Introduction
Are you on the run to launch marketing campaigns that convert? Are you looking for that one trick that transforms the way you communicate and engage with your customers? Do you want to make the most of text messaging as a communication tool? Well, all you need is a short code texting service.
Did you know that with a short code texting service, you can send messages 10x faster than the 10-digit long codes? That’s the power of short code texting! In this article, we’ll equip you with an all-encompassing understanding of short codes, how they differ from long codes and toll-free numbers, and the various types of short codes. Not only that, but we will familiarize you with the benefits of sms short code services along with their use cases and will help you decide the features to look for in your ideal short code texting app.
Are you ready to explore what short code texting has in store for you? Let’s get started!
What is a Short Code Texting Service?
A short code texting service is an app that allows you to send mass text messages, SMS marketing campaigns, and automated text messages through short code numbers. Before we dig deeper into the nitty-gritty of short code texting services, it is important to know about SMS short codes.
What are SMS short codes?
SMS short codes are 5 to 6-digit numbers that help businesses send personalized messages at scale. Short code numbers are ideal when:
- You want to send a high volume of messages
- You want to make the opt-in process simpler
- You want to improve brand recognition
- You want to deliver messages faster
An important thing to note here is that short code numbers cannot be bought, but leased for a specific period. The typical activation timeline for any short code number lies between 4-6 weeks.
Types of SMS short codes
There are typically two types of SMS short codes:
- Random short codes: A random short code, as the name suggests, is a number that you do not get to choose when you apply for one. A random 5-6 digit number will be given to you. It will have no significance to your brand name. For example: 67543
- Vanity short codes: A vanity short code is a number that you can choose that is easier to remember or relates to your brand name. For example: 111111
Vanity short codes are more expensive than random short codes.
The use cases for both types of short codes are the same, the only difference is their associated costs.
Now that you know about short codes, let’s dive into the top 5 short code texting services to get you started.
Top 5 Short Code Texting Services
- Emitrr
- SimpleTexting
- Textline
- Textedly
- SlickText
Emitrr
Emitrr is an end-to-end customer communication and engagement platform that offers seamless shortcode texting to help you scale your SMS marketing efforts. With a short code texting app like Emitrr, you can generate more opt-ins, improve your overall brand image, and achieve better throughput at an affordable cost.
With Emitrr, you can send mass text messages, launch personalized SMS marketing campaigns, and send text message alerts to your customers. Moreover, Emitrr offers end-to-end support pertaining to choosing and setting up your SMS short code. Emitrr stands out due to the following reasons:
- Unlimited keywords
- Ease of use
- Great messaging quality for short code texting
- Provision to move your short code from another service to Emitrr
- Excellent customer service
SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is another popular short code texting service that offers dedicated short codes for business messaging. It offers features such as mass text messaging, SMS alerts, and SMS marketing through short code numbers. Here are some key things to keep in mind while opting for SimpleTexting:
- You get unlimited keywords but at an additional cost
- The texting price is relatively expensive
- SimpleTexting does not offer 24/7 live support
- The platform is easy to use
Textline
Textline is a good short code texting app that is used by businesses across industries to send mass text message and set up SMS marketing campaigns.
Here are some key things to keep in mind before opting for Textline:
- Textline doesn’t offer round-the-clock support and provides limited phone and chat support
- Textline is comparatively expensive for the limited features it offers
- The integrations available are limited
- Textline lacks robust SMS automation capabilities
Textedly
Textedly is a business texting software that offers short code texting for you to run your SMS marketing campaigns smoothly. Here are some key things to consider while exploring Textedly:
- Textedly has 12 pricing plans and advanced texting features are only available at a higher price
- The customer support isn’t very responsive
- Textedly offers limited keywords, even with the highest pricing plans the maximum number of keywords offered is 50
SlickText
SlickText is a popular short code texting platform that offers support and service with regards to securing your own short code number. Before you explore SlickText further, here are some key things to keep in mind:
- SlickText is a comparatively expensive platform
- You need to pay extra charges for onboarding
- SlickText’s bulk texting capability is limited
- SlickText doesn’t offer live support
- SlickText offers unlimited keywords
Benefits Of A Short Code Texting Service
You must be thinking why it is crucial for you to invest in a short code texting app. Well, in this day and age, with more than 300 million smartphone users in the US, it only makes sense to use SMS as the preferred mode to communicate with customers. Text messages have an open rate of 98 percent and a response rate of 45 percent, which is double of what you’d get with emails. Here are some key benefits you get when you use a short code texting service
Better throughput
Throughput is nothing but the speed at which your messages get delivered. If you have to send messages to large groups of recipients, then you should consider throughput as a key factor. This is because, with your regular 10-digit numbers, you can send only 10 messages per second. On the other hand, with a short code texting service, you can send more than 350 messages per second, which means that you can send more than 21,000 messages per minute! Imagine how much easier it would be for you to send messages in a timely manner!
