SMS Marketing Compliance for Small Businesses in 2026
TCPA and 10DLC regulations can be confusing. Here's a plain-English guide to staying compliant.
The Regulatory Landscape
SMS marketing is one of the most effective channels for SMBs — open rates above 95% — but the regulatory environment has tightened significantly.
Key Regulations
What You Need to Do
1. Get Proper Consent
Every contact must opt in explicitly. A checkbox that says "I agree to receive text messages from [Business]" is the minimum. Keep records of when and how consent was obtained.
2. Register Your Brand (10DLC)
As of 2024, all businesses sending SMS via 10-digit numbers must register with The Campaign Registry (TCR). Syntax Voice handles this registration as part of our Pinpoint setup.
3. Honor Opt-Outs Immediately
When someone texts STOP, they must be removed from your list within 24 hours. Amazon Pinpoint handles this automatically.
4. Include Required Disclosures
Every initial message must include: your business name, message frequency, "Msg & data rates may apply", and instructions to text STOP.
How Syntax Voice Helps
Our Pinpoint integration includes built-in compliance tools: automatic opt-out processing, consent tracking, and 10DLC registration assistance. You focus on the message — we handle the compliance.