Applying for SMS

Applying for SMS Verification in Gail in this walkthrough, we'll cover how to apply for SMS verification in Gale.

To get started, click Settings from the left hand menu in your dashboard.

Next, make sure your agency is already verified as a business if it has not been verified yet, complete the Verify Phone process in the Verify Phone section.

Once verification is complete, the section will display validation Verified.

Keep in mind that business verification must be completed before you can apply for SMS approval.

After that, scroll down to the Verify Messaging section.

Click Apply to begin the SMS verification process.

A pop up disclaimer will appear with important TCPA compliance requirements.

Before continuing, make sure your website includes a TCPA compliant SMS consent statement, a clear opt in mechanism such as a checkbox or form, and an easy opt out option like Stop or Help.

Once you're ready, click Next.

The next step is selecting your use case.

Choose the messaging category that best matches how your business plans to use SMS For example, Customer Care is used for account management inquiries and Support Account Notification is used for things like alerts, reminders, and appointment confirmations.

After selecting the appropriate use case, click Next.

You'll then be asked to describe your use case in more detail.

Provide a clear explanation of how your business plans to use SMS messaging, then click Next when Complete.

Next, define your opt in process.

This step is especially important since you'll need to explain exactly how customers give consent to receive SMS messages.

Be prepared to answer several key questions.

Explain how users opt in, whether that's through a web form, checkbox, verbal consent, or another method.

Include the exact consent language customers see or hear.

Describe how consent is stored and tracked in your records.

Explain how users can opt out, such as by replying with Stop or using an unsubscribe link.

And finally, describe how opt out requests are handled once they are received.

After that, add your message templates.

You'll need to provide at least 2 example SMS messages that you plan to send.

Once you've added two or more templates, review the full application carefully to make sure everything is accurate.

Then click Save to submit your application for review.

By completing each of these steps carefully, you can help ensure a smoother approval process and set your SMS messaging up for compliance from the start.