Phone Number Reputation vs STIR/SHAKEN: What’s the Difference?
Phone number reputation and STIR/SHAKEN serve distinct purposes in the landscape of outbound calling, yet both significantly impact call connectivity and recipient behavior. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing your outbound calling strategies.
What is Phone Number Reputation?
Phone number reputation refers to the perceived trustworthiness of a phone number based on its calling behavior. Factors affecting reputation include call volume, call duration, frequency of calls, and recipient feedback. A strong phone number reputation increases the chances of calls being answered, as recipients are more likely to trust familiar or legitimate numbers over unknown ones.
Understanding STIR/SHAKEN
STIR/SHAKEN is a framework established to combat phone number spoofing and ensure caller ID integrity. By authenticating calls, it helps to verify that a call is coming from a legitimate source and not a fraudulent or spam caller. The implementation of STIR/SHAKEN allows carriers to verify the authenticity of incoming calls, which can also affect how recipients perceive and respond to calls.
How Do Phone Number Reputation and STIR/SHAKEN Differ?
The primary difference lies in their function and focus. Phone number reputation is centered around the caller’s historical activity and how it influences trust, while STIR/SHAKEN is a regulatory mechanism aimed at reducing fraudulent calls through authentication. While good reputation can enhance the effectiveness of STIR/SHAKEN by providing a consistent calling profile, the two are not synonymous; each plays a unique role in the overall calling strategy.
Why Do These Differences Matter for Outbound Calling?
Recognizing the difference between phone number reputation and STIR/SHAKEN is vital for successful outbound calling strategies. Poor phone number reputation can lead to calls being flagged as spam, adversely affecting answer rates. Similarly, calls that lack STIR/SHAKEN authentication often face heightened scrutiny and are more likely to be ignored. Together, they underscore the importance of deliberate number management and responsible calling practices.
Strategies for Improving Phone Number Reputation
To maximize your phone number reputation, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Gradual Number Warm-Up: New outbound numbers should be introduced gradually to avoid sudden spikes in call volume that can harm reputation.
- Consistent Calling Behavior: Maintain a regular calling pattern that recipients can recognize.
- Opt for Registration: Where applicable, register your outbound numbers to enhance credibility with carriers.
- Engagement Metrics: Monitor call duration, positive recipient engagement, and reduce hang-ups.
Integrating STIR/SHAKEN into Your Outbound Strategy
Incorporating STIR/SHAKEN involves ensuring that your calls are authenticated before they’re made. This can help not only with trust but also position your numbers favorably with telecom networks. Consult with your service provider to discuss options for enabling STIR/SHAKEN on your outbound numbers and follow industry best practices for compliance.
In summary, both phone number reputation and STIR/SHAKEN are integral in shaping how your calls are perceived. By strategically managing your outbound calling practices, you can enhance the effectiveness of your communication efforts.
If you’re ready to see how enhanced number management and strategic outbound calling can help your team improve their connectivity and performance, Schedule A Demo with ProspectBoss today.
