Applying for a short code
If you would like to begin mobile marketing by texting with your customers, you will need a short code. The easiest and cheapest way to do this is with a shared short code and a personalised keyword which you can use in all your campains. For as low as $45 per month, InvolveMobile can instantly provide you with personalised branded keywords like INFO and BUY for all your campaigns with our exclusive short codes. To get started now, simply complete the InvolveMobile signup.
If you would like to apply for a dedicated short code, then this process can take up to 12 weeks beginning with an application to the US short code authority - the Common Short Code Administration (CSCA) through to receiving live approval from the wireless carriers. The application process begins with an applicant registering with the CSCA and deciding whether they would like to use a vanity short code or random short code. This is really just the first stage in the process to getting your short code live and is realistically the easiest part.
Applicants pay a monthly fee and decide on the terms for the lease – 3, 6 or 12 months. Applicants must then define at least one campaign for each short code before it will be approved and ready to have connected and approved by the wireless carriers. Once you have secured and leased a short code, you then will need to arrange the approval, testing and go-live with each individual carrier that you would like to have operating your short code.
New short code applications are generally handled by text vendors such as InvolveMobile, who already have the necessary connections in place with the mobile carriers and are best placed to guide you through the approvals process and can optimise your mobile campaigns for best practices.
InvolveMobile can assist you in implementing and managing your mobile marketing campaigns using sms short codes or you can also find a mobile marketing specialist in the mobile experts directory, who can assist you in your mobile plans and mobile strategy.
Find out more about using short codes