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.
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The SMS short code service trusted by top brands
Starbucks is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Cisco is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
LEGOLAND is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Century 21 is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Samsung is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Stanford University is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Chick-fil-A is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Marriott is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services
Kaplan is using SimpleTexting for Text Marketing Services

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

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

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
Decide whether you’ll lease a random or vanity code based on your budget and goals for your organization. Get in touch with our team to get started.

Complete your service approval form
We’ll work together to provide a few key details about your organization, how you intend to use your short code, and what type of messages you’ll send.

Provision and test your number
We’ll connect with an aggregator and submit a joint form with your help. You’ll have to outline how you plan to stay compliant. They’ll issue their final approval or give you feedback so we can re-submit.

Launch your marketing campaign
You’re ready to start using your new dedicated short code! Our easy-to-use platform gives you all the features you need to run a successful text 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

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.

A chart showing the difference between short code and long code texting

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
The short code provisioning process is complex. You’re going to want a co-pilot who’s navigated the process plenty of times before. We’ve helped thousands of business owners lease their short codes.

We offer best-in-class customer support 7 days a week
Our support team is made up of real people who are rooting for your success, and we’re around every day to make it happen.

Ease of use
We pride ourselves on being user-friendly for both SMS marketing beginners and veterans. We also offer demo videos for our most popular features and plenty of resources to help you get started.

Fast speed to value
You can get up and running ASAP with SimpleTexting. No unnecessary waiting or long processes, just SMS success.

User adoption
Our data tells us that 69% of businesses plan to increase their text marketing budget in 2024, and scores of those businesses choose to partner with us to help them grow.
“It’s very reasonably priced and easy to use. We were able to get up and running quickly.”
Todd Spangler

Todd Spangler

Parts Manager, Nissan of Columbus

Published: March 12th 2024