3 Challenges with Using Branded Caller ID for Blood Donor Recruitment

One of the most effective ways to engage blood donors is through direct communication. Branded Caller ID—a technology that displays the name or logo of an organization when calling a potential donor—seems like a natural fit. It provides instant recognition, builds trust, and can improve call answer rates. However, as promising as Branded Caller ID might sound, it is not without its challenges. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key challenges of implementing Branded Caller ID in blood donor recruitment, including carrier compatibility, cost, and the persistent issue of spam labeling.

What is Branded Caller ID? Before we jump into three key challenges, check out one of our blogs that dives deeper into what Branded Caller ID is and the impact on blood donor recruitment campaigns.

We also looked at client campaigns to show the difference between a Branded Caller ID campaign and one that didn’t use the technology. You can read about those findings here to help you make a decision on whether or not to implement.

1. Carrier Compatibility and Lack of Industry Standards

One of the primary hurdles in utilizing Branded Caller ID for blood donor recruitment is the lack of universal carrier compatibility. Not all telecom carriers support Branded Caller ID, and even among those that do, the implementation and appearance of Branded calls can vary significantly.

For instance, while some carriers might display a full logo and organization name, others might only support text-based Caller ID branding. Moreover, this inconsistency can lead to confusion among potential blood donors, reducing the effectiveness of the Branded Caller ID initiative. Imagine a scenario where a donor receives a call from a recognized blood donation center with a logo on their mobile device, only to receive another call from the same organization later that appears as an unrecognized number. This inconsistency can create doubt and hesitation, impacting the overall success of recruitment campaigns.

Furthermore, this lack of standardization means that even within supported networks, donors using different mobile devices or operating systems may have varied experiences. The result? A fragmented communication strategy that fails to deliver a unified brand experience to potential donors. To overcome this challenge, organizations must stay informed about the capabilities of different carriers and devices and ensure they are communicating clearly with potential donors about their outreach efforts.

2. The High Cost of Branded Caller ID Services

Another significant challenge in using Branded Caller ID for blood donor recruitment is the cost associated with these services. Branded calling involves ongoing fees, which can become prohibitively expensive, especially for non-profit organizations and community blood centers operating on limited budgets.

Unlike standard Caller ID services, which are typically included as part of a telecom plan, Branded Caller ID is a premium feature. The costs are not just one-time setup fees; they often include monthly or annual maintenance fees. These fees cover the technology to ensure the branded information is accurately displayed across various networks and devices.

Additionally, organizations may incur costs related to monitoring and maintaining the Branded Caller ID service, such as periodic updates to branding elements or adjustments required to comply with changing telecom regulations. For blood donor recruitment programs, which may already be stretched thin financially, allocating funds to cover these costs might mean cutting back on other vital recruitment efforts.

A strategic approach to managing these costs is essential. Blood donation centers may consider partnering with telecom providers to negotiate better rates or exploring alternative funding options, such as grants or sponsorships, to cover these expenses. Additionally, leveraging data analytics to measure the effectiveness of Branded Caller ID campaigns can help justify the cost and refine strategies to maximize return on investment.

3. Spam Labeling and Caller ID Reputation Management

One of the most frustrating challenges with Branded Caller ID is that it does not inherently prevent spam labeling. Despite the clear branding and recognition, there remains a risk that calls from blood donation centers could still be marked as spam by carriers or third-party apps. This can occur for various reasons, such as high call volumes, low engagement rates from recipients, or user-generated reports marking calls as spam.

For blood donor recruitment efforts, this poses a significant threat. If potential donors begin to see calls marked as spam, they are less likely to answer, undermining the trust and effectiveness that Branded Caller ID aims to build. Moreover, once a number is flagged as spam, reversing this reputation can be a complex and time-consuming process, often requiring a separate process to monitor and remediate Caller ID reputation.

To mitigate this challenge, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to Caller ID reputation management. This involves regularly monitoring call performance and engagement metrics to identify potential issues early. Organizations should also consider working with third-party services that specialize in spam remediation to ensure their numbers maintain a positive reputation (Incept Health can help with this!)

Furthermore, educating donors about the Branded calling initiative can also help. For instance, a blood donation center could launch a pre-campaign awareness drive explaining that calls will come from a specific Branded ID, encouraging recipients to save the number to their contacts to reduce the likelihood of spam labeling.

Balancing the Pros and Cons of Branded Caller ID in Blood Donor Recruitment

Branded Caller ID holds considerable promise for enhancing blood donor recruitment efforts by fostering trust and improving call answer rates. However, it is not without its challenges. The challenges discussed above are significant obstacles that organizations must navigate carefully.

Despite these challenges, a well-planned strategy that includes clear communication, proactive reputation management, and careful cost consideration can help blood donation centers leverage Branded Caller ID effectively. By staying informed about the evolving telecom landscape and continuously refining their outreach strategies, organizations can make the most of this technology to save lives through increased blood donations. Working with Incept Health makes staying on top of the constant changes easy - contact us today to discuss how we make it easier to recruit more blood donors!