According to global customer research, SMS is the channel of choice for as many as 94% of consumers. So it’s no surprise that businesses are investing more in SMS marketing campaigns than we’ve seen previously.
So the question is, does a shorter phone number to send text messages from really make much of a difference or add any value to your SMS marketing strategy?
What is an SMS short code?
An SMS short code is a five or six-digit number that businesses can use to send and receive text messages quickly, and at scale. These can be used in place of regular 10-digit phone numbers, and also have a faster sending speed and so are perfect for sending targeted, impactful SMS messages to a large list of subscribers.
One of the most common use cases for SMS short codes is to create a more user-friendly opt-in process for SMS marketing campaigns. Customers can text a keyword to a short code phone number to start communicating with your business. This process is the consent from customers to start receiving personalised, and automated communications via SMS from the business.
An example might look like this:
‘Be the first to hear about our news!
Text: YES to 88909’
Top 5 ways to use SMS short codes
At TextAnywhere we provide a range of shared and dedicated short codes to our customers through our SMS platform. Short codes have a range of benefits that see them repeatedly being selected by businesses to run certain SMS marketing campaigns and initiatives. This includes things like enhanced memorability based on the shortened number length and the faster delivery speed.
Let’s delve a bit deeper into some of the most strategic ways that you can use SMS short codes in your marketing:
Starting two-way conversations
One of the most valuable things you can do is give your customers a platform to connect with you. They can enquire about your services, or even check on the status of an order.
Making a donation
Charity organisations can prompt users to donate a set amount of money by urging them to send a text message to a short code using a simple keyword such as ‘donate’ or ‘cure’. This service is easy to set up and recipients don’t even need the hassle of filling in forms or searching for card details to make a payment. Short codes can also be used in real time in conjunction with wider fundraising events such as Comic Relief or Water Aid.
Taking part in competitions
Think reality TV shows, giveaway incentives, or awards ceremonies. They all use voting as a means of deciding the winners. A short code service can be a great way to collect the majority of these votes as it is a cheaper and quicker alternative than making a phone call.
Receiving discounts
Subscribers to your SMS alerts can text a selected keyword to your short code to receive a discount on a product or service. This can increase incentive for the recipient to use your product or service and to remain subscribed to your SMS alerts.
Requesting information
Finally, another popular way to use a short code service is to allow customers to request information about a product or service whenever they require it. This request can be greeted with an automated response listing important information such as opening times, contact details or the latest company updates. You can use more than one keyword to correspond to the type of information that your customer needs.
Start using SMS short codes
Not only are they more user-friendly, but they offer customers the ability to directly interact and connect with you as a business. With highly-targeted and relevant messaging being the bare minimum for customer communications in this day and age, the faster delivery speed and more personalised nature of two-way conversations is something that could make a difference to your communication engagement rate.