SMS Short Codes
Five-digit SMS Short Codes have proven to be a huge marketing success over the past few years thanks to their memorability and convenience.

SMS Short Codes have been widely used on print advertising, TV and radio advertising, on marketing promotional literature, on-pack marketing and on outdoor advertising.

In the UK Short Codes are common to all major UK mobile phone operators, i.e. one shortcode can be used cross network. SMS Short Codes have many uses including enabling consumers to:

  • Respond to a promotion or offer
  • Request more information to be sent to their mobile phone
  • Register interest for a promotion or event
  • Request a call-back
  • Receive a mobile coupon or discount voucher
  • Make a mobile SMS donation to charity
  • Register a vote or take part in a poll / survey
  • Receive a link to a mobile website

Typically the consumer sending an SMS to a Short Code pays a cost to send the SMS. However, now Free SMS is also available to help brands maximise their response to a campaign. This is the SMS equivalent of Freephone. Sending the SMS to respond to any given offer is free to the end user and is paid for by the brand, thereby encouraging greater response.

Short Codes can also be used for MMS, Voice and Video services.

BENEFITS

  • More memorable than long phone numbers and web sites
  • Can be instantly responded to at point of sale or whilst mobile
  • Can be responded to 24/7, when your call centre or retail outlet is closed
  • Convenient and easy for consumers to use
  • SMS and mobile is widely used by consumers
  • Campaigns can be measured accurately and immediately
  • Allow you to capture consumer data future permission-based marketing campaigns