Your business phone number handles calls, sales inquiries, and customer support every day. But what if you could also text your business phone number without disrupting voice calls?
That small change gives you a better way to connect with customers, simplify communication, and grow your sales. In this post, you’ll learn how to enable your business landline to send and receive text messages, and how doing so can help you reach people faster, close more deals, and build stronger customer relationships all using the same number you already have.
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Text From Your Business Phone Number
You don’t need to get a new number just for texting. You can use your existing landline number, and here’s why it’s a smart move:
It’s the number customers already know
Your customers already have your business phone number saved. When you text from that same number, they instantly recognize it. That familiarity builds trust and makes them more likely to reply quickly.
It’s already on your website, signs, and marketing materials
From flyers to business cards to your homepage, your current number is everywhere. If you set up a new text-only number, you would need to update every place it's listed. Texting from your existing number saves time, effort, and avoids confusion.
People may already be trying to text that number
Many customers assume they can text your business number, even if you haven’t enabled texting yet. If you miss those incoming messages, you could be missing leads. By choosing to enable your business landline to send and receive text messages, you meet customers where they already are.
It keeps communication centralized and professional
Using one number for both calls and texts makes communication easier for your team and clearer for your customers. You don’t have to juggle multiple systems. Everything stays organized, professional, and easy to manage. For better results, check out these tips for conversational communication.
Set Up Texting From Your Business Phone Number in 4 Easy Steps
You’re reading this because you’re ready to let customers text your current line even though you’re not a tech expert, right? With these four simple steps, you can enable your business landline to send and receive text messages and enjoy smoother, more efficient communication that keeps customers engaged without switching numbers. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Check Number Compatibility
Not every phone line supports SMS. You need to confirm whether yours is a landline, VoIP, toll-free, or mobile line. You can use a free number lookup tool like PhoneValidator.com to check if your business line can receive texts.
Step 2: Choose an SMS Platform
Look for a tool that supports texting from your current number and adds features like templates, auto-replies, and analytics. If you want features like rich media and action buttons, consider RCS messaging. Take a look at this guide on RCS messaging and how it upgrades your business texts.
Step 3: Enable Messaging with Your Provider
Once you’ve picked a platform, start the SMS hosting or porting process. TruText handles everything: setup, integration, and migration without cutting off calls or needing a new number. It’s seamless and stress-free.
Step 4: Test and Activate
Send a few test messages to mobile phones, landlines, and toll-free numbers to ensure everything is working properly. Once it’s all active, let your customers know they can now text your business number for help, updates, or sales.
Do You Really Need a New Number to Start Business Texting?
Most of the time, you don’t need a new phone number. You can text from the same number your customers already call. With the right setup, you can send and receive texts without disrupting your calls. However, in some cases, getting a new number or a short code might be the better choice. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both options.
If You Keep Your Current Number
This is the simplest option for both you and your customers.
Pros:
- Your customers already know the number
- You don’t have to change anything on your website or signs
- People reply faster because they trust the number
- You can call and text from the same place
Cons:
- You need to set it up for texting (TruText handles this easily)
- If you have many teams, messages all go to the same number
If You Get a New Number or Short Code
This works better if you send lots of messages or use it only for promos.
Pros:
- You can separate customer support from promotions
- Good for sending a large number of texts at once
- Short codes may appear more official or recognizable
Cons:
- You’ll need to tell customers about the new number
- People may not reply quickly if the number is unfamiliar
- You’ll need to update your website, signs, and contact points
So, What’s the Best Move?
If your goal is simple and trusted communication, the easiest choice is to text from the business number you already use. Your customers recognize it, and your team doesn’t have to manage multiple systems or tools.
However, if you’re growing quickly, running multiple campaigns, or need separate inboxes for different departments, getting a second number might be a better fit. Just make sure to clearly define what each number is for, and keep your messaging and branding consistent everywhere your business appears.
How Long Does It Take to Enable Texting on a Business Number?
The answer depends on a few things, mostly the type of number you have, who your phone carrier is, and how your SMS platform (like TruText) handles setup. At TruText, we work with trusted communication partners like Twilio to keep the process smooth and reliable, while making sure your voice service stays untouched.
Timeline Based on Number Type
Not all numbers are the same, and the time it takes to enable texting on your business number varies by type. Here’s what to expect:
Landline Numbers
Most business landlines can be text-enabled within 1 to 3 business days. TruText checks number eligibility and starts the SMS hosting process without interrupting your phone service. No hardware or provider change is needed.
VoIP Numbers
For internet-based phone lines like VoIP, setup is typically faster. Activation usually takes 1 to 2 days. These numbers are already digital, so the process moves quickly.
Toll-Free Numbers
These take a little longer due to additional carrier verification. TruText works closely with Twilio to complete the process within 2 to 5 business days.
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers are more complex. Some carriers allow texting layers via platforms like TruText, while others may not. It depends on existing SMS activity and forwarding rules. Setup times vary and may involve extra steps.
What Affects the Speed?
