CNAM stands for Caller ID Name and is a feature that allows you to customize the lettering visible below your phone number on a Caller ID display. If a contact does not have you saved in their address book, their carrier can show them your phone number or your phone number + your CNAM, improving answer rates.

CNAM registration is free, and because it requires vetting, it is available only through the smrtPhone Trust Center after you have a verified business profile.

Learn more about the Trust Center ⇢

CNAM registration, along with STIR / SHAKEN and A2P10DLC, helps clients separate themselves from spammers and be seen as legitimate to their prospects.

When you purchase a U.S. phone number, it automatically comes assigned some wording based on the NANP (North American Numbering Plan). The default is the routing center for the phone number - back from legacy days of landlines only. It can make a phone number look less local than it actually is.

Instead of accepting what is assigned to your number, you can create a CNAM to show exactly what you need your prospects to see, up to 15 characters (including spaces.) You register for one CNAM for your business and then assign phone numbers from your portfolio to use it. Ensure that the CNAM you select reflects your business name rather than a personal name to improve compliance and approval likelihood.

Before assigning your personalized Caller ID(s), your Account Owner (or the users that gain permissions) needs to register your business in the Trust Center. 

Head to the Admin Dashboard > Trust Center.

Once your business profile is approved, go to the CNAM Registration (Personalized Caller ID) tab and click on Register.

Complete the box with the Caller ID you want displayed for outbound calling - a maximum of 15 characters, spaces included. Please note that CNAM applications are vetted for appropriateness for general business (ex: no swear words) and specifically for your business based on your approved Business Profile (ex: you cannot use someone else's brand name.)

To improve clarity, it is acceptable to abbreviate your CNAM, such as shortening an LLC name, as long as the abbreviation clearly represents your business identity. Additionally, align your CNAM with the public identity of your business rather than any personal or internal-only naming conventions.

Next, add your numbers for which this Caller ID should be displayed.  You only get one CNAM per account and may select all your numbers or only a few to use it.

To add numbers, select the green button +Add Numbers and then choose one or more numbers from your list.

Once you are happy with the selection, press Save.

To save your settings, check the box to comply with legal and common sense regulations, declaring that you own the business phone numbers.

After pressing the Submit button, click on the notice that informs you that your form is saved to go back to the Trust Center page. If you encounter any errors during submission, check for existing CNAM entries from previous carriers and remove any conflicting data. Consistency in how your business is represented across all submitted materials can also help avoid registration issues.

CNAM registration issues may occur due to inconsistencies or outdated information. Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

Adhering to these practices ensures smoother registration and minimizes approval delays.

Approval is usually granted within a few business days, as the changes must be validated by the carriers. Once approved, a green badge will appear in the CNAM tab. During the approval process, you can use your smrtPhone account as usual.

Once approved, you can edit your Customized Caller ID at any point. For each submission, you will have to wait for new approval. 

📈 Improves answer rates by providing customized lettering along the phone numbers.

✅ Offers relevance by displaying a personalized name for your phone number, based on your Business Profile.

🔰 Decreases chances of being marked SPAM likely because you have taken additional steps to verify your identity to contacts.

💰Moreover, this feature is free of cost. 😉

smrtPhone cannot guarantee that carriers will display your CNAM with your phone number. Some carriers make this feature part of a premium plan for their customers. Carriers update their CNAM databases on their own independent schedule.

What we can guarantee is that we will send this information along with every outbound call on designated phone numbers and help you take advantage of every opportunity to improve answer rates.