Upcoming iPhone changes will affect how campaigns reach their supporters through calls and texts. When a number isn't saved as a contact, calls will be automatically transcribed after the caller states their purpose. Meanwhile, texts from unknown numbers will be silently filtered to a separate folder without notifications.
To ensure your supporters receive your messages, ask them to save your campaign's phone number. This article explains the process and provides a tool for creating your own contact card.
Always Use The Same Number
Use a consistent phone number that supporters can reliably save. While short codes are expensive, regular ten-digit numbers with 10DLC work well for most campaigns. Services like Mailchimp provide affordable options to maintain a dedicated texting number.
Ask Supporters To Save Your Number
Asking supporters to save your number is a new but crucial call to action, especially as iPhone users upgrade their software. As Morton Blackwell wisely notes, "don't rely on being given anything you don't ask for." Start making this request now. While the most effective approach is still to be determined through testing, here are some promising opportunities:
- As part of the opt-in confirmation process
- After they respond to a message
- As a call to action via email or social media
Send Messages Worth Paying Attention To
Supporters won't save phone numbers that bombard them with donation requests. To maintain the channel's effectiveness, focus your text messages on meaningful campaign updates and non-monetary calls to action.
Create A Contact Card
Make it easy for supporters to save your number by sending them a link to your contact card file. At in-person events, provide a QR code that links to the same file. We created this card generator for free for you to use.
Conclusion
Forthcoming iPhone updates will affect how campaigns reach supporters through SMS. However, you can maintain this vital communication channel by acting now: ask supporters to save your number and make the process simple for them.