How SMS Short Codes Work: A Step-by-Step Explanation

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With dedicated short codes now being the norm, businesses will typically lease a short code for a set period, such as three months, six months, or a year. The application for a short code takes place through your SMS service provider.

In the US for example, businesses belarus whatsapp number data must apply to the US Short Code Administration before leasing a short code. The application process typically involves providing information about how the short code will be used, and what types of messages the company will send.

As an alternative to applying directly, a business may engage with an SMS API (Application Programming Interface) provider or aggregator, which undertakes to acquire a short code on their behalf.

In either case, the short code application must go through an approval process, which may take six to eight weeks for a dedicated short code. Each wireless carrier must approve a proposed business campaign before sending traffic over a short code. Most carriers regulate short codes based on the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) Short Code Monitoring Handbook. Since the approval process will likely take several weeks, it’s important to plan ahead and consider the timeframe when incorporating SMS code numbers or short codes into your marketing strategy.

Once a short code is approved, an organization will typically pair it with a keyword, which allows users to opt in to receive messages from the organization itself, or from a specific campaign. For example, your restaurant might might ask customers to text the keyword “PASTA” to a short code number to receive details about the Italian dishes featuring on your current menu. Using an SMS Short Code gives the potential customer a shorter number to have to remember when they send the text – especially if that number also has some recognizable link to the restaurant.

Businesses can use SMS short codes for several purposes. In marketing campaigns for instance, companies can enable their customers to opt-in for promotions, coupons, or special offers by texting a keyword to the Short Code.

Organizations can use short codes to provide information services such as weather updates, news alerts, stock quotes, or sports scores. Users can send a specific keyword to the Short Code to receive the desired information.

To participate in contests or surveys, or to vote on reality TV shows and opinion polls, users can send their choices or responses to an SMS Short Code. In addition, business entities seeking donations (such as non-profit organizations and charities) can use Short Codes to enable individuals to make donations via text message.