This guide explains how to register a business SMS campaign in Aloware so it complies with U.S. carrier rules under the A2P 10DLC framework (Application-to-Person messaging over 10-digit long code numbers).
Registration is required before you can send text messages from a 10-digit business number.
What to expect
Registration in Aloware involves three things: submitting your campaign details, using Aloware's built-in compliance tools to format your submission correctly, and waiting for carrier review.
Carriers officially state a review window of 1 to 2 weeks, but most businesses hear back within 3 to 5 business days. Delays usually come from incomplete information, mismatched details between your website and your campaign, or use cases that need extra verification.
Reviewing your submission carefully before sending it is the single biggest thing you can do to avoid setbacks.
Important: If you use Local Presence lines (numbers that appear local to the recipient's area code), they must be registered in their own dedicated campaign. They cannot be combined with other line types in the same registration.
Two ways to start a registration in Aloware
You can register your campaign in Aloware through either of the following:
Quick setup or advanced setup
Go to Account > Compliance tab > A2P campaigns > Quick setup or Advanced setup.
Register from unregistered lines
Go to Account > Compliance tab > Unregistered Lines > select the lines you want to include, then click the blue + Register a New Campaign button.
Both paths lead to the same campaign form. Use whichever is easier for you.
For further assistance, check the Campaign registration: Setting up your use case in Aloware.
What to gather before you start
Carriers will check that your business is real, your website works, and your customers genuinely agreed to receive your messages. Have these ready before you open the form:
A working website URL. Carriers will visit it. If your site is down, returns errors, or is still under construction, your campaign will likely be rejected. If you're launching soon and don't have a live site yet, mention that clearly in your campaign description (this is called a pre-launch registration).
Proof of how customers opt in to your messages. This is the most scrutinized part of registration. Depending on how customers sign up, you'll need one of the following:
Opt-in through your website: a link to the page where customers enter their phone number, plus visible links to your Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Opt-in through a paper form or account login: a hosted link (publicly viewable URL) to an image or PDF of the signed form.
Filling out the campaign form
Below is each field you'll see in Aloware's campaign setup, what it means, and what carriers expect.
Use case
A use case is a category that describes the type of messaging you do. Examples include Marketing, Customer Care, Account Notifications, and 2FA. Choose the option that best matches your day-to-day messaging.
If your business sends messages for multiple distinct purposes (say, marketing promotions and customer support), you have two options:
Register a separate campaign for each use case, or
Choose the Mixed Use Case option, which covers multiple message types from the same set of numbers under a single registration.
Campaign description
Describe what your messages are for and who receives them. Be specific. A reviewer should be able to read this and understand exactly what your business does and why you're texting people. Vague descriptions like "business communication" are a common reason for rejection.
Message flow/ call-to-action (CTA)
How do end-users consent to receive messages? (40-2048 characters)
This field describes how customers consent to receive your messages. Carriers want to see a clear, traceable path that shows your contacts agreed to be texted. The field accepts 40 to 2,048 characters.
Use language that mirrors what actually happens on your website or signup process. Here are three patterns that work well:
Example 1: End users opt-in by visiting www.examplewebsite.com and adding their phone number. They check a box agreeing to receive text messages from Example Brand.
Example 2: End users can opt-in by texting START to (111) 222-3333.
Example 3: End users opt-in by visiting www.examplewebsite.com and adding their phone number. They check a box agreeing to receive text messages from Example Brand. Additionally, end users can opt-in by texting START to (111) 222-3333.
You will also be asked for:
Link to privacy policy
Link to terms and conditions
Message samples
You must provide two examples of messages you plan to send. Each one should match your stated use case and contain three things:
Sender identification - your name and your company name.
Opt-out option - usually "Reply STOP to opt-out".
Embedded links and/or phone numbers (if applicable) that would appear in real messages. Note: Public URL shorteners are not accepted. The website URL included in the sample messages must be secured and branded.
Sample Message #1:
Hi [lead name], this is [rep name] from [your company name] reaching out about [your message content]. Reply STOP to opt-out.
Sample Message #2:
Hi [lead name], this is [rep name] from [your company name] following up about [your message content].
Message contents - whether your messages include links or phone numbers.
Message restrictions
Confirm whether your messages contain certain regulated content. Be honest here. Misrepresenting your content is a fast way to get a campaign suspended.
Direct lending or loan arrangement content. Some lending content is allowed, but high-risk loans, indirect loans, and debt collection are prohibited under A2P 10DLC guidelines.
Age-gated content. Anything related to Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, or Tobacco (collectively known as SHAFT), as well as cannabis, is prohibited.
Sender identification: What carriers look for
Your sender's name and the company name should always be indicated on initial messages and follow-up messages without an active or ongoing conversation with the end user. Every message must identify you as the sender.
Example:
Hi [name], this is [name] from [company name] reaching out about your one-time passcode. Reply STOP to opt-out.
Opt-out phrase: What to include and when
Include an opt-out phrase at the end of every initial message on all lead contacts. Provide this option every 30 days when sending initial messages to leads with active or ongoing conversations.
Example: To opt out, reply STOP. Reply STOP to opt out.
Building a compliant opt-in workflow on your website
If customers sign up through your website, your form should include all of the following. Most rejections happen because one of these elements is missing.
A consent checkbox on your signup form or web form. The checkbox must not be pre-filled.
Visible links to your Terms of Service and Privacy Policy near the checkbox.
A separate checkbox specifically for receiving SMS communications. Bundling SMS consent with general account terms is not acceptable.
Required disclosures, written clearly near the checkbox:
Message and data rates: "Message and data rates may apply."
Frequency: something like "4 messages per month," "Message frequency varies," or "1 message per login."
Customer care information: "Text HELP for help" or "Help at XXX-XXX-XXXX."
Privacy Policy link that explains how phone numbers are collected and used.
Terms of Service link describing the terms governing the messages.
Compliance and best practices
A few things that make the process smoother and keep your campaign in good standing after approval:
Use opt-in methods that match what carriers verify against (web form with checkbox, keyword opt-in, or signed paper form).
Keep supporting documents in one place: screenshots of your opt-in form, a copy of your Privacy Policy, and hosted images of paper consent forms. Carriers occasionally request them.
Re-check Aloware's compliance documentation periodically. Carrier rules change, and staying current avoids surprises.
If you run into something this guide doesn't cover, Aloware's support team can help you review your submission before you send it.