Understanding SMS Short Codes

Short Codes are 3 to 4-digit phone numbers designed for sending and receiving text messages within New Zealand.

Unlike traditional long codes (full-length phone numbers), short codes are easy to remember and specifically created for high-volume messaging. Short codes are ideal for businesses looking to engage with customers through SMS campaigns, marketing initiatives, and transactional messaging.

Comparing Short Codes and Long Codes

When deciding between short codes and long codes, it’s important to understand their differences:

• Trust and Credibility: Short codes are instantly recognisable, making them a trusted communication channel. Customers are more likely to open messages from a short code due to its familiarity.
  
  
• Ease of Recall: Short codes, being only 3-4 digits, are much easier for customers to remember compared to a full-length phone number.
  
  
• High-Volume Capacity: Short codes can handle large volumes of messages, making them perfect for mass messaging campaigns.
  
  
• Carrier Compliance: Short codes are pre-approved by carriers, reducing the likelihood of messages being filtered or blocked.
  
  

Types of SMS Short Codes

In New Zealand, there are two main types of SMS short codes:

1. Standard Rate Short Codes:

   • Cost to Mobile Users: Users pay 20 cents per message sent to the short code. This charge is independent of any text plan they may have, and it is directly billed to their mobile account.
   • Use Cases: Ideal for general notifications.
     
     

2. Free-to-Text Short Codes:

   • Cost to Mobile Users: Free for the mobile user to send and receive messages. The owner of the short code covers all messaging costs.
   • Use Cases: Perfect for customer service, marketing promotions, and emergency alerts where you want to encourage customer engagement without a cost barrier.
     
     

Why Choose SMS Short Codes?

• Brand Recognition: Short codes make your business more recognisable and trustworthy.
• Customer Engagement: Their simplicity and familiarity lead to higher engagement rates.
• Compliance and Delivery: Short codes are pre-approved by carriers, ensuring better message deliverability and fewer issues with spam filters.
• Scalability: Whether for marketing or transactional messaging, short codes can handle high volumes seamlessly.

When it comes to SMS communication, short codes offer unmatched advantages, making them the preferred choice for businesses looking to optimise customer engagement and trust.