Shortcodes and Long Numbers Demystified: A Guide to Effective Messaging”
Introduction
In today’s society, everyone is connected to their mobile devices. We rely on them for communication, entertainment, and even business transactions.
Short Message Service (SMS) has become a critical component of our mobile lifestyle. long code SMS messaging technology facilitates quick and efficient communication between individuals or companies.
It is widely used in businesses worldwide to communicate with customers or groups of people. Two forms of SMS messaging are essential in the industry: SMS Short Codes and Long Numbers.
Explanation of SMS Short Codes and Long Numbers
SMS Short Codes are five or six-digit phone numbers that companies use to send targeted messages to their customers via text message. These codes are simple for consumers to remember and easily recognizable on advertising material such as billboards, TV commercials, or social media advertisements. On the other hand, Long Numbers are ten-digit phone numbers that look like regular mobile numbers but enable two-way conversations between the company and its clients via long code SMS.
Importance of SMS in today’s world
The importance of using long code SMS messaging lies in its effectiveness as a communication tool for businesses worldwide. A recent study conducted by Mobilesquared revealed that 98 percent of text messages get read within three minutes after delivery; this is much higher than any other form of communication available today. Furthermore, sending messages through SMS is more cost-effective than traditional advertising methods such as television commercials or print ads since it allows companies to reach a broader audience at a lower cost.
Moreover, many industries rely on using long code SMS Short Codes and Long Numbers for various purposes such as promotions, announcements, surveys, customer service inquiries, among others. As we delve deeper into this article’s topics regarding these two forms of messaging services’ differences and similarities — we will highlight their respective advantages and disadvantages briefly summarizing what each entails while shedding more light on how each can be obtained according to individual needs.
SMS Short Codes
Definition and Explanation of SMS Short Codes
SMS short codes are abbreviated phone numbers that are used to send and receive text messages. They are typically five or six digits long, making them easy to remember.
SMS short codes are used by businesses and organizations as a way to communicate with their customers, employees, or members. When a person sends a text message to an long code SMS short code, they will receive an automated response in return.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using SMS Short Codes
One of the main advantages of using SMS short codes is that they provide a quick and convenient way for businesses to communicate with their customers. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as sending appointment reminders, promotional messages, or customer support information.
Another advantage is that they can be easily integrated into marketing campaigns and social media platforms. However, there are also some disadvantages associated with using long code SMS short codes.
One of the main drawbacks is that they can be expensive to obtain and maintain. Additionally, there may be limitations on the number of messages that can be sent per month or the types of content that can be sent.
Examples of Industries That Use SMS Short Codes
The use of long code SMS short codes is widespread across many different industries. For example, retailers may use them for promotional offers and discounts; healthcare providers may use them for appointment reminders and health tips; financial institutions may use them for account notifications; and non-profit organizations may use them for fundraising campaigns. Overall, the use of long code SMS short codes has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and effectiveness in reaching a large audience quickly.
Long Numbers
Long numbers are a type of phone number that can be used to send and receive long code SMS messages. Unlike SMS short codes, long numbers consist of a normal phone number that can be used across all mobile service providers. They are also known as virtual mobile numbers or VMNs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Long Numbers
One advantage of using long numbers is that they are easier to remember for customers compared to SMS short codes. They can also be used for two-way messaging, which allows for more personalized communication with customers. Additionally, long numbers do not require any additional setup costs and can be quickly set up on most long code SMS platforms.
However, one disadvantage of using long numbers is that they are less recognizable to customers as a marketing tool compared to long code SMS short codes. This may result in fewer opt-ins from potential customers.
Long numbers may also have lower throughput rates compared to short codes. Some countries have strict regulations on the use of long numbers for commercial purposes.
Examples of Industries That Use Long Numbers
Long numbers are commonly used by various industries such as retail, banking, and healthcare. For example, retailers use long numbers for sending order confirmations or delivery updates to their customers. Banks use them for sending transaction alerts or account balance updates to their clients.
