A standard 10-digit phone number isn’t the only way businesses can send and receive texts from customers. SMS short codes are another phone number type that helps companies send high volumes of text messages securely and quickly. But how do businesses use them and get one?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about SMS short codes, including the different short code types, top benefits, and how to lease one. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions like, What is an SMS short code and how do they work?
If you’re considering using an SMS short code, read this article before you begin the leasing process.
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Have you ever received a promotional message, a verification number, or an event confirmation text from a shorter phone number? That number is known as an SMS short code.
An SMS short code is a 5 or 6-digit number that can send and receive texts at scale. SMS short codes were built for high-volume texting campaigns. SMS short codes are easy for customers to remember, which helps boost brand recognition. Additionally, extensive vetting is required for businesses that want to obtain SMS short codes, which can increase customer trust. These are just some ways SMS short codes can benefit your business.
There are several types of short codes, including dedicated and shared short codes. However, shared short codes are no longer available for brands to use. Let’s take a look.
Here are the main reasons your business should consider choosing an SMS short code.
While there are many benefits of using short codes to send mass texts, there are some costs and compliance tasks businesses should first consider.
Businesses can lease short codes through the short code registry. It usually costs upwards of $1,000 monthly to lease a vanity short code or $500 monthly for a random short code. However, even after you lease a shortcode, you must register it and find an SMS platform to launch your text messaging campaign. This means there are additional costs you will need to consider even after your short code is leased.
For example, short codes require registration, hosting, MMS, and carrier-required fees, and these costs add up. Mozeo simplifies these additional costs by combining them into one monthly payment that begins once the short code application is submitted. Mozeo takes care of leasing the short code, registering it with the carriers, and communicating with carriers throughout the review process so your business doesn’t have to. The monthly payment for Mozeo is $1,500 for a random short code and $2,000 for a vanity short code. Short codes can be leased for 6 or 12 months.
After you lease a short code, you can’t start using it until you are approved by wireless service providers. Businesses must undergo an extensive review process to register a short code. This includes submitting an application containing your company’s name, EIN number, and short code use case. This application review process can take 6 - 10 weeks as each mobile carrier will view it.
To get approval, businesses must follow the regulations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA).
To stay in line with TCPA and CTIA standards, you must provide a clear opt-in method that ensures customers consent to receiving SMS messages. You must also have a way for customers to unsubscribe from texts with keywords such as “STOP.” If you are unsure whether or not your business complies with the TCPA regulations, look no further than our TCPA compliance checklist.
Here are some common examples of how your business can effectively use SMS short codes.
Businesses use short codes to promote deals or launch marketing campaigns. Use a short code to share special offers, discounts, or launch a new product.
Pajama Llama has a special deal just for you! Use code SAVE10 at checkout for 10% off your next order. Shop now: [link]. Reply STOP to STOP.
Use your SMS short code number to remind registered attendees about upcoming events.
Reminder: Cara’s Coffee Tasting starts at 3 p.m. on Sept. 3. Get ready for an amazing time! Reply STOP to STOP.
Use a short code to ensure people subscribed to your text program see important text messages regarding emergencies or public safety.
FLOOD WATCH: Due to heavy rain, your surrounding area may be at risk for flooding. Please avoid traveling near rivers and streams. Reply STOP to STOP.
Nonprofit organizations can set up text-to-donate campaigns using a short code or simply request donations at scale. For example, people can donate to a charity or organization by texting a keyword like ‘GIVE’ to a dedicated short code.
Help children get the Christmas gifts they deserve! Text ‘GIVE’ to 776445 to donate $20 to Gifts for Kids.
Use short codes for text-to-win campaigns where participants text a keyword for a chance to win special prizes. For example, you could advertise your text-to-win campaign and short code on a jumbotron.
Hey Buckeyes fans! Reply with GOBUCKS for a chance to win exclusive Ohio State football merchandise! Reply STOP to STOP.
Use short codes to send one-time passwords (OTPs) to users who need to verify their identities with a two-factor authentication process. These passwords can increase the security of accounts.
Your OTP to verify your account is 529837. The password will expire in 10 minutes.
When it comes to SMS short codes, Mozeo is the perfect partner. Obtaining SMS short codes is a long and complex process, but Mozeo makes it easier for businesses. You won’t have to worry about managing extra fees or the price of leasing a short code because Mozeo includes them all in one monthly payment. You won’t have to deal with all the back-and-forth messages with carriers because the Mozeo team handles that for you.
Want an enhanced SMS short codes experience? Get started with Mozeo today. Once approved, you can text customers at scale and build customized workflows.