8 things to know about short codes

Short codes allow businesses to create a convenient way for clients and potential customers to get in touch with them. Short codes are also a great way to set up text subscription services as well as text-in votes, quizzes and competitions. Here we will explore eight things you need to know about short codes.

1. When setting up your short code you have two options: dedicated or shared short code. Dedicated short codes are only used by you, allowing you to use any and as many keywords as you like. Shared short codes are cheaper; each company sharing the short code will have to use a different keyword so that they only receive texts for their campaigns and no-one else’s
2. When people text in to your short code number, they are charged at their standard network rate and replies they receive from you will be free
3. Alternatively, you can set up a premium text campaign, which will charge people to text into your short code, or to receive messages from you
4. You will need to promote your short code to get clients and potential new customers to text in. Popular ways to do this include publishing the short code on your company website or promoting through mediums such as email marketing, online banner adverts, press and print adverts or outdoor posters, billboards and leaflets. Larger companies have also promoted their short codes on T.V. and Radio
5. When choosing your keyword you need to keep in mind that it should be short and easy to remember. Popular examples of keywords are INFO, WIN and YES – your keyword should relate to your offering
6. When promoting your short code, you will need to provide full disclosure on any charges that will be made to individuals’ texting in, even if the charge will only be at their standard network rate. Also, if you will be sending them messages in the future you will need to state that their phone number will be added to your mailing list
7. Once people have texted in to your short code number, you have the option to send them a message back straight away; this can be used as a confirmation of their entry to a competition or sign-up to a subscription service, or as a welcome message – it is not essential to send replies depending on your offering
8. When setting up text subscription services, or if you add individuals phone numbers to your mailing list for future text campaigns, you are required by law to provide an opt-out option, the easiest way to manage this is to allow customers to text STOP to your short code number to get them added to your opt-out list

To find out more about short code SMS campaigns please visit our TextPremium page, or contact a member of our Customer Service Team on 08451 221 302, or email us at [email protected].