Run Contests and Giveaways: Host contests or giveaways where providing a phone number is an entry requirement, ensuring clear communication that entry includes opting into marketing messages.
Webinars and Events: If your company holds webinars or events, use the registration process to collect phone numbers with explicit consent to send marketing messages.
Special Offers: Encourage sign-ups by offering exclusive discounts, free trials, or early access to sales for subscribers.
Value in Exchange for Information: Offer valuable industry insights, tips, or news in exchange for subscribing to your SMS list.
Social Media: Use social media to spam phone number data promote your SMS list, directing users to a secure sign-up form on your website.
Collect Numbers from Email Newsletter Subscribers: If you have an existing email list, ask subscribers if they'd like to join your SMS list, highlighting the benefits.
Key Legal and Ethical Considerations:
Obtain Explicit Consent: Always get clear and unambiguous consent before sending marketing messages. Avoid pre-checked boxes or hidden clauses.
Provide Clear Opt-Out Options: Make it easy for recipients to unsubscribe from your messages.
Identify Yourself: Clearly identify your company in all communications.
Comply with Regulations: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to the specific telemarketing and data privacy laws in your target regions (e.g., TCPA in the USA, CASL in Canada, GDPR in Europe).
Respect Do-Not-Call Lists: In the USA and Canada, businesses must scrub their contact lists against national and any applicable state/provincial do-not-call registries.
Call Time Restrictions: In the USA, cold calls to residential numbers are restricted to between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time. Similar restrictions may exist in other regions.
Data Security: Ensure that any phone number data you collect is stored securely and protected from unauthorized access.
By focusing on ethical acquisition methods and adhering to legal regulations, you can build a valuable advertising contact list while respecting consumer privacy.