SMS short codes are memorable numbers that are widely used by brands in SMS marketing campaigns and are shorter than traditional numbers or sender IDs. They are ideal if you want to encourage your audience to complete an action, or even initiate conversations between them and your brand and build deeper relationships.
Using a short code as a number for users to send messages to means that your campaign will benefit from increased response rates and will help you achieve your marketing goals.
SMS short codes are also an ideal tool for reaching and engaging with new users. Even if you are not completely sure what they are, you will most definitely have seen them and maybe even interacted with them.
Using Short Codes
Short codes are one of the most popular tools used in SMS Marketing because they are a cost-effective way through which to encourage interaction with your current customers and reach new ones.
You can purchase a dedicated number and you will be the only company using the number. If you prefer, you can register a short code on a shared number. This tends to be the most cost-effective way in which to use them and is ideal if you are taking your first steps in using short codes.
Types of Short Codes
There are two types of short codes that can be used as part of your campaign, depending on your requirements and what you are aiming to achieve from your messaging campaign. Short codes are country specific and cannot be used on an international basis.
Standard Short Codes
These short codes work across all major network operators and users are not charged additional fees for sending SMS to these numbers apart from their standard network rate, meaning that users are unlikely to have any qualms about engaging with the number as they will be paying an additional cost.
This is good choice for those who are on a tighter budget or who are looking to take their first tenative steps in using short codes – if you are unsure if this is the right choice for you though, our dedicated Support Team is on hand to assist you in choosing the right option for you!
Premium Short Codes
Premium short codes are used by businesses to generate revenue when holding promotions or competitions. However, unlike Standard Short Codes, users sending and receiving SMS to these numbers are charged more in addition to the standard cost of sending an SMS.
This extra revenue can be used by brands to pay for the competition being run, making it an excellent way for brands to collect information related to people who are interested in their businesses and the services they offer and then remarket to them at a later date.
This is an excellent way in which you can expand your future organic reach in a cost-effective manner, especially as the process is an attractive proposition to users as there is the possibility of an incentive for parting with their information.
Short codes are most effective when used as a direct response channel for the following purposes:
Their divisibility means that they are an excellent customer relations tool for driving interaction and engagement and can be used by businesses of all sizes across a range of different sectors.
They can be used to:
TRY OUR PLATFORM FOR FREE!
NO CREDIT CARD REQUIRED
NEWS