learn how to build a compliant (and profitable) SMS business. Spots are limited!
📅 HERE