Text message best practices to prevent spam filtering

Adopt text messaging strategies that minimize sending disruptions

We filter custom text message appointment reminders to prevent spam and follow the guidelines of our telecommunications partner, Twilio.
 

Error message: “Your message was flagged for containing content that may be considered spam”

If you’ve received the error message “Your message was flagged for containing content that may be considered spam,” our system is preventing you from saving your custom text message template because it appears likely to be spam.

The best practices below can help you redraft your message to avoid being mistaken for spam.

Use text message reminders as text message reminders

Automated text message reminders are intended to remind your clients about their upcoming appointments. Using the message to do anything else increases your chances of being flagged.

Avoid topics and message types that violate our partner’s policies

We partner with Twilio to send text message reminders. Review Twilio’s documentation, such as Forbidden Message Categories in the US and Canada and Restricted SMS message types using Twilio.

Use best practices

Spam messages are often designed to collect personal or financial information from their victims. This is often done through seemingly urgent calls to action that trick victims into providing information.

If you’re asking clients to do something, try to follow these best practices:

Do:

• Use an official email address.
• Use clear, trustworthy URLs instead of vague or shortened addresses.

Don’t:

• Ask for payment, especially through services such as Zelle, Cash App, and Venmo.
• Ask for personal information.
• Use phrasing, punctuation, and capitalization that inject a false sense of urgency to your request.
• Mention financial incentives for the recipient (gift cards, direct payments, etc.)
• Ask clients to contact you at a different phone number or a personal email address.