Launch compliant SMS in Ireland
Generated by Klaviyo AI
The post explains how Klaviyo customers in Ireland can use SMS to send personalized, data-driven messages and measure performance. It compares branded sender IDs and Irish long codes, and outlines key GDPR-aligned best practices for compliant texting.
- Irish SMS availabilityKlaviyo SMS is now available to companies based in Ireland, enabling targeted campaigns and flows for Irish audiences.
- Use Klaviyo dataBrands can leverage existing segments, customer data, and performance insights to send personalized texts alongside email and mobile push.
- Number type optionsIrish senders can choose between branded sender IDs for instant, branded outbound messaging and Irish long codes for two-way SMS features.
- Trade-offs explainedBranded sender IDs offer recognition but no inbound replies, while long codes support conversations and opt-in flows but require verification and lack custom branding.
- Compliance best practicesThe article outlines GDPR-aligned guidance on explicit consent, sending hours, brand identification, HELP/STOP support, opt-out mechanisms, and avoiding prohibited content.
In this product release
Klaviyo brands in the United Kingdom have already harnessed SMS marketing for revenue growth and customer retention. Today, we are thrilled to extend Klaviyo SMS availability to companies based in Ireland.
Now, you can seamlessly utilize all your favorite Klaviyo features, such as segments and customer data, to launch targeted text campaigns and flows directed at your Irish audience. Whether you’re starting from square one or expanding your SMS outreach, rest assured, we’ve incorporated user-friendly tools to help you expand your SMS contact list in Ireland. These include mobile-optimized sign-up forms and easy opt-ins at check-out.
Furthermore, you enjoy unrestricted access to every data point, including insights into which individual text campaigns and automations are most successful in driving revenue. This empowers you to effortlessly craft and dispatch relevant, personalized messages across email, SMS, and mobile push that will resonate with your Irish customers.
Getting started
For our SMS customers in Ireland, Klaviyo offers two distinct phone number options: branded sender IDs and Irish long codes, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.
Branded sender IDs
Pros:
- Custom branding: Branded sender IDs allow you to personalize the sender ID to align with your brand, ensuring recipients always recognize the source of your messages.
- Accessibility: Branded sender IDs do not require verification and can be added to your account immediately. What’s even more convenient is that if you’re already using a branded sender ID for SMS marketing in the UK or Australia, you can employ the same branded sender ID for SMS in Ireland.
Cons:
- Lack of inbound messaging: Branded sender IDs cannot receive messages, meaning recipients cannot respond to your texts. Features like click-to-text forms, SMS conversations, and subscribe keywords are not compatible with branded sender IDs without the ability for two-way communication.
Irish long codes
Pros:
- Two-way communication: Irish long codes can receive inbound messages, providing greater flexibility in your SMS interactions. This enables features such as double opt-in, click-to-text forms, subscribe keywords, SMS conversations, and mobile support.
Cons:
- Lack of branding: Long codes lack the custom branding of branded sender IDs. The number appears like any other. Klaviyo offers tools like contact cards and branded SMS short links to help subscribers identify your brand.
- Verification process: Long codes must undergo a verification process, taking 1–3 business days before you can send messages.
To learn more about these number types, their capabilities, and the process of adding a new number, consult these resources:
- Understanding UK, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand SMS sending numbers
- How to request an Irish long code
Best practices
After choosing your sending number for Ireland, it’s vital to establish SMS compliance best practices to ensure a strong start. Below, we outline best practices aligned with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and EU ePrivacy Regulations.
Remember, this information is not legal advice. For comprehensive legal compliance, consult with your legal counsel to ensure your SMS program and message content align with relevant laws.
- Obtain explicit consent. Before sending messages, secure clear and specific consent from your recipients. Make sure your consent process aligns with GDPR requirements.
- Send during daytime hours. Respect your recipients’ local time by sending SMS messages between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in their time zone.
- Identify your brand/organization. Every SMS you send should clearly identify your brand or organization. Customize your sender ID or include your organization’s name at the beginning of your messages for brand recognition.
- Support HELP and STOP keywords. Ensure your SMS messages support HELP and STOP keyword commands. Klaviyo supports these automatically to simplify compliance.
- Allow opt-out. Include mechanisms for recipients to easily opt out of your SMS communications. For branded sender IDs, employ unsubscribe links. For long codes, use opt-out keywords like “STOP.”
- Avoid prohibited content. Stay clear of content related to prohibited topics, such as illegal substances, hate speech, or high-risk financial services. Carriers may filter or block messages mentioning these topics.
Learn more
Review these Help Center articles for even more information on SMS compliance in Ireland:
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