85OFFat checkoutSMS MARKETING GLOSSARY
The complete guide to SMS marketing terminology. Learn the meaning of 10DLC, A2P messaging, TCPA compliance, and 30+ essential terms used in business text messaging.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a phone number format that allows businesses to send A2P (Application-to-Person) text messages using standard 10-digit phone numbers. Registration is required by carriers for business messaging compliance.
COMPLIANCE & REGULATIONS
Legal requirements and industry standards for SMS marketing
10DLC
10-Digit Long Code - A standard 10-digit phone number registered for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging.
TCR (The Campaign Registry)
The Campaign Registry - The central database where businesses register their brand and messaging campaigns for 10DLC.
Campaign Registry
The process of registering your SMS messaging campaigns with carriers for 10DLC approval.
Brand Registration
The first step in 10DLC setup where your business identity is verified and registered with carriers.
TCPA
Telephone Consumer Protection Act - The federal law governing SMS marketing consent requirements.
Opt-In
The process by which a consumer provides explicit consent to receive marketing text messages.
Opt-Out
The process by which a consumer withdraws consent and unsubscribes from receiving text messages.
DNC List (Do Not Call)
A registry of phone numbers that have requested not to receive telemarketing communications.
Trust Score
A carrier-assigned rating that determines your 10DLC messaging throughput and deliverability.
CTIA
The trade association representing the U.S. wireless communications industry and setting SMS guidelines.
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
A unique 9-digit number assigned by the IRS, required for 10DLC brand registration.
Suppression List
A list of phone numbers that should never receive messages, including opt-outs and complaints.
TECHNICAL TERMS
Technical concepts and infrastructure for SMS messaging
A2P Messaging
Application-to-Person messaging - Automated text messages sent from a business application to consumers.
P2P Messaging
Person-to-Person messaging - Conversational text messages between individual users.
Short Code
A 5-6 digit phone number used for high-volume SMS campaigns with highest deliverability.
Long Code
A standard 10-digit phone number used for SMS messaging (see 10DLC for business use).
Toll-Free SMS
SMS messaging using toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, etc.) with built-in verification.
Throughput
The rate at which SMS messages can be sent, measured in messages per second (MPS).
Message Segmentation
How long SMS messages are split into multiple billable segments based on character count.
Deliverability
The percentage of sent SMS messages that successfully reach recipients' devices.
SMS API
Application Programming Interface that allows developers to integrate SMS functionality into applications.
Webhook
An automated HTTP callback that notifies your system when SMS events occur (delivery, replies, etc.).
Sender ID
The phone number or alphanumeric name displayed as the sender of an SMS message.
MESSAGING TYPES
Different message formats and protocols
MMS
Multimedia Messaging Service - Text messages that include images, videos, GIFs, or audio.
SMS
Short Message Service - Standard text messaging limited to 160 characters per message segment.
RCS
Rich Communication Services - The next-generation messaging protocol with rich media features.
CARRIERS & DELIVERY
Mobile carrier-related terms and delivery concepts
MARKETING & ANALYTICS
SMS marketing strategies and measurement
Drip Campaign
An automated series of text messages sent on a schedule to nurture leads or customers.
Click-Through Rate (CTR)
The percentage of SMS recipients who click on a link in your text message.
Conversion Rate
The percentage of SMS recipients who complete a desired action (purchase, signup, etc.).
SMS Keyword
A word or phrase that consumers text to a number to opt-in or trigger an automated response.
Message Template
A pre-approved message format with placeholders for personalization, ensuring consistency and compliance.
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