FAQ
Text Message Marketing FAQ:
Who uses text messaging?
93% of the US population has a cell phone and nearly all cell phone carriers include some sort of text message plan. Just about everyone with a phone is sending and receiving text messages of some form.
Here is a breakdown of average text message usage by age bracket:
teens = 2779 month
18-24 = 1299 month
25-34 = 592 month
35-44 = 441 month
45-54 = 234 month
55-64 = 80 month
65+ = 32 month
Click here for more information on the Demographics of Texting in the US.
How long can a text message be?
Text messages are limited to 160 characters including spaces.
What is a keyword?
A keyword is a 4-12 alphanumeric key that differentiates your company from anyone else on the same short code.
Example: data.demo (keyword) to 77948 (shortcode)
What is a short code?
The short code is a 5-6 digit shortened phone number that wireless carriers assign to businesses sending text messages over their network. Subscribers can text “HELP” to the short code for more information on the business and the program. Short Codes are individually approved by each wireless carrier preventing spam and illegal marketing from their networks.
How do I promote my service to potential clients?
There are many different ways to promote your text messaging campaign. Adding your keyword and short code to existing marketing is a prime example. We offer a wide array of ideas to help get you started when you sign-up.
How do my subscribers opt-in?
Your customers can opt-in by texting your keyword to your short code or you can manually enter them into your database, with their consent. Subscribers must consent to receiving messages and must be made aware that standard message and data rates apply.
Do I need any equipment to get started?
The only equipment you need is a computer with Internet access. Our user friendly control panel is web based and allows you account access from the Internet.
How long does it take to get set-up?
In a couple short minutes you can be on your way to optimizing your business’s full potential with text message marketing. Let’s get started with Text to Message marketing!
How long before my subscribers receive their message?
Once you sent your message it chimes the subscribers phone within minutes and 95% of theses messages are read within one hour of receiving them.
Is there a maximum number of text messages I can send?
There is no limit to the number of messages you can send per day, week, month or year, however, for marketing purposes it is recommended that you do not over saturate your clientele as this could lead to a high opt-out rate.
How is the information in my database protected?
We use industry standard encryption to ensure security within our systems.
Do my subscribers get charged for receiving my text messages?
Standard message and data rates apply from the subscribers wireless carrier. Most wireless carriers now offer unlimited text messaging plans. We do not charge for them to receive or reply to messages.
What is the difference between a text message, SMS and MMS?
SMS (short message service) and MMS (multimedia message service) are both types of text messages! SMS is the standard text style of message and MMS can include pictures, video, sounds and text.
Are my subscribers in my database sold to other users?
Never! This is your information for your business and we will not sell your information!
What is a web-widget?
A “web-widget” is a link that can be added to a website that allows visitors to that website to opt-in by entering their phone number.
What counts as a message?
Any message that is sent from your keyword to a phone number counts as a message. 1 message to 50 phone numbers or 50 messages to 1 phone number would both count as 50 messages.
More questions? Contact Text to Message for answers.
