Question:
I currently use Text Marketer’s web based bulk sms system to send messages to my customers. I want them to be able to reply to these messages. Should I use a short code or a long code? What’s the difference between them and what are they used for?
Short Codes
Short codes are mainly used to generate response from advertising or marketing activity. A responder will text in a keyword to a 5 digit short code, e.g 88802. The responder then receives an automated text response letting them know what will happen next. The responder’s mobile number, date and time of text and the content of the text itself are captured and stored.
The incoming text can be routed to an email address and can also be viewed in your Text Marketer account where all responder information can be downloaded to an excel spreadsheet or csv file, know as 2-way SMS.
As long as the keyword is at the start of the text and followed by a space, then everything else is captured. This means that you can collect other data such as email or postal addresses.
We offer 2 types of keywords. Value keywords start with a number (e.g 2book) and standard keywords are any word that you wish.
Long Codes or Virtual Mobile Numbers
Using a long code allows people to reply to the bulk sms campaigns that you send them, 2-way SMS. They do not need to start their text with a keyword, so no matter what they send, their entire text is captured. Long codes can also texted directly so customers might be able to text you with specific query for example.
The incoming text is routed to you via email. You can then reply to the person by text, using your email system. The reply is then routed back to the person’s mobile as a text. So that you can see who has sent what, the entire conversation thread is captured.
Each organisation has their own virtual mobile number or txtUs number.