Short code SMS marketing is an effective way for businesses to reach out to customers, whether to offer promotions or to conduct surveys. In this article, Drop will cover the basics of short code SMS marketing, including the different types of shortcodes available and the advantages of this marketing strategy.
Short code SMS marketing is a type of mobile marketing that uses short codes to connect businesses with their customers. Short codes are usually 5-6 digit numbers that customers can use to send and receive text messages with businesses.
Businesses can use short code SMS marketing for a variety of purposes, including:
Short code SMS marketing allows customers to opt-in to receive text messages from a business. Once a customer opts in, the business can send them text messages that promote their products or services, offer coupons or discounts, or provide other valuable information.
To opt-in, customers usually need to send a text message to the shortcode provided by the business. For example, a business might ask customers to text “JOIN” to their short code to opt-in to receive text messages.
Once a customer has opted-in, the business can start sending them text messages. These messages can be sent immediately or scheduled to be sent at a later date and time.
Short code SMS marketing can offer a number of benefits for businesses, including:
Increased Engagement: SMS messages have a much higher open rate than email, so businesses can expect to reach more customers with their messages.
Higher Conversion Rates: SMS messages also have a higher conversion rate than email, meaning that customers are more likely to take action after receiving an SMS message.
Cost-Effective: Short code SMS marketing can be a cost-effective way for businesses to reach their customers, especially when compared to traditional advertising methods like print or TV.
Easy to Implement: Setting up a short code SMS marketing campaign is relatively easy and can be done quickly.
Targeted Marketing: Short code SMS marketing allows businesses to target specific customers with personalised messages based on their interests and behaviour.
SMS short codes are usually accompanied by keywords. This keyword is the text that customers must send to the short code to indicate that they want to opt-in to receive messages from the business. For example, if a business is offering a discount, the customer can text “SALE” to the business’s short code. This opt-in process ensures that customers are giving their consent to receive messages and that they are not receiving spam.
Shared short codes are used by multiple businesses simultaneously. While this may be an inexpensive option, it can be challenging to differentiate messages from different businesses, and it can create confusion for customers.
Dedicated short codes are assigned to a single business. With a dedicated short code, businesses can send customized messages to their customers, and customers will recognize the sender and trust the messages they receive.
Moving a short code is possible, but the process is complex and may require a lot of time and resources. It is not something that businesses can do without careful planning, and they should consult with their SMS provider to understand the process and any associated costs.
SMPP stands for Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol, a system that allows for the exchange of SMS messages between Short Message Service Centers (SMSC) and External Short Messaging Entities (ESME). It is an essential aspect of SMS messaging and ensures that messages are delivered efficiently and securely.
The approval process for short codes can take anywhere from several days to several weeks. It depends on the carrier and their specific requirements, as well as the SMS provider’s adherence to those requirements. It is best to plan ahead and allocate enough time for the approval process.
