How to Choose the Right SMS Short Code for Your Campaign?

Choosing the right code for the text message is crucial in the overall handling of a text message marketing campaign. A text code is a fast and easy five-to-six-digit number that businesses can use for sending or receiving SMS messages. However, if the wrong codes are chosen, then there is low interest, noncompliance, or spending that is unnecessary. That being said, the following are five fundamental things to look for when selecting the appropriate text code for your campaign.

 1. Type of Text code: Dedicated vs. Shared

The first decision that is available to any company is to select either a dedicated or shared text code. A text code is exclusive to your brand, which provides the best platform to control messaging, branding, and customer engagement to avoid confusion with other text codes of other companies you compete with. Although this is true, the code being unique always attracts high prices because it is one of a kind.

However, in shared text code, many businesses use the same number, but each gets a personal keyword, making it more economical. With the rise in shared text codes, many business keywords are likely to duplicate, and this might cause misunderstanding when choosing between root keywords and definitions, which would, in turn, affect the user experience negatively.

 2. Compliance with Regulations

SMS marketing is, however, very regulated to ensure consumers are safe; thus, when selecting a short code, compliance is very important. Also, the code you choose must adhere to all relevant legal regulations – for example, for those programs that are sending messages, you should include the necessary legal consent and an uncomplicated way to opt-out.

Check your SMS service provider for guidance on policy issues such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) that, if violated, could lead to hefty fines damaging your brand image.

 3. Message Volume and Frequency

The traffic to be expected, along with the frequency of use, is highly relevant when choosing the right type of text code for the SMS marketing campaign. Essentially, for high orientations or multiple messaging, their very own text contact number is much preferable so that you could avoid having hold-off issues caused by traffic created by other firms using the said number.

However, if you are running a less massive or less frequent recurring campaign, a shared text code appears to be more cost-efficient but still will allow you to convey your message effectively and, in due time, reach out to your audience.

 4. Branding and Memorability

The more memorable the text code is, the more the users are likely to engage with your content. Alphanumeric baptised codes composed of the letters of the alphabet or simple-to-remember vanity codes are favourites for campaigns that require either a high recall rate or an even better actual recognition level of the recipient. However, vanity codes are often that costlier than random text codes.

If budget is a problem and branding is not very important, then using a random text code is the best decision because it costs less, and if your keyword is appropriate for your business, it is quite good.

5. Cost Considerations

When choosing text codes, the cost of the code is essential since the costs depend on whether the code is dedicated or shared; dedicated codes are much more costly than shared ones. As for the codes allowing for vanity, they are also more expensive. You also need to count the money that you are willing to spend to be able to decide which of the choices fits you best. Although it may be cheaper to use a common text code, some benefits are associated with a dedicated text code: more control over the brand and a better customer use experience.

 Conclusion

Selecting an appropriate SMS text code is an important part of gaining achievement and maintaining legal conformity. Thus, you can make the right decision based on your needs in terms of message volume, budget, and branding, as well as understanding the type of code related to your goals. Last but not least, one will be able to increase the amount of measured engagement effectively, facilitate communication, and contribute to your brand success.