Do I need a shortcode? If
you just want to send text messages to your
clients then the answer is no you do not need a
shortcode.
However it has become much more common on TV,
Radio and in the press "to text for more
information".
This is normally done by asking
you to text a "keyword" to a "5 digit
shortcode/short code number". These special 5
number shortcodes are easy to remember
especially when heard in Radio adverts or during
a TV commercial.
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To
see a live demonstration, text DEMO to
82055.
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Offering this service has many advantages:
-
The service operates 24 hours a day, even
when you are closed. By setting automated
replies, you can provide the client with the
information they need by text message -
perhaps your business details, contact
numbers or even multimedia clips and photos.
-
Every time a person sends a text for more
information the persons details are sent to
you as an email to follow up when you are
available. It frees up your phone lines
whilst capturing the client, so no more lost
leads.
-
Every phone number is automatically added to
your online database. Keep in touch with all
your existing and prospective clients easily
and send offers and promotions from your PC.
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Operate "premium rate services". The end
user can be charged for receiving your
information - especially video and audio
clips, to enter a competition or to vote.
-
A shortcode is the easiest way to generate a
database of mobile numbers which can be sent
offers and information. Shortcodes are ideal
for for pubs, clubs and bars and can easily
be marketed on fliers, posters or simply by
the DJ.
The facts and costs of texting a shortcode.
There are two types of shortcode, MT and MO.
Textvertising provide a shared MT shortcode.
MT - "Mobile Terminated".
When texting to this type of shortcode the cost
is always at the end users standard network rate
- just like a normal text message.
MT shortcodes can provide premium rate services
except this is only done by sending a chargeable
message to the client who pay when they
receive a message from the shortcode.
However, you do not have to send back chargeable
messages, these can of course be free to the
customer to receive.
This type of shortcode allows us to provide the
flexibility of providing a shortcode that
can be used for low cost standard rate marketing
or for full on premium rate services. The choice
is yours.
MO - "Mobile Originated".
When texting this type of shortcode the end user
is charged a premium cost immediately. This can
be set anywhere between around 10p and £10.
Textvertising do not provide a shared MO
shortcodes as they have distinct disadvantages:
1) they would be useless for marketing. Most
campaigns encourage the end user to text for
more information or subscribe to a database.
Most people would not wish to pay a premium rate
for this.
2) These type of shortcodes do not allow you to
run subscription based premium rate services.
However, they are useful for requesting
multimedia content. When multimedia content is
sent to a client it is impossible to charge the
client for receiving it in the same way as can
be done with a premium rate message.
By paying "up front", the content can be sent
back at no cost as you receive payment on
"submission" of the request message made to the
MO shortcode.
Textvertising can still provide multimedia
content at premium rate even with an MT
shortcode. This is easily done by sending a
premium rate text message to the end user
detailing what they have requested, checking it
has been accepted, then sending the multimedia
clip once payment has been taken.
Share it or take your own.
We offer two options, shared or dedicated.
Many clients simply choose to use our shared
shortcode. Your clients must text your "keyword"
before the system can correctly process the
inbound request. Shared shortcodes are much
cheaper and you can choose multiple keywords
which can all point to your account. Contract
terms are short and we can tailor packages to
your needs.
Dedicated shortcodes are much more expensive and
require a minimum 12 month contract. However
your client isn't required to text a keyword to
register or request information. However a
dedicated shortcode will add extra branding to
your business in the same way as your website
address does.
Added features with Textvertising.
We also provide the option of sub keywords. This
allows you to specify which category inside your
database the client should be registered to when
they text in. For example, if you wanted your
clients to request a brochure, you could go one
step further and specify which brochure.
For example, assume your keyword was BROCHURE.
By setting up the sub keywords BIKE and CAR,
your client could text BROCHURE BIKE or BROCHURE
CAR. When the client texts, not only will the
system email you with the brochure request so you can
send a brochure out, but they will also have
their number added into the correct category
inside your account.
When you decide to send a marketing message to
all clients who have registered, you can specify
by sub keyword exactly which group to send the
message to. This ensures the correct people
receive the correct information about your
products or services.
Reverse Billing and Premium Rate.
Textvertising can also provide the use of reverse
billing with your account on the shortcode if
you require it between 25p and £10.00. For more
information, see our
reverse billing
page.
If you are considering running a premium rate
service, a shortcode is a requirement.
Would you like your clients to text your keyword
to 82055? Call us for more information.
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