SMS short code texting service
Get more messaging power and brand recognition by sending SMS and MMS from a memorable 5 or 6-digit phone number.
- Generate more opt-ins with a number your customers recognize and trust.
- Access more message volume at high speeds.
- Make the provisioning process easy with an experienced team.
The SMS short code service trusted by top brands
What is an SMS short code?
A short code is a 5- or 6-digit phone number that is typically used for mass text messaging, SMS marketing, and automated texts. Short codes are easier to remember than traditional numbers and can send more messages per minute. To opt into your text message marketing program, your audience can text a word or phrase (known as a keyword) to your SMS short code. Then you’re ready to start sending text campaigns at scale.
SMS short codes are now synonymous with dedicated short codes. A dedicated short code is a 5- to 6-digit number for a single organization — thus, a short code dedicated to only one brand.
Until early 2022, several brands could share the same short code and manage their contacts by opt-in text-to-join keywords (e.g. A pizza company would accept contacts who texted PIZZA to 123456 while a nonprofit would accept contacts who texted VOLUNTEER to 123456 — the same shared short code). Shared short codes are no longer in use due to many reasons, though a primary reason to discontinue shared short codes was carrier monitoring for spam.
“If you’re considering SimpleTexting, I highly recommend it. As a marketer, and someone who consults with multiple different types of businesses, the support that you get is wonderful. And I find the design of the platform allows you to move and experiment very quickly.”
Jackelyn Dacanay
Marketing Director, Bella Santé
The benefits of a dedicated short code
You might wonder why short codes are the best choice for you and your business, or what text marketing has to offer. Let’s cover a few highlights.
Professional branding
A dedicated short code communicates to your audience that you’re a well-established organization with defined branding. This helps subscribers trust you and pay attention to your messages.
High-speed messaging
Dedicated short codes give you access to higher volumes of messages (and more messages per minute) than other number types so you’re never limited in what or how much you can send.
Potential for fast growth
With a short, easy-to-remember number (which draws more subscribers) and superior messaging volume and speed, you can easily scale your text marketing program to meet your larger goals.
Don’t take our word for it. 81% of businesses report that SMS marketing is an effective way to drive revenue in their business.
Instant access to your entire customer base
We love SMS for many reasons, but mostly because it’s so fast. How fast? Well, 90% of texts get opened and read within 3 minutes of being received.
That’s not just an empty number. According to a recent survey we ran, 33% of business owners say they value SMS for real-time reach and fast delivery.
Given that mass texts are the most common use case for dedicated short code users, that means you can reach every one of your customers almost instantly.
“Honestly, we’re connecting with people. Information is getting in front of those who need it, in a way that other communication strategies couldn’t do. If they’re contacted via text message there’s a guarantee that they’ll be reached.”
Mike Billeter
Communication Director, Central Church
Types of dedicated short codes
There are two types of short codes for sending mass text messages: random and vanity. While they perform the same function, they differ in a couple of key ways.
Random short codes
As the name suggests, random short codes are randomly assigned five- or six-digit numbers. Businesses frequently use random codes for short code texting because they are the cheapest of the two options starting at $1,000 per month.
Vanity short codes
A dedicated vanity short code makes your number extra memorable because it can be customized to your brand. For example, 32623 spells out the word DANCE.
Some businesses prefer using vanity numbers because they are easier to remember and simplify tools like text-to-join.
Vanity short codes start at $1,500 per month.
How to get a dedicated short code for business texting
With SimpleTexting, you get expert help every step of the way. We’ll work directly with you and the wireless carriers to get your SMS short code up and running.
Choose your number
Complete your service approval form
Provision and test your number
Launch your marketing campaign
“Since I’ve implemented SimpleTexting text campaigns into my daily tasks, we’ve had increased appointments with agents in our area so that we can help them grow — and we can help our company grow to an even larger scale.”
Emily Gannon
Recruiter and Global Sales Coordinator, Weichert Realtors
Short code texting vs. long code texting
What’s the difference between texting with a short code and texting with a local or toll-free number? We’ve set up an easy table to show you the key points of each.
Why choose SimpleTexting?
We know there are plenty of text marketing platforms out there that offer short codes, so why should we be your pick?
We’ve done this a few thousand times
We offer best-in-class customer support 7 days a week
Ease of use
Fast speed to value
User adoption
“It’s very reasonably priced and easy to use. We were able to get up and running quickly.”
Todd Spangler
Parts Manager, Nissan of Columbus
