TABLE OF CONTENTS |
What Is A Short Code?
Short Codes are memorable 5-6 digit numbers, like 12345, used by opt-in texting programs. They allow the sending of a high volume of messages from a single number and can be leased for three, six, or twelve months.
Short codes are best suited for organizations with an existing or growing subscriber list, as carriers mandate explicit consent for text messaging. Leases for short codes are typically on a 12-month basis.
Why Use A Short Code?
Scale to Win offers a short code service that simplifies subscriber management. Individuals can join your list by texting a custom keyword (e.g., "FIGHT") to your short code, making a donation on ActBlue, or submitting their phone number on your website.
Benefits Of Short Code
Fast Sending: Short odes send messages faster than any other type of number
High Deliverability: Messages are more likely to be delivered because short codes are carefully vetted.
Easy to Recognize: Short codes are memorable, boosting engagement and building brand trust.
Register Or Migrate A Short Code
New Short codes: Obtaining a new Short Code typically requires six weeks.
Existing Short codes: Transferring your existing short code to Scale to Win is a simple process. Depending on your current provider, the migration can be completed in as little as two weeks.
To learn more about how to register for a new short code, or migrate an existing short code, visit our Register for Short Code article.
Shortcode Page
Once your short code is approved by the carriers, you’ll be able to set up keywords and manage subscribers from your Short Code page.
On the Short Code page, you can view your fixed keywords and subscriber list, and add custom inbound keywords.
Fixed Keywords
You cannot alter fixed keywords, which include those submitted during registration, as well as your opt-in, opt-out, and support scripts, without carrier approval.
The categories of fixed keywords include:
Opt-In Keywords: Adds contacts to your list and sends an approved welcome message, e.g. “JOIN”
Opt-Out Keywords: Removes contacts from your list and sends an approved opt-out message, e.g. “STOP”
Help Keywords: Sends an approved help message with support contact details or more info, e.g. “HELP”
Opt-In Keywords
Admins can add extra keywords to send custom messages:
For existing subscribers: They’ll get the custom message when they text the keyword.
For new subscribers: They’ll receive both the standard welcome message and the custom message.
Adding a keyword, such as RALLY, along with a custom message and a volunteer sign-up link, will result in different experiences for new and existing subscribers. Existing subscribers will only receive the custom message. New subscribers, however, will receive both the standard welcome message and the custom message containing the volunteer sign-up link.