Summary

We are delighted to announce a new step forward in messaging from Propertybase GO! In our Propertybase GO CRM, we have added a new Texting features, some of which the old components were noted as SMS.

This is a great way to get in touch with your Clients, but there are a few things that you must take in to account when using Text Messaging for Marketing Purposes

Who Regulates Text Messages?

While text may be relatively new to the Marketing scene, there are stipulations that are upheld by Organizations in the United States that ensure that it is being used fairly and not being abused:

• The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association [ctia.org]
• Mobile Marketing Association: [mmaglobal.com]

Governmental Bodies:

• Federal Communications Commission [fcc.gov]
• Federal Trade Commission [ftc.gov]

Some Regulations that apply to text messages are similar, if not the same, as those that apply to Robo-Callers or Telemarketers. These include:

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act - [link to full act]

This act was in response to excessive or unwanted contact to multiple parties including those of emergency services as well as those who never requested contact form a business or requested no further contact be made to them.

CAN-SPAM Act - [link to full act]

This act was in response to excessive and abusive use of electronic communications via email and similar methods. Some of the items addressed were unwanted emails that were not signed up, deceptive headlines/subject lines, and not allowing recipients to unsubscribe.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has provided a list of tips on how to avoid violation of this act [link to FTC site]

FAQ:

Q: What can I do to avoid violation of the above Acts?

A: Be sure to be clear about your usage of text and ensure that you honor your Client's wishes if they chose to unsubscribe or advise to no longer text them.