10 Things You Must Know About Short Codes

You may have participated in a TV polling in the past or cast your vote by text on the American Idol. The number you sent your text to is what is referred to as a short code number. A short code number has immense value for entrepreneurs. In fact, to run any successful campaign, one must have this number. However most details about this 5 to 6 digit number are often shrouded in mystery. Here are some facts.

1). In America today two short code numbers are available; shared and dedicated. The dedicated numbers are exclusively used by one customer. They do a take a while to set up, about two months and cost anything from $15,000 to $30,000 a year.

2). The shared numbers are ideal for start-ups as they cost less. The providers use keywords to identify the different users sharing the number. They can be used for fundraising campaigns or specific activities that are non recurrent or small in volume. They are available from companies like Mozes and TextMarks.

3). The beauty of short codes, unlike mobile numbers is that they are shorter and you can choose numbers that are easier to remember. If one wanted a vanity dedicated number it would cost about $1000 more per month. While numbers that are handpicked at random would cost about half that.

4). Short code numbers are provided by aggregators who have a relationship with mobile carriers. You could register with Clicktell or Verisign or any other companies that provide short codes. Not all short codes are accepted by all carriers. One has to verify acceptability if you intend to do a countrywide campaign.

5). The administration issues and operational cost is different in every country. Some countries have 4 digit series others have 5 or 6. Often carriers and aggregators require a minimum traffic per month for continued use. One needs to shop around to get what best suits his particular circumstances.

6). When you lease this number you must be careful not to violate the code of conduct of the carries. They can shut you down at the blink of an eye with explanation or notice.

7). Content providers, the people who send you news updates, horoscopes or quotes are not allowed to transmit certain content. For instance, political marketing, religious, pornographic, prostitution, gambling, hate, alcohol or drug related content are not allowed.

8). The way these numbers work is that the receiver or sender of a text message is debited above normal rates. Normally the fee is decided by the user and aggregator. The money is shared between the carrier, user and aggregator. Generally the user gets paid after the carrier pays the aggregator.

9). Short code numbers accurately measure results of marketing campaigns. They offer instant gratification and engage users and they easily capture customer data.

10). In the US a single applicant can lease up to 20 of these numbers. The five or six-digit numbers are available within the range 20000 and 99999, or 222222 to 899999

Mary Wilhite is a Mobile Marketing Specialist, also known as the Mobile Marketing Queen. Teaching small businesses, entrepreneurs, and internet marketers how to attract better customers with mobile marketing devices. Get more of her mobile marketing tips, tricks, and strategies today. Just click here http://marywilhiteblog.com

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