How to Ensure Salesforce SMS Compliance with TCPA in 2025?

Did you know the State of Marketing report says 42% of millennials prefer getting texts from brands in real life? That’s right- SMS is absolutely 🔥 for connecting with customers.

In 2025, businesses using Salesforce for SMS campaigns – whether through Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud, or apps like Message Blink-must prioritize Salesforce SMS compliance to stay aligned with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). 

With potential fines of $500–$1,500 per non-compliant message, understanding TCPA regulations 2025 is non-negotiable. This TCPA compliance guide offers a fresh, actionable roadmap to ensure your Salesforce texting regulations meet legal standards while boosting customer trust and engagement. 

Let’s dive into how you can navigate SMS marketing compliance with confidence.

What Is TCPA, and Why Does It Matter for Salesforce Users?

The TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is a U.S. law designed to shield consumers from unwanted calls and texts, including marketing SMS. In 2025, new rules strengthen consumer protections, particularly around consent revocation. 

As of April 11, 2025, businesses must process opt-out requests within 10 business days, regardless of how they’re submitted (e.g., text, email, or phone call). A recent court decision on January 24, 2025, struck down the “one-to-one” consent rule, meaning you don’t need separate consent for each seller-but prior express written consent for marketing texts remains critical. 

For Salesforce users, integrating these rules into your workflows ensures business SMS regulations are met without disrupting your campaigns.

Step 1: Securing Clear, Documented Consent

Getting prior express written consent is the foundation of SMS marketing compliance. Whether you’re sending promotional texts or automated alerts, TCPA mandates explicit permission.

• Double Opt-In for Trust: Start with an initial opt-in (e.g., “Text DEALS to 54321”) followed by a confirmation text requiring a reply like “YES.” This two-step process, endorsed by CTIA guidelines, minimizes compliance risks.
• Salesforce Setup:
  • Add custom fields to your Lead or Contact objects, such as SMS_Consent__c (checkbox) and Consent_Timestamp__c (date/time), to record when and how consent was granted.
  • Use Salesforce Flow to automate consent updates from sources like web forms, QR codes, or keyword campaigns (e.g., “Text SAVE10 for discounts”).
  • Tie consent to specific campaigns (e.g., “weekly deals”) to avoid overstepping permissions.
• Pro Tips for 2025:
  • Make consent language crystal clear: “By signing up, you agree to receive SMS from [Your Brand]. Msg/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.”
  • Store consent records for at least four years to prove compliance if audited.
  • Refresh consent for contacts inactive for over 18 months to stay compliant with TCPA regulations 2025.

Step 2: Streamlining Opt-Outs and Revocations

Making it easy for customers to opt out is not just courteous – it’s a TCPA requirement. The 2025 updates give consumers more flexibility to revoke consent, and Salesforce can help you manage this seamlessly.

• Support Universal Opt-Outs: Accept keywords like “STOP,” “END,” or “CANCEL” to unsubscribe users. Respond with a single confirmation text, like “You’re unsubscribed! Text START to rejoin,” without any marketing content.
• 2025 Revocation Rules: Customers can now revoke consent through any reasonable method-text, email, website form, or even a phone call. You must act within 10 business days and may send one clarification text within five minutes if the request is unclear.
• Salesforce Workflow:
  • Track opt-out status with a field like SMS_Subscription__c (picklist: Subscribed, Unsubscribed).
  • Use Salesforce MobileConnect compliance features or apps like Message Blink to instantly update records and block further messages to opted-out contacts.
  • Create a custom object, SMS_Audit_Log__c, to log revocation details (e.g., method, date) for compliance tracking.

Step 3: Crafting Compliant SMS Content

Your SMS content and sending habits must align with business SMS regulations to avoid penalties and maintain deliverability.

• Mandatory Disclosures: Every text should include your brand name, opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”), and a note about potential message/data rates.
• Timing Matters: Send texts only between 8 AM and 9 PM in the recipient’s local time zone. Stick to 2–4 messages per month to avoid being flagged as spam.
• Content Clarity: Promotional texts need clear consent. If a message mixes informational and marketing content, treat it as marketing to stay safe.
• Salesforce Tools: Use Salesforce Marketing Cloud MobileConnect for pre-built, compliant templates. Register your campaigns for 10DLC (application-to-person) to meet carrier standards and ensure delivery.

Step 4: Syncing with Broader Regulations

Salesforce texting regulations don’t exist in a vacuum. Other laws and guidelines overlap with TCPA:

• CTIA Standards: Reinforce double opt-in and transparent disclosures to prevent carriers from blocking your messages.
• CAN-SPAM Act: Ensure commercial texts are clearly labeled and include opt-out options. Don’t assume email opt-ins apply to SMS.
• CCPA (California): For California residents, offer a “Do Not Sell My Data” option, tracked via a field like CCPA_Preference__c.

2025 Salesforce SMS Compliance Checklist

Top Tips for Salesforce SMS Success in 2025

• Harness Apps: Tools like Message Blink streamline Salesforce SMS compliance by automating consent and opt-out tracking.
• Stay Informed: With AI-driven enforcement on the rise, regularly check FCC updates and consult legal experts to stay ahead of TCPA regulations 2025.
• Test Smart: Avoid buying phone lists without verified consent. Run small-scale test campaigns to ensure compliance before scaling.

By embedding these Salesforce texting regulations into your workflows, you can run effective SMS campaigns while staying fully compliant with TCPA regulations 2025. For businesses with global audiences, consider additional regulations like GDPR to round out your SMS marketing compliance strategy.