A standard 10-digit phone number isn’t the only way businesses can send and receive texts from customers. SMS short codes are another phone number type that helps companies send high volumes of text messages securely and quickly. But how do businesses use them and get one?
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about SMS short codes, including the different short code types, top benefits, and how to lease one. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions like, What is an SMS short code and how do they work?
If you’re considering using an SMS short code, read this article before you begin the leasing process.
What is an SMS Short Code?
Have you ever received a promotional message, a verification number, or an event confirmation text from a shorter phone number? That number is known as an SMS short code.
An SMS short code is a 5 or 6-digit number that can send and receive texts at scale. SMS short codes were built for high-volume texting campaigns. SMS short codes are easy for customers to remember, which helps boost brand recognition. Additionally, extensive vetting is required for businesses that want to obtain SMS short codes, which can increase customer trust. These are just some ways SMS short codes can benefit your business.
Different Types of SMS Short Codes
There are several types of short codes, including dedicated and shared short codes. However, shared short codes are no longer available for brands to use. Let’s take a look.
- Dedicated short codes. A dedicated short code is a code that is created specifically for your business. The two types of dedicated short codes include vanity and random.
- Vanity: Vanity short codes, also called memorable short codes, are specific numbers that your brand chooses. Vanity short codes allow you to create codes that align with your brand or are easier for customers to remember. Because your brand gets to customize vanity short codes, these codes are more expensive. An example of a memorable shortcode would be: 989898.
- Random: Random short codes, on the other hand, are randomly generated for you. These short codes are less expensive, but you aren’t able to choose or customize the codes. An example of a random shortcode would be: 357129
- Vanity: Vanity short codes, also called memorable short codes, are specific numbers that your brand chooses. Vanity short codes allow you to create codes that align with your brand or are easier for customers to remember. Because your brand gets to customize vanity short codes, these codes are more expensive. An example of a memorable shortcode would be: 989898.
- Shared short codes. A shared short code involves multiple businesses using the same code. However, shared short codes are no longer available. Service providers stopped offering shared short codes because multiple businesses using the same shared code created too many technical issues and fraud concerns.
Benefits of Using a Short Code for SMS
Here are the main reasons your business should consider choosing an SMS short code.
- High throughput. Short codes are built for high-volume texting, ensuring your business can send SMS messages to customers reliably and quickly. Short codes have the highest text message throughput of all phone number types, meaning they send messages faster.
- Less carrier filtering. Businesses must go through an extensive approval process to obtain a short code. This process, which includes submitting information about your brand and how you’ll obtain opt-ins, helps keep your short code messages from getting flagged or filtered by carriers as spam.
- Brand recognition. When you use a short code, you can increase brand recognition. That’s because a shorter number is easier to remember than a 10-digit phone number. You can stand out from other companies with short codes unique to your brand.
- Scalable solution. Short codes handle mass messaging at scale, allowing your business to text large groups of customers at the same time. You can also run several campaigns at the same time.
- Get your messages read. Text messages have a 98% open rate, so you can guarantee the vast majority of your customers will read your messages.
How to Get An SMS Short Code
After you lease a short code, you can’t start using it until you are approved by wireless service providers. Businesses must undergo an extensive review process to register a short code. Here’s an overview of the typical process:
- Choose Your Short Code Type
Decide whether you want a vanity short code (custom and easy to remember) or a randomly assigned number. - Lease the Short Code
Lease your selected short code through an authorized provider or aggregator. Leasing reserves the number but does not make it usable yet. - Prepare Your Application
Compile the required business details, including your company name, EIN, and a clear explanation of your intended messaging use case. - Submit Your Campaign for Carrier Review
Your application is reviewed by mobile carriers, each of whom evaluates your use case independently. This process typically takes 6–10 weeks. - Get Carrier Approval and Provisioning
Once approved, your short code is provisioned across all major carriers, allowing you to begin sending high-volume SMS campaigns.
Compliance Considerations
To secure carrier approval, your short code campaign must meet the standards set by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). This includes providing a clear opt-in method that ensures subscribers consent to receiving texts and offering an easy way to opt out using keywords such as “STOP.”
Carriers also review message content, frequency, customer expectations, and data-handling practices. If you’re unsure whether your messaging flows meet these requirements, our TCPA compliance checklist can help you verify that your campaign aligns with industry standards.
How Much Do SMS Short Codes Cost?
Leasing an SMS short code through the Short Code Registry typically costs $500 per month for a random short code and $1,000 per month for a vanity short code. However, these fees only cover the lease itself. Businesses must also budget for additional expenses such as carrier registration, hosting, MMS enablement, aggregator fees, and the cost of an SMS platform to actually run campaigns.
When combined, these separate charges can significantly increase the total monthly investment. To simplify this process, Mozeo offers an all-inclusive pricing model that bundles the leasing, registration, hosting, and platform access into a single monthly payment.
6 Top Use Cases for Short Code Texting
Here are some common examples of how your business can effectively use SMS short codes.
Mass SMS Marketing Campaigns
Businesses use short codes to promote deals or launch marketing campaigns. Use a short code to share special offers, discounts, or launch a new product.
Pajama Llama has a special deal just for you! Use code SAVE10 at checkout for 10% off your next order. Shop now: [link]. Reply STOP to STOP.
Event Reminders
Use your SMS short code number to remind registered attendees about upcoming events.
Reminder: Cara’s Coffee Tasting starts at 3 p.m. on Sept. 3. Get ready for an amazing time! Reply STOP to STOP.
Alerts
Use a short code to ensure people subscribed to your text program see important text messages regarding emergencies or public safety.
FLOOD WATCH: Due to heavy rain, your surrounding area may be at risk for flooding. Please avoid traveling near rivers and streams. Reply STOP to STOP.
Donations and Fundraising
Nonprofit organizations can set up text-to-donate campaigns using a short code or simply request donations at scale. For example, people can donate to a charity or organization by texting a keyword like ‘GIVE’ to a dedicated short code.
Help children get the Christmas gifts they deserve! Text ‘GIVE’ to 776445 to donate $20 to Gifts for Kids.
Text-to-Win
Use short codes for text-to-win campaigns where participants text a keyword for a chance to win special prizes. For example, you could advertise your text-to-win campaign and short code on a jumbotron.
Hey Buckeyes fans! Reply with GOBUCKS for a chance to win exclusive Ohio State football merchandise! Reply STOP to STOP.
One-Time Passwords (2FA)
Use short codes to send one-time passwords (OTPs) to users who need to verify their identities with a two-factor authentication process. These passwords can increase the security of accounts.
Your OTP to verify your account is 529837. The password will expire in 10 minutes.
Meet Mozeo, Your SMS Short Code Partner
When it comes to SMS short codes, Mozeo is the perfect partner. Obtaining SMS short codes is a long and complex process, but Mozeo makes it easier for businesses. You won’t have to worry about managing extra fees or the price of leasing a short code because Mozeo includes them all in one monthly payment. You won’t have to deal with all the back-and-forth messages with carriers because the Mozeo team handles that for you.
Want an enhanced SMS short codes experience? Get started with Mozeo today. Once approved, you can text customers at scale and build customized workflows.
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