More keyword opt-ins
Short code numbers are easier to remember, compared to your clunky 10-digit numbers. Your recipients would recognize your business with that dedicated short code number and would trust it to be not spam. You will be able to send messages quickly and efficiently with that short code texting app. With this trust, they will opt-in with the keywords to grab whatever you have to offer. With more keyword opt-ins, you will have access to a larger customer base, and increased conversions and revenue will follow.
Increased brand recognition
A great advantage of short code numbers is that they are easy to remember. If you have a dedicated short code number to send messages to your customers, you’re putting effort into defining and refining your branding and telling your audience that you are an established business. With a short code texting service, you will be able to streamline your SMS marketing efforts and improve customer communication and engagement significantly.
Easy procurement
With the help of a short code texting service, you can cut down the time of securing a short code number by almost half. Most short code texting services offer assistance with respect to procuring and migrating your short code number. With such a service, not only will you save yourself from the hassle, but it will also kickstart your campaigns in a timely manner.
Short Code vs 10DLC vs Toll-Free Numbers: A Comparison
You must be thinking about why you should stick to short code numbers instead of 10-digit numbers and toll-free numbers when those numbers don’t take a lot of time to set up, are easier to acquire, and are not expensive. Well, this table will answer your questions.
| BASIS OF DIFFERENCE | DEDICATED SHORT CODE | 10DLC NUMBER | TOLL-FREE NUMBER |
| Format | 5-6 digits | 10 digits | 10 digits |
| Registration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost of setup | $500-1500 monthly depending on the code (vanity/random) +$2500 one-time setup fee | $10 monthly + $40 annual vetting +4 one-time registration | $0 |
| Throughput | Very high | High | Medium |
| Used for | Mass texting, SMS marketing, text alerts | SMS marketing and customer service | Sales, customer service, marketing |
| Carrier filtering | No | Yes | Yes |
| Approval process | Required | Required | Not Required |
| Approval time | 4-6 weeks | 24-48 hours | 48 hours |
Key highlights:
- The registration process is mandatory for all three types of numbers
- Toll-free numbers are free of cost, and short codes are the most expensive ones, owing to the benefits that they offer.
- Short code numbers have the highest throughput/message delivery speed as compared to 10DLC and toll-free numbers.
- Short code numbers don’t undergo carrier filtering.
Who Can Use A Short Code Texting Service?
Use Cases Of A Short Code Texting Service + Templates
There are numerous ways in which you can make the most of a short code texting service. We’ve listed a few below:
Launch text message campaigns at scale
With the help of a short code texting app, you can streamline your marketing efforts. You can launch SMS marketing campaigns efficiently, easily, and at scale. Not only will you be able to attract more sign-ups but you will also boost engagement with loyalty programs.
We’ve got a special treat for you! Enjoy a [Discount Percentage]% discount on your next visit to [Restaurant Name]. Reply with YUMMY to grab this offer!
Exciting News! A fantastic property is on the horizon. Stay tuned for our upcoming listing that offers modern features, a great location, and more. Your dream home could be right here!
Send SMS polls or surveys
If you use a short code texting service, you can send survey links via SMS and improve the response rates on the same. Not only that, but you can also launch SMS polls and ask customers to vote, by implementing Text-To-Vote.
Hi [Client’s Name], if you’ve been happy with our insurance services, could you kindly consider leaving us a Google review? Your review helps others find us and learn about our exceptional service. Here’s the link to review: [Google Review Link]. Thank you!
Dear voter, have you taken your pick? Reply with VOTE to 45555 to vote for your favourite.
Send SMS alerts and notifications
A short code texting service allows you to send notifications and text message alerts instantly. Since short code numbers have a high throughput, you can be assured that your SMS alerts will reach your recipients in time.
Important: We’re experiencing a temporary service outage at the moment. Our team is working on it, and we’ll update you at the earliest. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.
Start fundraiser campaigns
A short code texting service can prove to be highly beneficial for you if you run a non-profit organization and want to raise funds for a cause. For the same, you can take the help of an SMS short code app to reach the maximum number of people in your community and spread awareness. Here’s an example:
Dear {first name}, help us make a difference! Your support empowers us to change lives. Please consider donating today at [Donation Link]. Every dollar counts! Reply ‘STOP’ to unsubscribe.
Ask subscribers to opt in or opt out
With a short code texting service, you can easily manage opt-ins and opt-outs for your SMS marketing campaigns. You can get people to opt in asking them to reply with a specific keyword. Similarly, you can ask customers to reply STOP to opt-out. Here’s an example:
Hi {{student_name}} this is to inform you that admissions are now open for {{institution name}}. More details on our website {{link}} Reply with UPDATE to 34638 to stay tuned in! Reply STOP to opt out.