Healthcare providers use them for appointment reminders or medication refill notifications. Overall, the use of long numbers has become an increasingly popular way for businesses to communicate with their customers via text message without the upfront costs associated with obtaining a dedicated long code SMS short code.
Differences between SMS Short Codes and Long Numbers
When it comes to SMS messaging, there are primarily two options available for businesses – short codes and long numbers. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between these two options.
Comparison Between the Two
One of the main differences between long code SMS long code SMS short codes and long numbers is their length. Short codes are typically 5-6 digit numbers that are easy to remember, while long numbers are regular phone numbers that have been configured for SMS messaging. Another difference is the purpose they serve.
Short codes are commonly used for marketing purposes, such as sending promotional messages or conducting surveys. On the other hand, long numbers are often used for customer service purposes or personal communication.
When to Use Each One
So when should a business use a short code versus a long number? It ultimately depends on their goals and what they want to achieve with their SMS campaigns.
Short codes can be highly effective for mass messaging campaigns where businesses want to reach a large audience quickly with a simple call-to-action. For example, companies can offer exclusive discounts or send out reminders using a short code.
Long numbers can be useful when businesses want to establish more personalized communication with customers. They allow customers to send text messages directly to the business which can improve customer satisfaction and provide an avenue for feedback.
Ultimately, it’s important for businesses to carefully consider their goals before choosing between SMS short codes versus long numbers. By selecting the right option based on their objectives, they can maximize the effectiveness of their messaging campaigns.
How to get an SMS Short Code or a Long Number
Businesses that want to use long code SMS messaging for their marketing campaigns can do so by getting an SMS short code or a long number. Depending on the campaign’s scale, businesses can choose which option will work best for them.
The Process of Obtaining an SMS Short Code or a Long Number
The process of obtaining an long code SMS short code or long number is relatively straightforward. First, the business needs to select a service provider that offers these codes. Then, they will be required to fill out an application form with the necessary information about their company and the intended use of the code.
This information includes contact details, industry type, and description of the intended campaign. After submitting the application, it undergoes review by regulatory bodies responsible for approving such requests.
The approval process can take between 8-12 weeks. Once approved, businesses are given access to their codes and can start using them in their marketing campaigns.
Costs Associated with Getting an SMS Short Code or a Long Number
The cost of obtaining an long code SMS short code or long number varies based on several factors like country and service providers’ policy. Typically these costs are not insignificant but remain reasonable compared to other forms of advertising. In many cases, service providers charge monthly fees for using these codes in addition to setup fees upfront.
These fees vary depending on whether you choose a shared short code (where more than one company shares one short code) or opt-in for custom short codes (unique only to your business). The cost involved in getting long numbers is usually lower than those required when acquiring short codes because they have fewer regulations governing them from regulatory bodies hence making it easier for businesses on tight budgets willing to leverage long code SMS marketing but without enough funds.
Businesses need to conduct comprehensive research on service providers and their offers before deciding which option is best for them. They should also factor in the cost of running SMS campaigns to ensure that they can sustain them over the long term.
Conclusion
SMS messaging is one of the most popular and effective communication tools in today’s world. Both SMS short codes and long numbers have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to use one over the other should be based on the specific needs of each business or organization. While SMS short codes are ideal for mass marketing campaigns, long numbers are better suited for two-way communication with customers.
Throughout this article, we have seen how SMS messaging is used in various industries such as healthcare, banking, retail, and entertainment. The use of SMS messaging has been proven to increase customer engagement and satisfaction levels while reducing costs for businesses.
In terms of future trends in the use of SMS messaging, we can expect to see continued growth in its adoption across different industries. As more people around the world gain access to mobile phones and internet connectivity, businesses will continue to leverage on this technology to reach out to their customers or clients.
Overall, it is clear that SMS messaging is here to stay as a cost-effective tool for businesses seeking effective ways of communicating with their audience. By choosing between an SMS short code or a long number based on their specific needs and goals, businesses can take full advantage of this powerful channel in their marketing campaigns while enhancing customer engagement levels.
