What is a shortcode?

Shortcodes are 5-6 digit numbers – such as 12345 – used by opt-in texting programs to send large volumes of messages from a single, memorable number. They are leased for periods of three-, six-, or twelve months at a time.

Shortcodes have a minimum three-month lease period. Since carriers require explicit consent before texting, shortcodes are only a fit for organizations that have or are growing a subscriber list. 


Why use a shortcode?

Scale to Win’s shortcode service lets you easily manage subscribers. For example, people can join your list by texting a custom keyword like “FIGHT” to your shortcode, donating on ActBlue, or entering their phone number on your website.

Additional benefits of shortcode:

  • Fast Sending: Shortcodes send messages faster than any other type of number.
  • High Deliverability: Messages are more likely to be delivered because shortcodes are carefully vetted.
  • Easy to Recognize: Shortcodes are memorable, boosting engagement and building brand trust.


Shortcode pricing

In 2024, we’re offering special discounted rates for shortcode clients.


  • Competitive Rates: SMS segments start at 1 cent each, and MMS at 2.5 cents, with a $500 monthly rental fee per shortcode.

  • Volume Discounts: If you plan to send over 100,000 messages a month, we can waive the rental fee and offer more discounts.


Sign up for a live shortcode demo to discuss pricing with our team.


Register or migrate a shortcode

We can help you register for a new shortcode or transfer an existing one.


  • New Shortcodes: Getting a new shortcode usually takes about six weeks. 

  • Existing Shortcodes: It’s easy to migrate an existing shortcode to Scale to Win. Depending on your current provider, the transfer could happen in as few as two weeks.


Learn more about how to register for a new shortcode, or migrate an existing shortcode, here.


“Shortcode” page in Scale to Win Text

Once your shortcode is approved by the carriers, you’ll be able to set up keywords and manage subscribers from the “Shortcode” page.


Image above: GIF demonstration of the “Shortcode” page features in Scale to Win Text, including Fixed Keywords, custom inbound keywords, and a running list of shortcode subscribers.


The “Shortcode” page shows you your fixed keywords and subscriber list and lets you add custom inbound keywords.

Fixed Keywords

Fixed keywords are the ones you submitted during registration, along with your opt-in, opt-out, and support scripts. These keywords and scripts can’t be changed without contacting the carriers. 


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”.


If you ever need to adjust the keywords or their scripts, please reach out to support@scaletowin.com. 


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.

For instance, if you add the keyword RALLY and a custom message with a volunteer sign-up link, existing subscribers will just get that custom message. New subscribers will get the standard welcome message plus the custom message with the volunteer sign-up link.

To add a new keyword:

  1. Scroll to the “Opt In Keywords” section.

  2. Click the blue “+ New Opt In Keyword” button.

  3. Enter your custom keyword.

  4. Add the custom message that will be sent to people who text the keyword.

  5. Click “Save.”

To edit a keyword:

  1. Click the pencil icon next to the keyword you want to change.

  2. Update the keyword or the message.

  3. Click “Save.”

Keep in mind:

  • You can create as many keywords as you need as long as the use case is aligned with your registration.

  • Keywords must be between 3 and 15 characters.

  • Avoid using keywords that are registered trademarks or infringe on third-party rights.

  • No keywords should be racist, profane, or pornographic.

  • Keywords must be one word, using only letters and numbers (no spaces or special characters).

  • You can use emojis as keywords, but keep in mind that they may display differently on different phones.

  • Keywords are not case sensitive.


Subscribers

The Subscribers table of the Shortcode page lets you search for subscribers, add subscribers (individually or in bulk), and opt subscribers out.


To add subscribers:

Important: Make sure to turn off the welcome message if you're adding people who have already received it. If you don't, everyone you upload will get the opt-in message again!

  1. Click “+ Add Subscribers”.

  2. Choose an Upload Method: “File Upload” to upload a CSV, or “Text Entry” to paste in numbers from your clipboard.

  3. Upload your CSV or paste in numbers.

Again, if you’re adding people who received your opt-in welcome message elsewhere, make sure the welcome message toggle is off. Otherwise, everyone you upload will receive another opt-in confirmation!

Image above: Add subscribers by uploading a CSV file or entering numbers into the popup window.

Opt-Outs

Shortcode opt-outs are kept in a separate list from opt-outs on 10DLC, Toll-Free, and Unregistered numbers.

  • Shortcode Opt-Outs: People who have specifically unsubscribed from your shortcode number and have been removed from your shortcode subscriber list. Listed on the “Shortcode” page and searchable on the “Threads” page.

  • Non-Shortcode Opt-Outs: View these stats on the “Opt-Outs/Strike Lists” page.

Shortcode Actions

Threads: You can view threads with subscribers on the “Shortcode” page by clicking the messaging icon (“View Thread”) in that subscriber’s row.


Image above: The messaging box icon in the Actions Column takes you directly to your conversation with that subscriber.

Conversation threads with shortcode users are created in these cases:

  1. When you message a contact as part of an outbound campaign.

  2. When a current subscriber texts the shortcode, with or without a keyword.

  3. When a non-subscriber texts an opt-in keyword.

Note: Non-subscribers who text opt-out or help keywords will get automated messages, but no conversation thread will be created.

Details: Click on the arrow icon in a subscriber’s row to see details about how they were subscribed, view your thread with them, or opt them out manually.


Image above: The arrow in a window icon in the Actions Column opens a pop-up with details about subscription method, subscription time, a link to the conversation thread, and an opt-out button.