Initiate 2FA
Short code texting apps can also be used to initiate two-factor authentication. If your customers log in to their account and you want them to complete 2FA to ensure secure login, then you can share the OTP with them from that short code. Here’s an example:
Dear {customer name}, your OTP for app login is XXXXXX, and is valid for 5 minutes. Please do not share this code with anyone. – Team {Business Name}.
Send reminders
With the help of a short code texting service, you can send reminders, confirmations, follow-ups, and review requests. Not only that but you can automate these messages and even schedule them for later. Here’s an example:
Hi [customer name], this is to inform you that your appointment for [date] at [time] has been successfully scheduled. Looking forward to seeing you! Feel free to contact us at [phone number] if you have any queries or if you wish to reschedule your appointment. Thank you!
Dear {customer name}, this message is to confirm your cleaning appointment scheduled on <Day, date> at <time>. Our team will be arriving at your location to assist you with your cleaning needs. If you need to make any changes to your appointment, please call on XXXXXXXX. Thank you for choosing <Name of your company>.
Opt In-Laws For Short Code Texting Service
Before you begin texting using short codes, it is important to be familiar with the two main compliance laws that are enforced on businesses to protect consumers.
TCPA Short Code Compliance
TCPA SMS Compliance is something that you cannot miss out on because this act contains all laws that govern text messaging in the US. This act aims to protect consumers from unsolicited text messages. The penalties for TCPA violations range from $500 to $1500 per text message. So make sure that you keep all the TCPA guidelines in mind while planning and implementing short code texting.
CTIA Short Code Compliance
The CTIA is a non-profit organization representing wireless carriers that enforces certain best practices for short code texting. The Cellular Telephone Industries Association audits all short code programs to ensure that businesses are following all texting rules and consumers’ interests are being protected. This association ensures that only the customers who have opted in are receiving text messages and the content sent in messages is in adherence with the CTIA guidelines.
Best Practices For Short Code Texting
Here are some best practices to promote your short codes:
- Make sure to comply with the TCPA and CTIA guidelines for short code texting
- Don’t be afraid to advertise your short code on social media and other ads
- Make sure to track your campaigns through keywords
- Choose a short code number that is easier to remember and reflects your brand
- Set a cadence for your messages, don’t overdo it
- Make the most of SMS automation to save time and effort
Get Started With SMS Short Codes Using Emitrr
Emitrr is a great short code texting app and an emerging leader for all texting needs. With its advanced texting capabilities, excellent support, ease of use, affordability, and great value for money; Emitrr is all you need to kickstart short code texting.
Here’s how you can get started with short code texting for your business with Emitrr.
- Decide whether you need a random short code or a vanity short code.
- Once you’ve made your decision, the next step is to fill out and complete the service application form, and we’ll help you with the same. In the application you will have to disclose your business details, how you plan to use the short code number, and what type of messages you intend to send.
- Then your number will be sent for testing, and you will either receive an approval or a rejection. If your application is rejected, we can make improvements to the same as per the feedback received.
- If your application is approved, congratulations! You are ready to launch your SMS marketing campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can get in touch with a short code texting service provider like Emitrr who will help you with the entire process of acquiring your short code number.
A random short code will cost you about $500 while a vanity short code will cost you around $1000 per month. Remember that the texting cost will be additional. The prices mentioned above are only for the short code number.
A lot of businesses can use short codes to send messages to their customers such as healthcare professionals, retail services, salons, restaurants, churches, schools, recruitment firms, non-profit organizations, political organizations, real estate firms, e-commerce companies, and more.
Only businesses can use short codes to text their customers. Short codes aren’t available for the general public.
Emitrr stands out as the best short code texting app due to its end-to-end support, advanced texting capabilities, ease of use, and value for money. Moreover, Emitrr will take care of the entire process of acquiring the short code number that you need.
A short code audit is done by an auditing agency on behalf of the carrier to address the brand and its short code issue. It can be done to check compliance with carrier guidelines set by CTIA and TCPA. The wireless carriers give a specific date to the brand to fix the highlighted issue. If the issue isn’t resolved within the set deadline, the wireless carriers can have the code suspended.
10DLC and toll-free numbers are some alternatives to short codes, but they don’t offer as high throughput as short codes do. Make sure to understand your texting requirements before deciding on the kind of number you need to send messages to your customers.
Since the content and intent are pre-approved during the application process, the short code messages do not get filtered by carriers.
Conclusion
If you managed to reach the end of this blog, congratulations! You’re now equipped with a comprehensive understanding of short codes and will now be able to make an informed decision with respect to picking the right short code texting service for your business. Did Emitrr’s offerings align with your texting needs? If yes, then book a quick call here!
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