While TruText keeps the process smooth, a few things can influence how quickly you can start texting:
1. Carrier Approval
Some carriers respond faster than others. The more cooperative your current provider is, the quicker the transfer or activation process.
2. Compliance Checks
You can’t send text messages without consent. TruText helps ensure your setup follows the rules around opt-ins, opt-outs, and customer data. These checks add a layer of protection but may take 1–2 days to confirm. Need more info on this? See our TCPA text messaging compliance guide
3. Platform Support
TruText’s partnership with Twilio means messages go through trusted, fast-moving infrastructure. That gives you better reliability and fewer delays during onboarding.
In most cases, you can enable your business landline to send and receive text messages in 2 to 5 business days. TruText handles the setup behind the scenes, and you don’t have to pause calls or make technical changes.
Once it’s active, your number becomes a full communication tool, capable of voice and text, with no extra devices or confusion.
What Is 10DLC and Why Does It Matter for Business Text Messaging?
What Is 10DLC?
10DLC stands for 10-digit long code. It refers to regular phone numbers (like your business line) that are approved for texting through SMS platforms. Unlike short codes (which are 5- or 6-digit numbers), 10DLC lets you send messages from the full-length phone number you use for calls.
If you’ve decided to enable your business landline to send and receive text messages, chances are you’ll be texting through a 10DLC system.
Why Is 10DLC Registration Required?
Major carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile now require that all businesses register their 10DLC numbers before sending messages. This helps reduce spam and protects customers from unwanted texts.
If you skip registration, your messages may get delayed, filtered, or blocked altogether, even if your content is completely legit. That’s why registering properly helps with SMS deliverability, ensures compliance, and builds trust with your audience.
How Do You Register a 10DLC Number?
The process is simple and doesn’t take long. You’ll need to provide:
Your business name and type
A valid EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- The phone number you’ll be texting from
A brief description of the types of messages you plan to send (like reminders, updates, or promotions)
Most platforms, including TruText, walk you through this during your account setup. Once you’re approved, you’re ready to start texting from your existing number with full compliance and deliverability.
How Do You Choose the Right SMS Platform to Text From Your Business Number?
Choosing the right platform to text with your business phone number isn’t just about sending messages. It’s about finding a tool that simplifies communication and supports your growth. Here’s what a reliable SMS platform should offer:
1. Keep your current number’s voice calls working perfectly
Your texts should not interfere with your phone calls. A quality platform will keep everything running in the background so your voice service stays untouched.
2. Offer an alternative if your number can’t be text-enabled
If your current number doesn’t qualify, a good SMS platform will provide a free text-enabled number. That way, you can still start messaging without delays.
3. Help you through the full 10DLC registration process
You shouldn’t have to figure out registration alone. The right platform guides you step-by-step, from business verification to campaign approval, so you stay compliant and ready to go.
4. Include smart features to help your business grow
Look for tools like message templates, scheduling, tagging, auto-replies, and CRM or app integrations. These features save time, boost engagement, and make texting easier to manage.
5. Support you before and after you sign up
Great platforms don’t disappear after sign-up. They offer responsive customer support, clear onboarding, and flexible plans that grow with your business.
Why Should You Sign Up With TruText?
With TruText, you can enable your business landline to send and receive text messages without interrupting your phone service. You’ll get help with compliance, access to ready-to-use templates, be able to schedule messages, tag and categorize your customers, as well as automate your messages to keep things moving. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small or large scale business owner or you’re in retail, real estate, services, or coaching, it works for everyone. Want to see how it works?
Try TruText free for 14 days and start texting from your existing business number in minutes.
FAQs About Business Texting (Compliance, Cost & More)
Q: Do I need permission to text customers?
A: Yes. You need clear consent before texting any customer. This can come through website forms, verbal agreement, or a written opt-in. Platforms like TruText help you stay compliant by providing tools to manage opt-ins and offer opt-outs in every message.
Q: Can I send bulk texts from my business number?
A: Yes, but only if your number is registered for 10DLC and you’ve received proper permission from your recipients. TruText lets you send bulk texts using templates, tags, and scheduled campaigns. You get to do this from the number your customers already know.
Q: Is business texting expensive?
A: Not at all. Most SMS platforms charge based on usage, and prices are often lower than other marketing tools. TruText offers flexible pricing for small businesses so you can scale your messaging without overspending.
Q: What if my number is already used for voice?
A: No problem. With the right platform, you can enable your landline or VoIP to handle both calls and texts. You don’t have to switch devices or stop using your number for voice calls. TruText makes the setup smooth.
Q: How to add a business phone number to your phone?
A: You don’t need to add a new line to your mobile device. Once you enable texting through a platform like TruText, you can send and receive messages from your business number using a web dashboard or mobile app. No SIM card required.
Q: Can you send a text to a phone number that’s not a mobile line?
A: Yes, if the business has SMS enabled. Many landlines and VoIP numbers can now receive texts with help from platforms like TruText. If the number isn’t SMS-enabled, your message won’t be delivered.
