Furthermore, a short code is great for promotions. You can tell your customers to text a word to your number. For example, text "JOIN" to 12345. When they do, they are added to your mailing list. They special database give you permission to send them messages. This is called "opting in." It is a very important part of marketing. This makes the process very easy for everyone.
The Main Benefits of Using a Short Code
Using a short code has many advantages. First, it makes your business look professional. A short code is a sign of a real business. It shows you are serious about marketing. This helps to build customer trust. A regular phone number might look less official. Consequently, a short code makes your brand stronger. It makes your company seem more reliable to customers. This is a very important benefit.
In addition, a short code has a very high delivery rate. Messages sent from a short code rarely get blocked. They do not get marked as spam. This is because they are approved for business use. This means your messages will always get to your customers. It is a very dependable way to communicate. A regular number has a higher chance of being blocked. Therefore, a short code is a safe choice.
Types of Short Codes
There are two main types of short codes. The first type is called a shared short code. Many companies use the same number. Each company has its own special keyword. For example, one company might use the keyword "DEAL." Another might use the keyword "SALE." Both use the same short code number. Shared short codes are often cheaper. They are a good choice for smaller businesses.
Furthermore, there are dedicated short codes. Only one business uses this kind of number. It is your own private number. You do not have to share it with anyone. This is more expensive than a shared code. However, it is much better for branding. It makes your company look very official. You can also use any keyword you want. This gives you a lot of flexibility. It is a great choice for bigger companies.
How to Get a Short Code
Getting a short code is a clear process. First, you need to apply for one. You do this through a special provider. The provider is a company that manages the codes. You will have to fill out a form. The form asks you about your business. It also asks you about your marketing plan. This ensures that you will use the code the right way. The application process is very important.
Additionally, you need to explain what you will use it for. You will need to explain your keyword. You have to explain your call to action. The provider will then check your application. The provider will make sure you follow the rules. It can take some time to get approved. However, it is an important step. It makes sure that your code is used correctly. This keeps the whole system safe for everyone.
Building Your Campaign with a Short Code
Once you have your short code, you can build a campaign. A campaign is a plan for your messages. You need a clear goal. Do you want to sell more? Do you want to build a better list? Your goal will help you write your messages. For example, if you want sales, send a discount. If you want to build a list, offer a free gift. Your goal is very important.
Moreover, your messages must be short and clear. Text messages are very small. You only have a few characters to use. Get straight to the point. Tell people exactly what you want them to do. For example, "Text SALE to 12345 for 20% off." This is a clear call to action. It is easy for people to understand. It is a very effective way to get results.
Rules for Short Code Marketing
There are rules you must follow. First, you must always get permission. You cannot send messages to people who did not sign up. This is a very important legal rule. It is called "opting in." If a person texts your keyword, they opt in. If they reply "STOP," they opt out. You must respect this at all times. This keeps your customers happy. It also keeps you out of legal trouble.
In addition, you must be honest. Your messages must be about what you promised. For example, if you promise discounts, send discounts. Do not send spam. This is important for building trust. It is also a good way to keep your customers. Finally, you must identify yourself. Your customers should always know who the message is from. This is another important rule.
Measuring Your Short Code's Success
It is important to measure how well your campaign works. You can use a special tool for this. The tool will give you reports. The reports show you many things. You can see how many people texted your keyword. You can see how many people clicked a link. You can also see how many people unsubscribed. This information is very useful for you.
Furthermore, you can use this data to get better. If a message gets a lot of clicks, you know it was good. If a message gets many unsubscribes, you know it was bad. You can then change your plan. You can try a new message. You can try a new offer. Measuring your success is the best way to improve. It helps you get more from your marketing. It helps your business grow.