Posted on February 16, 2023 in News

Texts have a 98 percent open rate. However, messages can only be opened if they’re delivered first. Carrier filtering could be the reason why patients don’t receive your messages. Each carrier has its own set of rules for SMS messaging.

As a practice, you should understand and proactively comply with your carrier’s regulations when reaching out to patients and prospects via text. In that way, you can optimize SMS delivery by your carrier and avoid denting your outreach.

Keep reading to learn some of the do’s and don’ts that affect your SMS delivery success rates.

Do: Get Opt-Ins

Opt-ins are required by law. That means you should only text patients who’ve opted-in to get messages from you. Without consent, patients can report you to their carrier as a spammer. Therefore, ask for permission from patients and prospects prior to sending text messages.

Do: Keep Your Text Messages Short and Sweet

Ensure the messages you send are simple and concise at all times. Try and limit your texts to one or three sentences at most. Otherwise, overly long messages could trigger carrier filtering. Plus, there’s a higher chance of greater patient and prospect engagement with shorter messages.

If you wish to share more detailed information, schedule a phone call or add a link to your message.

Do: Provide Opt-Out

Offer opt-out information to patients and prospects. When people have an easy way to stop getting your messages, they’re less likely to report you to their carriers.

Don’t: Use All CAPS

CAPS are attention grabbers. However, they can work against you if used excessively in your texts. Texting in CAPS feels as though you’re shouting, and people generally don’t appreciate them. What’s more, carriers often consider texts with capital letters as spam and tend to filter such messages.

You can still emphasize your message and grab the attention of your audience without filling your texts with CAPS. For instance, offering coupons, monthly specials, or holiday sales can keep new patients coming through your door.

Don’t: Use Bad Grammar

Fraudulent messages are notorious for using poor grammar and are typically blacklisted. So, make sure you edit your text messages before sending them out.

Don’t: Use Shared Public URL Shorteners

Carrier policies prohibit using shared public URL shorteners. They usually filter out messages with such links as they consider them spam or inappropriate. Thus, avoid sending patients and prospects links shortened with public URL shorteners like:

  • bit.ly
  • is.gd
  • goo.gl
  • bc.vc
  • clicky.me
  • soo.gd
  • tinyurl.com
  • ic.chat
  • budurl.com
  • s2r.co
  • tiny.cc

To shorten your links, you can use services that provide non-shared domains.

Don’t: Send to Large Lists

Sending the same text message to a huge list can be flagged by carriers as spam. So, break your list and send in smaller groups to lessen your chances of getting blocked by filters.

Want to learn how you can boost engagement and steer clear of the many texting pitfalls with MDprospects? Schedule your demo today.