While single opt-in provides consent, implementing a double opt-in process adds an extra layer of verification and quality to your phone number list. After a user initially signs up, send a confirmation SMS asking them to reply with a specific keyword (e.g., "YES") to confirm their subscription. This extra step ensures that the number is truly owned by the individual and that they are genuinely interested in receiving your messages, leading to a more engaged and higher-converting audience.
The Importance of Carrier Lookup Services
To further enhance the quality of your verified phone number list, utilize carrier lookup services. These services can identify the mobile carrier associated with each number, determine if it's a mobile number or a landline, and sometimes shop even indicate if the number has been ported. Knowing the carrier allows for more efficient routing of messages, especially for bulk SMS campaigns, and helps avoid sending SMS to landlines, which can lead to wasted costs and poor user experience.
Protecting Your Sender Reputation
A high-quality, verified phone number list is critical for protecting your sender reputation. When you send messages to a clean list, bounce rates are low, and spam complaints are minimal. Conversely, sending to unverified numbers can lead to high bounce rates and increased spam reports, which can result in your messages being flagged by mobile carriers or even your sender ID being blocked. Maintaining a pristine sender reputation ensures your legitimate marketing messages consistently reach their intended audience.