There are two faces of unsubscribing to SMS databases. From the subscribers’ side, the SMS database is not visible. From the provider’s side, however, the unsubscribing client must be removed from the database of contacts. This article explains more on how to unsubscribe from SMS Databases.
Unsubscribing from the Subscriber’s Point of View
As with other advertising systems that send messages to customers and/or potential customers, SMS (Short Message Service) is required to have a subscribe method to which users opt-in and an unsubscribe method that makes it easy for them to opt-out. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) in the United States, the Spam Act in Australia, and other laws around the world. In general, they require that there be an opt-in method by which the subscriber explicitly states that he or she wishes to receive messages of a certain type or description, and an unsubscribe method by which he or she can cease to receive such messages. In some laws, it is required that the unsubscribe method be both simple and cost-free and that the opportunity to unsubscribe be offered every time a message is sent. In some laws, the length of time that the unsubscribe facility for each message must remain available is also mandated.
There are various unsubscribe methods used by different providers to remove your number from the SMS customer database, so it is a good idea to print a copy of the unsubscribe information at the time that you sign up for a text message subscription and file it in a handy place.
• For some services, you may have to log-in to your account on the SMS provider’s website and unsubscribe there.
• Another alternative is an open unsubscribe web page on which you enter your email and mobile number and click and unsubscribe button. On some sites, additional information (such as full name and date of birth) may be required.
• Various words texted to an 800 (toll-free) number or short code may be used to unsubscribe. Depending on the provider, these include:
STOP
Unsub
NO
Unsubscribe
Confusingly, some providers ask the subscriber to submit the word ‘SUB’ by text message to a particular number in order to UNsubscribe.
• Another method may be set up by the SMS marketer by choosing the sender name on SMS messages to be the short code for unsubscribing. The message to the customer, then, would only need to include the designated unsubscribe word. This saves the customer a step because all they have to do is enter the unsubscribe word and hit reply to cancel their subscriptions. Alternatively, a standard Sender Name can be used with instructions that include both the unsubscribe word as well as the number to send it to.
Unsubscribing SMS Databases on the Provider’s Side
If you are using SMS marketing, you should know the details about how your customers can unsubscribe from your SMS customer database and what happens from there to make sure that they don’t receive any more messages. If you are using a text message marketing company, this may be described in their FAQs. Two common ways are that a customer’s unsubscribe message, using the correct term, is sent to a unique five-digit short code or they fill in identifying information on a web page and click an unsubscribe button. Either of these methods can be used to remove a customer’s name from your SMS customer database.
The exact subsequent steps and how long they take depend on the company through which your SMS service is hosted. For example, one text marketing company says that as soon as the message is sent, the mobile number originating the unsubscribe is added to your unsubscribe list and it becomes impossible to send messages to that number, ensuring that no mistakes are made. Another company says it can take as many as 5 days. Your text marketing company should provide you a way to see your unsubscribed database as well as a way to see what code is required to unsubscribe.
Sources
findlaw.com.au
elc.co.za
mobilestorm.com
google.com
irishwebmasterforum.com
forums.whirlpool.net.au
acma.gov.au
nc-educationlottery.org
textmarketer.co.uk