The Fundamentals of Long Code Text Messaging
Group texts can help your business engage with new customers.
There’s a lot of buzz in the mobile marketing world about short code versus long code text messaging. Both are used frequently by marketing teams interested in engaging with potential customers. But there is some confusion about the differences between the two, and whether or not one approach is better than another. If you’re wondering about whether to use short or long code text messaging for your business, learning more about the differences can help you make an informed decision. Here are some of the basics of long code text messaging, and here’s why it’s beneficial for your business.
What Are Long Codes?
Long codes are set up like traditional, ten-digit telephone numbers. But they’re virtual, and not associated with one particular phone. Long codes can be used in a variety of different ways; to send and receive texts, make calls, and transmit faxes. Most often, businesses choose to use long codes in their text message marketing efforts.
What Is The Difference Between Long Code and Short Code Text Messaging?
There are a few major differences between long code and short code text messaging. The first lies in their structure. Long codes are typically ten digits, set up like a traditional phone number. Short codes are a shorter series of numbers which may or may not be customized. Sometimes businesses are able to choose something like ‘12345,’ while other short codes are just a series of random digits. Short codes are also typically more expensive to create, and they may require a longer set-up time. Some codes can take months to generate, whereas long codes can be created within a matter of minutes.
Why Use Long Code Text Messaging?
Many businesses choose to use long codes for their text messaging campaigns instead of short codes. From a practical perspective, long codes often make more sense in terms of ease of set up and cost. Businesses can work with a mobile developer to create and launch a long code text message marketing campaign in a matter of minutes, and they tend to be more budget-friendly than short codes. Long codes can also be used internationally, whereas short codes are often limited to one particular area. If you are trying to reach a broader, global audience with your text message marketing efforts, opting for long codes over short codes may be the better approach.
Long codes are different from short codes in a few major ways.
While text message marketing is a popular way for businesses to reach customers, there is often some confusion associated with short codes versus long codes. If you are trying to decide which is right for your business and looking for clarification about the differences, it’s important to take the time to learn about both approaches. From a practical perspective, long codes often make more sense. They’re easy to create, inexpensive, and can be used globally, rather than in just one designated geographic area. If you are interested in getting started with a long code text message marketing campaign for your business, try GroupTexting for free today!
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