SMS capabilities are currently available to North American customers only. We look forward to implementing GDPR-compliant SMS functionality for our UK customers in the future.Table of contents
- Overview
- Twilio registration requirements (U.S. only)
- Information you’ll share
- How to meet the brand requirements
- How to meet the campaign requirements
- Registration status in GotPhoto
- FAQ
- The takeaway
Overview
GotPhoto uses a secure third-party service called Twilio to send text messages to your customers. Once you set up SMS settings in GotPhoto, a dedicated Twilio number will be assigned to you—keeping your personal number private.
This article outlines the Twilio registration requirements, which are essential for enabling SMS functionality—especially for U.S.-based businesses.
Twilio registration requirements (U.S. only)
U.S. carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile have implemented A2P 10DLC messaging regulations to ensure secure, trustworthy business-to-consumer communication. These rules require businesses to register with Twilio or risk message delivery issues or spam filtering.
To comply, you must register your business through GotPhoto and consent to share details with Twilio. More on the official policy from Twilio here.
Information you’ll share
Through GotPhoto's SMS Settings page, you will enter your business information, which GotPhoto will then securely submit to Twilio.
For businesses with an EIN
- Employer Identification Number (EIN
- Legal business name (must match CP575 Notice)
- Legal business address (from CP575 Notice)
- Full name of the account holder
- Email address
- Business title
- Cell phone number (for verification)
- Job position
Ensure all relevant steps are completed and the required checkboxes are selected before proceeding.
For sole proprietors
- Business type
- Business name
- Business address
- Full name
- Email address
- Cell phone number (for verification)
Ensure all relevant steps are completed and the required checkboxes are selected before proceeding.
Note: If you're a sole proprietor and also have an EIN, make sure your information matches the CP575 Notice.
After submission: You will receive a text message from +1(915)278-2000 asking you to confirm your enrollment. Reply YES within 24 hours of receiving the text message to complete the process.
How to meet the brand requirements
Brand rejections often occur due to incorrect or mismatched business information. To prevent this:
- Ensure the legal business name and EIN (if applicable) match exactly what appears in official records.
- For LLCs, the submitted information should exactly match IRS documents such as the SS-4 or CP 575 notice.
- Pay close attention to punctuation, spacing, and formatting.
How to meet the campaign requirements
Campaigns rejections often occur when the privacy policy or terms & conditions (T&C) are missing, incomplete, or not compliant with Twilio’s requirements. To prevent this:
- Make sure that both the privacy policy and T&C are available via direct, public links.
- Ensure the links are live and accessible at the time of campaign submission.
1. Privacy policy guidelines
Privacy policy must clearly state:
- Mobile information and SMS consent will not be shared or sold to third parties for marketing purposes.
- Opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties, except as required to support the service.
Example of compliant language to be included in your Privacy Policy:
"We collect mobile phone numbers only when users voluntarily provide them and explicitly consent to receive SMS notifications from [[Studio name]].
Mobile numbers are used solely to send marketing notifications (such as opportunities to purchase photos, receive possible shipping deals, or claim special discounts), only if consented to by the user.
We do not sell or share mobile or personal data with third parties, affiliates, or partners for marketing or promotional purposes. We only share data with third parties when it is strictly necessary to deliver our services and only under binding agreements that ensure confidentiality.
Under no circumstances will mobile data be shared or sold for advertising or promotional use.
Users may opt out of SMS notifications at any time by replying STOP.
Users may request assistance by replying HELP.
Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies."
2. Terms & Conditions (T&C) guidelines
The SMS opt-in screen must clearly disclose:
- The types of messages users will receive
- Message frequency (e.g., “Message frequency varies”)
- “Message and data rates may apply”
- Instructions for STOP and HELP
- A direct link to the privacy policy
- A statement that consent is not a condition of purchase or service
Example of compliant language to be included in your Terms & Conditions:
"By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive marketing SMS notifications from [[Studio Name]] regarding opportunities to purchase photos, receive possible shipping deals, or claim special discounts. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out or HELP for help.”
Registration status in GotPhoto
You can view your status under SMS Settings.
- Active: Registration is fully approved. No further action needed.
- In Review: Registration is under review by Twilio. No action required yet.
For sole proprietors
- Rejected: Registration failed. This could be due to incorrect info or failure to reply to the confirmation SMS. Our Customer Care can retrieve more information on the details.
FAQ
I'm in Canada. Do I need to register?
No. Only U.S.-based customers must complete registration. Canadian users simply enter a mobile number in the SMS settings, and a Twilio number will be automatically assigned.
What if I don’t consent to Twilio registration?
You won’t be able to use SMS through GotPhoto unless you complete the Twilio registration process.
Why is this required for U.S. customers?
Due to stricter U.S. carrier regulations, Twilio registration ensures messages are delivered and not flagged as spam. It's mandatory for continued SMS communication through GotPhoto.
What happens to my registration info?
Twilio sends your data to The Campaign Registry (TCR), a third-party verifier, to assign a Trust Score that validates your legitimacy as a sender.
Can I use Google Voice or another VoIP number?
No. You must register using a physical mobile number to complete initial verification. VoIP numbers may be rejected or cause delivery issues later.
The takeaway
Completing the Twilio registration process ensures your text messages are successfully delivered, keeps your personal number private, and meets regulatory standards. For U.S. customers, registration is essential for enabling SMS features within GotPhoto.
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