subject: Long Code - Interactive Marketing Sms [print this page] It is an open secret that bulk SMS has evolved into a full blown marketing platform. Bulk SMS is affordable, reliable, quick and easy to implement. In just three steps thousands of marketing messages are despatched to potential customers, typically subscribers, across a myriad of geographic locations. Bulk SMS allows marketers to target customers based on age, sex, location and even on their social status. This type of filtered targeting translates into a high ROI, which simply means more leads and increased sales for the advertisers.
However, bulk SMS has one inherent limitation. It can establish brands, products and services but it does not allow customers to revert back or interact with the marketer. Today, even this limitation has been overcome with the introduction of several powerful variants of bulk SMS. These interactive options are; long codes and short codes.
Long Code is typically a 10-digit number which subscribers can use to interact with the promoters or marketers. Its implementation is really very simple. Subscribers just need to compose an SMS along with the keyword and send it to the prescribed 10-digit number to offer their views, feedback, accept invitations or confirm their membership. Here is one such example; SMS [WIN COUPON] to 222 333 4444.
Mentioned below are some of the areas where long codes make their presence felt.
1. Surveys - To increase membership base.
2. Alerts - Newspapers and magazines can woo customers with latest headlines.
3. Offers - Tempt customers with freebies and enhance product visibility.
4. Discount Coupons - Reward loyal customers and also increase off season sales.
On the other hand short codes are good for interactive marketing within the national boundaries. They are expensive than long codes and therefore used in short bursts unlike long codes which are used for extended periods. The reason why short codes are expensive is because SMS sent to these numbers are typically charged at premium rates. While long codes are used for protracted duration and have international reach short codes are used locally. Typical examples are poll & voting or stock alerts.
Short codes are available in two variants; dedicated and shared. While the former can only be exploited by one entity the latter is shared amongst several advertisers. Each advertiser is then given a unique keyword. Short codes are expensive and require permission from Common Short Code Administration.
As mentioned above group SMS or bulk SMS is extremely popular with businesses and individuals. Sending Group SMS from native device is pass. Today, individuals, organizations, NGO's, professionals use internet to accomplish this task. There are many websites that offer group messaging service for free, albeit with a cap. If you intend sending large number of messages, irrespective of the purpose, then you have to opt for a business version. This version is called bulk SMS software.
Group messages are also sent to communicate with friends, family and business associates. Mentioned below are some of its advantages.
1. You can personalize the messages.
2. Option to send message to group or individuals.
3. Send messages from phone or web based interface.
