Learn the difference between single opt-ins and double opt-ins for SMS marketing.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to our guide on SMS marketing opt-in methods: single opt-in vs. double opt-in. If you're new to SMS marketing or looking to improve your strategy, understanding the different SMS opt-in types is key.
Opt-in types are based on the available messaging setup for a certain country. Single opt-in is used for one-way messaging countries (typically international countries using VLN or Alpha numbers). Double opt-in can only be used for two-way messaging countries as an SMS consent response is required.
Single Opt-in
Single opt-in is a straightforward process where a user simply provides their phone number to subscribe to receive SMS marketing messages.
Once the user submits their phone number, they are immediately added to your marketing list without any further action required from them. This approach is quick and easy for users, as they only need to provide their information once to start receiving messages.
However, because there is no additional verification step, it can potentially lead to higher instances of fake or mistyped numbers being added to the list, as well as an increased risk of spam complaints.
- Single Opt-in is available for International Numbers that do not allow for two-way messaging.
- However, if you are based in the US or Canada and would like to use Single Opt-in, you will need to request this to be switched on by your Customer Success Representative or support. You can email us at support@recart.com
Double Opt-in
Double opt-in is a more robust process for subscribing to SMS marketing messages. Read below to find out more about how it works.
Desktop
1. Initial Opt-in Request
The user provides their phone number to subscribe to receive SMS marketing messages, usually by entering their details into a popup, filling out a form on a website, texting a keyword to a shortcode, or using a similar method.
2. Confirmation Message
Once they have entered their details and clicked on the call-to-action button, the user is sent a confirmation message to the phone number they provided. The text message will ask them to reply YES or Y to confirm the opt-in to the text list.
3. User Confirmation
The user must then take action to confirm their subscription by replying to the confirmation message with the required keyword.
Note: If the user sends Y or YES with exclamation points, they will also be subscribed. Eg.: YES!, Y!
4. Subscription Activation
Once the user confirms their subscription, they are officially added to the SMS marketing list and will start receiving messages.
Desktop Opt-in Journey
Mobile
1. Initial Opt-in Request
The user provides their phone number to subscribe to receive SMS marketing messages if the phone number field is set up.
However, typically via Mobile devices, this step is completed using a two-step call to action method. In this case, the user would click on the CTA button to confirm they would like to subscribe to SMS marketing messages.
2. Confirmation Message
Once the Call-to-Action is clicked on a mobile device the visitor’s messaging app will open and a pre-written text will appear. The visitor will simply need to click on the send button to confirm the opt-in to the text list.
3. Subscription Activation
Once the user sends the preloaded SMS confirming their subscription, they are officially added to the SMS marketing list and will start receiving messages.
Mobile Opt-in Journey
Keyword Opt-in Journey
Link Opt-in Journey
Double opt-in adds an extra layer of verification, ensuring that the person subscribing to the messages is indeed the owner of the phone number and genuinely interested in receiving the messages. This helps to reduce the likelihood of fake or mistyped numbers being added to the list and also helps to mitigate the risk of spam complaints. Additionally, it fosters a higher level of trust between the sender and the recipient, leading to more engaged and receptive subscribers.
Please let us know if you have questions, we are happy to help. 😊