Ignoring the legal framework governing SMS marketing is a direct path to severe penalties.
Mistake: Not understanding rules for opt-in, opt-out, content restrictions, quiet hours, or automated dialing systems.
Solution: Educate yourself and your team on all applicable regional and international regulations. Use an SMS marketing platform that helps ensure compliance features (e.g., automatic opt-out handling, explicit consent tracking). Consult legal counsel if uncertain.
5. Making Opt-Out Difficult or Unclear:
Subscribers must have a simple, immediate, and free way to stop receiving messages.
Mistake: Requiring users to call a number, log in, or fill out a form to unsubscribe. Not including "Text STOP to unsubscribe" in every marketing message.
Solution: Always include "Text STOP to unsubscribe" (or a similar south africa phone number list clear instruction) at the end of every message. Ensure your platform immediately processes opt-out requests and adds the number to a "do not contact" list.
6. Lack of Clear Call-to-Action (CTA):
Every SMS message should have a singular, clear purpose and tell the recipient exactly what you want them to do.
Mistake: Sending a message with too much information, multiple links, or no clear next step.
Solution: Keep messages concise. Use strong verbs. Include one clear, short link to drive action (e.g., "Shop Now," "Redeem Offer," "Learn More").
7. Not Cleaning and Verifying Your List Regularly:
Sending messages to invalid or inactive numbers wastes money and harms your sender reputation.
