top of page
Search

How to Avoid Getting Your Business Texts Blocked

A phone showing a notification that we are blocked from sending texts

You’ve crafted the perfect message, sent it to your carefully segmented list, and waited. But crickets. No responses. No engagement. What happened?


In many cases, your business text messages never made it to your recipients in the first place. They were blocked, either by mobile carriers, filters, or because of compliance missteps.


SMS remains one of the most effective communication channels, but it comes with tight texting regulations and increasingly strict carrier scrutiny. This article will walk you through exactly why your messages might be getting blocked and, more importantly, what to do about it.



Why Business Texts Get Blocked: The Hidden Filters


Carriers use automated systems to detect spam, fraud, and non-compliant business messages. If your messages trigger any red flags, they may be filtered silently without notice.


Here are the most common reasons:


1. You’re using an unregistered number


In the U.S., carriers now require businesses to register 10DLC numbers for A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging. If you’re sending text messages from an unregistered 10DLC number, expect high failure rates.


2. You don’t have consent


Sending SMS without prior express consent is a violation of TCPA and carrier rules. Even if your message isn’t “spammy,” carriers may still block it if the recipient hasn’t opted in.


3. Your message looks like spam


Carrier algorithms flag texts with:


  • Excessive use of ALL CAPS 

  • Emojis, spam or strange symbols 

  • Multiple exclamation marks (!!!) 

  • Repetitive identical content 

  • Shortened URLs (Free or public link shorteners, such as bit.ly, are prohibited with SMS)


4. Missing opt-out instructions


CTIA and TCPA guidelines mandate that every marketing text must include a clear way to opt out, like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” Omitting this risks being flagged.



Understanding 10DLC and A2P Messaging


10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, a format now required for business texting in the U.S. It’s meant to distinguish regular human-to-human messaging from high-volume business traffic.


Why 10DLC matters


  • Higher message throughput 

  • Reduced filtering 

  • Lower risk of getting blocked 

  • Mandatory for A2P messaging (mass texts, alerts, automation)


What you need to register


  1. Business Profile: Legal name, EIN, industry 

  2. Use Case (Campaign): e.g., marketing, customer support, appointment reminders 

  3. Sample Messages: Actual text examples you plan to send


    Falkon SMS handles the 10DLC process end-to-end, so you don’t have to worry about technicalities. 



Compliance 101: TCPA, CTIA, and Carrier Guidelines


To keep your texts safe and deliverable, you must comply with the following:


TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act)


  • Requires express written consent before sending promotional texts 

  • Consent must be documented 

  • Applies to U.S.-based businesses and recipients 


CTIA messaging principles


  • No SHADE content (sex, hate, alcohol, drugs, or firearms) 

  • Always include business identification 

  • Always include opt-out language


Carrier-specific filters


  • Vary by region and carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) 

  • May use AI to flag messages even if they are technically compliant



How to Prevent SMS Blocking: A Step-by-Step Guide


Here are proactive steps to ensure your messages reach your audience:


1. Register your brand and campaigns


Make sure your number is properly registered under 10DLC. Falkon SMS helps you do this in under 2 days.


2. Use a texting platform built for compliance


Platforms like Falkon SMS include safeguards like:


  • Pre-approved templates 

  • Built-in opt-out tags 

  • Carrier-compliant messaging infrastructure


Avoid using free or unregulated apps.


3. Always get opt-in


Use:


  • Web forms with consent checkboxes 

  • SMS keywords (e.g., “Text JOIN to 12345”) 

  • Paper opt-ins with timestamped documentation


Never buy lists or message cold leads.


4. Keep your content clean


Avoid:


  • Shouting (ALL CAPS) 

  • Clickbait (“You won’t believe this!”) 

  • Emojis overload 

  • URL shorteners (use branded links)


Instead, personalize messages and keep the tone professional yet friendly.


5. Rotate your templates


Sending the same message to hundreds of people in the same format can trigger spam filters. Create multiple variations for: 


  • Reminders 

  • Promotions 

  • Follow-ups


Falkon SMS allows easy A/B testing to help you optimize. 



Falkon SMS Features That Keep You Safe


Falkon SMS is built to reduce your risk of getting blocked with features like:


  • Auto opt-out management: Instantly honors STOP requests 

  • 10DLC registration wizard: Fast, simple, and automated 

  • Secure texting for HIPAA compliance: Great for healthcare, legal, finance 

  • Spam score checker: Real-time feedback before you hit “Send” 

  • Role-based user access: Maintain control over message quality



What Happens If You Still Get Blocked?


Occasional blocking is inevitable, especially when experimenting with new campaigns. If you experience high failure rates:


  • Check Delivery Reports: Falkon SMS shows you why a message failed. 

  • Edit and Retry: Slight tweaks in wording or timing can resolve issues. 

  • Contact Support: Reach out to your SMS provider to escalate the case with carriers.



Industries Most at Risk—and How to Adapt


Healthcare


Needs HIPAA-compliant messaging. Use Falkon SMS’s secure delivery and opt-in workflows.


Legal 


Messages must be archived and attributable. Falkon integrates with Clio for full message records.


Real estate & home services


High-volume outreach makes you a prime target for filters. Register every number and avoid identical bulk messages.


E-Commerce


Promotions are heavily filtered. Use multiple templates, segment lists, and always link to your site via branded URLs.



What to Do If You’re Starting Fresh


If you’re launching SMS for the first time:


  1. Choose a compliant platform like Falkon SMS 

  2. Register your brand + campaign before sending a single message 

  3. Build your opt-in list the right way 

  4. Send a welcome message with brand and opt-out instructions 

  5. Monitor delivery, opt-outs, and engagement consistently



Final Thoughts


Getting blocked isn't just a nuisance—it’s a missed opportunity. If your business texts don’t reach your audience, you lose revenue, engagement, and trust. But with the right platform, strategy, and compliance in place, you can make SMS your most reliable communication channel.


At Falkon SMS, we’ve helped legal firms, clinics, nonprofits, and enterprises text smarter and safer every day.


 
 
bottom of page