Welcome to another session of our Studio Pro Learning Lab series!
In this session, you will learn:
✔️ All about SMS compliance (learn what counts as consent and how to meet legal requirements).
✔️ How to use best practices for messaging by writing clear, compliant texts with opt-outs and proper identification.
✔️ And how to get the most out of Studio Pro's SMS tools by setting up your SMS number and getting ready for two-way messaging.
*Note: Unique numbers for the US & Canada only at this time.
Studio Pro Text Messaging Compliance and Best Practices
This Q&A covers important guidelines and updates for SMS (text) messaging within Studio Pro, including compliance rules, message best practices, new texting features, and upcoming enhancements.
SMS Compliance and Consent
Q: Why does Studio Pro require texting compliance?
A: Texting compliance is required by mobile carriers to ensure that studios follow federal regulations and protect both senders and recipients. Following these rules helps prevent messages from being filtered, blocked, or flagged as spam.
Q: What is the most important rule for SMS compliance?
A: Consent. Parents must knowingly agree to receive text messages from your studio. Studio Pro includes an SMS opt-in option when a parent creates a new account. Parents can also manage their text preferences in their Parent Portal → Settings → Communication.
Q: Can parents choose which types of text messages they receive?
A: Yes. Parents can opt into different types of messages, such as transactional (like payment notifications) and promotional (like marketing offers). This ensures parents only receive messages they’ve agreed to receive.
Identification and Opt-Out Requirements
Q: Do I need to identify my studio in text messages?
A: Yes. Always identify your studio in your text messages to avoid confusion or spam complaints. You can include your studio name or sender name at the beginning of the message, for example: “Hi, this is Laura from Studio Pro Dance.” Studio Pro does not add this automatically, allowing flexibility in how you present your business name.
Q: How do recipients opt out of receiving text messages?
A: Studio Pro automatically adds “Text STOP to unsubscribe” to your first message to each customer and the first message of every month. This satisfies carrier requirements and ensures compliance. If you use another messaging platform, make sure it includes an opt-out option as well.
Message Content and Restrictions
Q: What types of messages are prohibited?
A: You must avoid sending messages that contain:
Gambling or raffles (including 50/50 raffles)
Hate speech or discriminatory language
Fraudulent or misleading content
Viruses or malicious links
Messages that violate these guidelines can be blocked by carriers and may result in your number being suspended.
Q: Are links allowed in text messages?
A: Links are allowed, but they may sometimes be filtered or blocked depending on the carrier. Because each carrier (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) has different link filters, keep links short and use them sparingly.
Message Length and Formatting
Q: What is the character limit for Studio Pro text messages?
A: The carrier limit is 160 characters per message. If your message exceeds that, it will need to be split into multiple texts. For longer communications, consider sending an email instead.
Q: Why can’t I send longer messages through Studio Pro?
A: Message length restrictions are imposed by mobile carriers, not Studio Pro. All carriers enforce the 160-character limit for consistency and delivery reliability.
Local and International Regulations
Q: What should I know about texting regulations outside the U.S.?
A: If you operate outside the United States, check your country’s specific SMS laws before sending messages. Studio Pro’s texting system is built to support carrier and legal standards globally, but compliance may vary by region.
Studio Pro Texting Features
Q: What’s new in Studio Pro texting?
A: Every studio (in the US and Canada) now receives a unique texting number at no additional cost. This ensures that parents know which studio is texting them, even if they attend multiple locations. Previously, only Elite subscribers had this feature.
Q: Where can I set up my number?
A: From the menu on the left, select Robo-Texter. Click on the blue button showing "Get Studio Phone Number." Fill out your business details and submit for review by our texting partner. Once your number is approved, your texts will automatically be sent from your new number. In the meantime, your texts will still send, just from the generic Studio Pro number.
Q: What is 2-way SMS, and when will it be available?
A: Studio Pro is introducing 2-way text messaging called the Conversation Center, which will allow staff to chat directly with parents. This feature is currently in development and will be released soon.
Q: Can I still text parents from my personal phone?
A: Yes. You can continue texting from your personal phone if you choose. However, messages sent through Studio Pro will now come from your studio’s assigned number, keeping your personal number private.
Using Texting in Studio Pro
Q: How do I find my assigned texting number?
A: You can view it by going to the Robo-Texter page, from the menu on the left. Your number will appear at the top of the page.
Q: Can parents text back to the Studio Pro number?
A: Not yet. Two-way texting is currently available only for leads in the Elite plan. Once the full 2-way feature launches, families will be able to reply to studio messages.
Q: Can I schedule text messages in advance?
A: No. Text messages must be sent manually at the time you want them to go out. Scheduling is not currently available, unlike Robo-Mailer.
Q: Does Studio Pro texting work on mobile devices?
A: Yes. You can send messages through the Studio Pro app (for individual texts) or via a browser on your phone for bulk messages. For large group messages, we recommend using a desktop browser for ease of use.
Q: Can I automatically include my studio name in every text message?
A: Not currently. Studio Pro does not support an auto-fill signature feature for text messages. You can, however, manually include your studio name in messages. This feature request has been shared with the development team for possible future implementation.
Support
Q: Who can I contact for help with SMS setup or compliance?
A: Contact support@gostudiopro.com for help with text messaging setup, compliance questions, or account configuration.
Q: What are the six key texting compliance rules to remember?
A:
Obtain consent from parents.
Identify your studio in messages.
Include opt-out instructions.
Avoid prohibited content.
Follow all local laws and carrier rules.
Keep messages short and clear.
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