Search Info On BlackBerries
By Andrew Campbell
You might not be on nodding terms with them, but you'd know at least what they are. Shortcodes are short phone numbers, used to send and receive SMS and MMS. They were designed as an alternative to regular 10-digit mobile numbers, as they're easier to read and remember. Here's what you need to know about them:
1. In Australia, they are 6-8 digits long and always begin with '19'.
2. Shortcodes are designed to enable contact with many people, all at once. They are a method of communication with a database, not just personal contacts. Shortcodes are not mobile phone numbers- they operate instead from computers. They are most commonly used to replace a call centre number (1800/1300 number) or another method of contact between businesses and their customers.
3. Shortcodes are usually hosted by one company and used by many. The host company will supply their shortcode to several companies and organisations by giving each their own keyword. An interesting example of a shortcode host is TXT2GET, a leading mobile marketing company who boost advertising response and provide exact measurability of ad results. Their shortcode 19 33 33 recently hosted Leading Edge Computers with the keyword 'LEC.' Customers texted 'LEC' to 19 33 33 to enter into the draw to win a computer. From this campaign, Leading Edge achieved triple the number of entries usually received from their paper-entry competitions.
4. You've definitely seen a shortcode in action before. They are usually found as a mechanism for voting on T.V. shows such as Australian Idol and Big Brother; and are also used in ads for ringtones and other phone products. Now, shortcodes are everywhere; even utilised to generate donations to charity. Leading charities such as the Red Cross now encourage customers donate money via an SMS sent to their shortcode. Shortcodes can also be used as a subscription, sending out regular texts such as event updates from venues and news feeds from media companies.
5. Shortcode use is controlled by strict regulations. In Australia, the rates of shortcodes are governed by Communications Alliance Ltd and WMC Global. Above all, the customer always needs to opt into a shortcode's contact database before they can be contacted. Additionally, they need to always have a way of opting out and receiving more information about the shortcode's host.
The shortcode is a simple way to connect with many people at the same time. As a technique of mobile marketing, the shortcode distributes messages to a highly targeted audience. Shortcodes are easy to use, easy to remember, and accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.
1. In Australia, they are 6-8 digits long and always begin with '19'.
2. Shortcodes are designed to enable contact with many people, all at once. They are a method of communication with a database, not just personal contacts. Shortcodes are not mobile phone numbers- they operate instead from computers. They are most commonly used to replace a call centre number (1800/1300 number) or another method of contact between businesses and their customers.
3. Shortcodes are usually hosted by one company and used by many. The host company will supply their shortcode to several companies and organisations by giving each their own keyword. An interesting example of a shortcode host is TXT2GET, a leading mobile marketing company who boost advertising response and provide exact measurability of ad results. Their shortcode 19 33 33 recently hosted Leading Edge Computers with the keyword 'LEC.' Customers texted 'LEC' to 19 33 33 to enter into the draw to win a computer. From this campaign, Leading Edge achieved triple the number of entries usually received from their paper-entry competitions.
4. You've definitely seen a shortcode in action before. They are usually found as a mechanism for voting on T.V. shows such as Australian Idol and Big Brother; and are also used in ads for ringtones and other phone products. Now, shortcodes are everywhere; even utilised to generate donations to charity. Leading charities such as the Red Cross now encourage customers donate money via an SMS sent to their shortcode. Shortcodes can also be used as a subscription, sending out regular texts such as event updates from venues and news feeds from media companies.
5. Shortcode use is controlled by strict regulations. In Australia, the rates of shortcodes are governed by Communications Alliance Ltd and WMC Global. Above all, the customer always needs to opt into a shortcode's contact database before they can be contacted. Additionally, they need to always have a way of opting out and receiving more information about the shortcode's host.
The shortcode is a simple way to connect with many people at the same time. As a technique of mobile marketing, the shortcode distributes messages to a highly targeted audience. Shortcodes are easy to use, easy to remember, and accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.
About the Author:
This article is written by Andrew Campbell, the Country Manager of TXT2GET, a leading mobile marketing company. For more tips and tricks about shortcodes, visit the TXT2GET website.
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