Text messages are among the best ways to communicate directly with your customers, thanks to its direct approach and high open rates. But new policy changes to SMS and MMS texting may hinder that.

In an effort to prevent spam messages and scammers, a policy change known as “10DLC” has been released by all major carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. It requires customers to register their local numbers or 10-digit code (10DLC) with The Campaign Registry.

Registration is mandatory, and when registering, businesses are vetted and agree to compliance requirements. If they don’t, they risk higher fees and slower delivery rates for their SMS and MMS messages. Each provider has set its own deadline, and unless companies register, their messages will be blocked. Twilio, for example, has set its cutoff date for Aug. 31.

In this episode of “Dear Anna,” Art Unlimited CEO Anna Anderson shares some critical information roofing professionals need to know about 10DLC and how to navigate the policy changes.

“If you haven’t seen that notification, you need to contact your carrier and say ‘Okay, what do I need to do to become registered?’” she said.

Anderson also highlights the benefits that come along with registering.

“Instead of seeing that spam caller or spam text message come through, we’re going to be able to provide a new experience that says your business name,” said Anderson. “That to me is a game-changer and really differentiates you from those spammers … but there are some serious action steps that need to be taken before the 31^st of August.”

Listen to the full episode here or download it from our Spotify and Apple Podcasts pages to listen on the go.