Textr specializes in SMS campaign services and understands the importance of getting approved by The Campaign Registry (TCR) so you can connect with your audience through SMS. Our goal is to help you streamline your application process, meet compliance requirements, and increase approval success.

Based on common feedback from TCR, here are the key areas that can help strengthen your application and improve your chances of approval.

Common TCR Disapproval Reasons

1. Opt-In & Messaging Compliance Issues

It's essential to provide users with clear and transparent information when they opt in.

  • Required information in Opt-In messages:

    • Welcome message

    • Brand name for clear identification

    • Message frequency details (e.g., "Messages sent 1-2 times per week")

    • Pricing disclosure (e.g., "Msg & data rates may apply")

    • Simple HELP and STOP instructions

  • Required information in HELP messages:

    • Brand name, support contact details (email, phone, or website).

  • Required information in STOP messages:

    • Brand name or proper disclosure.

  • Opt-Out instructions must be at least 20 characters long.

  • Sample messages missing required disclosures.

2. Branding & Consistency Issues

TCR values consistency in branding to ensure that customers can easily recognize and trust the messages they receive. Please ensure to maintain a clear and consistent brand identity.

  • Brand inconsistency:

    • Brand submitted is different from the brand identified in the message.

    • Brand’s support email is different from the submitted/identified brand.

    • Only the listed brand can send messages to consumers.

  • Web presence inconsistency:

    • Campaign rejected due to mismatched brand name and online presence.

3. Insufficient Campaign Details

Select your campaign use case and provide all necessary details to support it. If you choose multiple use cases, make sure to provide a detailed campaign description and sample message for each selected use case.

  • Campaign description should declare a clear campaign purpose:

    • Who will receive the messages

    • What type of content they will receive

    • Why these messages are valuable to recipients

  • Provide a detailed Call to Action (CTA) and Message Flow：

    • How users opt-in to receive SMS messages

    • What happens after they subscribe (e.g., confirmation messages, ongoing updates)

4. Website & Online Security Issues

A strong and credible online presence helps reinforce trust with both customers and regulators. Before submitting your application, we recommend checking the following:

  • Website Security: Ensure your website uses HTTPS encryption to protect user data

  • Privacy Policy: Include a clear privacy policy on your website for transparency

  • Social Media Presence: Establish an official social media presence to support brand legitimacy

  • Privacy Statement on Social Media: Make sure your social media pages include a privacy statement

** If you provide a website for TCR review, please note the following two common issues:

1. Missing Privacy Policy Statement

Ensure your website’s Privacy Policy explicitly states that you do not sell personal or business information. For example:

 “We do not sell your personal information to anyone for any purpose, and we maintain information about you in our business records while you are a customer, or until it is no longer needed for business, tax, or legal purposes.”

Make sure the statement is visible and accurately reflects your business practices.

2. Inconsistent or Incomplete Opt-In Consent

Please make sure that any forms on your website include a clear user consent message, and that the message is consistent with what you submitted to TCR. For example, the following message can be included on your website’s form:

“I would like to receive communication and marketing messages from [Brand Name]. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.”


Conclusion

The most common reasons for disapproval relate to missing disclosures in messaging, brand inconsistencies, lack of campaign details, and online security/privacy concerns. To improve approval chances, applicants should ensure:

  1. All required SMS disclosures (welcome message, brand name, frequency, pricing, HELP/STOP).

  2. Consistency in brand details across applications, emails, and websites.

  3. Clear opt-in process and message flow explanation.

  4. Secure and policy-compliant online presence.

By following these best practices, you can increase your chances of getting approved by TCR. For a step-by-step guide, access our TCR Application Template. If you have any questions about SMS campaign services, please contact team.support@textrapp.com.