| Before launching a bulk SMS marketing/advertising | | | | CSCA, Leasing a short code for your bulk SMS |
| campaign, you must only obtain mobile phone numbers | | | | campaign will cost $500 per month for a random short |
| from consumers who give their permission, or "opt-in," | | | | code and $1,000 for a vanity short code. Random |
| to receive SMS messages. Here are two ways users | | | | short codes are picked by CSCA in random but a |
| can opt in: | | | | vanity number can be customized to fit certain mobile |
| - From your website. Your website provides an | | | | marketing requirements and specific number may be |
| opportunity for consumers to opt in; however, before | | | | requested from CSCA. |
| you begin your bulk SMS campaign you must follow | | | | The next step in launching your bulk SMS marketing is |
| carrier guidelines. Make sure your Privacy Policy | | | | you need to find an aggregator, the company that has |
| explains the user is granting permission to receive | | | | connectivity to all the mobile carriers and who send |
| SMS text messages from you or a third party as well | | | | SMS messages in behalf of you. Or you can use a |
| as a way for them to opt out of your bulk SMS | | | | Mobile Application Service Provider (MASP) to send |
| marketing campaign. | | | | bulk SMS messages. By the way, short codes must |
| - Response to advertised short codes. Interested | | | | be registered with the mobile network carriers, MASP, |
| consumers request information and opt in by | | | | or aggregator before any SMS text messages can |
| responding to a short code with a key word. The bulk | | | | be sent out. |
| SMS marketer then replies and asks for permission to | | | | Always be reasonable when sending bulk SMS |
| send future messages. This process follows the | | | | messages. The last thing you want to do is send a |
| Mobile Marketing Association's double opt-in | | | | boat load of text messages in a short period of time. |
| recommendation defined in their Consumer Best | | | | You are sure to encounter the wrath of your opt-in list |
| Practices Guidelines. | | | | and face the possibility of getting your short code shut |
| Short codes are like a phone numbers but only 5 or 6 | | | | down. If your SMS marketing message is relevant and |
| digits in length and they provide convenience to mobile | | | | the information provided is useful, the result of a well |
| user to text back and forth. There are shared short | | | | prepared bulk SMS mobile marketing campaign can be |
| codes available at a fraction of what would cost to | | | | phenomenal. |
| leasing one from Common Short Code Administration, | | | | |