Cheapest Bulk SMS provider SMS API. Best Bulk SMS Kenya Cheapest Bulk SMS provider SMS API. Best Bulk SMS Kenya
  • Home
  • Products
    • Shortcodes
    • 2 way SMS
    • Bulk SMS
    • USSD
    • Alphanumeric Sender ID
    • Free SMS API
    • Bulk Sms WordPress Plugin
  • Solutions
    • Alerts and Notification
    • Bulk SMS Appointment Reminders
    • Bulk SMS Competitions
    • Billing and Payments
    • Branded bulk sms
    • WhatsApp Marketing
    • Bulk sms Software
    • Personalized Bulk SMS
    • Phone Verification
    • Email Marketing Service
    • MPESA API Integration
  • Industries
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • Saccos
    • Banks
    • Businesses
    • Real Estate
  • Pricing
  • API
  • Log In
  • Resellers
  • Home
  • Products
    • Shortcodes
    • 2 way SMS
    • Bulk SMS
    • USSD
    • Alphanumeric Sender ID
    • Free SMS API
    • Bulk Sms WordPress Plugin
  • Solutions
    • Alerts and Notification
    • Bulk SMS Appointment Reminders
    • Bulk SMS Competitions
    • Billing and Payments
    • Branded bulk sms
    • WhatsApp Marketing
    • Bulk sms Software
    • Personalized Bulk SMS
    • Phone Verification
    • Email Marketing Service
    • MPESA API Integration
  • Industries
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • Saccos
    • Banks
    • Businesses
    • Real Estate
  • Pricing
  • API
  • Log In
  • Resellers
  •  

USSD

Home / Products / USSD

SMS Short Codes

What are short codes?

Short codes are special, very short telephone numbers that can be used to send and receive SMS and MMS messages. Short codes are intended to be easier to read and remember than normal length numbers. In Kenya short codes 5 digits in length such as ‘24222’.

What are short codes used for?

Because short codes are shorter and more memorable than standard mobile or landline telephone numbers, they can be used as a primary business and marketing contact number. However, the most popular use for short codes is in automated services.

Automated services are controlled by software rather than an actual human, and the user interacts with the service by sending short commands to the service via their mobile phone handset, which then reacts accordingly.

E.g. Text ‘WINNER’ to 2 4222to enter the competition!

Because it’s possible to charge the sender at the standard rate, premium rate, or with an additional fee, short code services are often used as a low margin-high volume profit generator.

In addition, short codes:

Can be chosen (depending on availability) for marketing purposes; e.g., 24222-PLOT
Provide transparency and authenticity because it’s easier for the customer to identify fraudulent messages

Dedicated vs. shared short codes

Because the cost of setting up and maintaining a short code can be expensive for smaller businesses, some marketing companies sell access to their SMS short codes for bulk-messaging purposes.

These are called shared short codes. Eg Send name PLOT to 24222.

A dedicated short code is just a short code associated solely with one business and used only for that business’s purposes.

Short codes vs. long codes

There are pros and cons to both short and long codes. Which one is right for you will depend on the size of your business and how you intend to use the service.

Short codes
Pros

  • are allowed to send SMS messages at a much faster rate than long codes
    are easier to remember
  • provide a greater array of carrier-based services
  • can be used for billing

Cons

  • have a set cost to purchase which can be too high for smaller businesses
  • can’t receive messages from overseas
  • won’t receive voice calls
  • can take a longer time to set up

Long codes
Pros

  • have a lower set-up cost
  • can receive voice calls
  • can receive international calls and texts
  • are less restricted by opt-in policies
  • are quick to set up

Cons

  • don’t support MMS or picture messaging
  • send SMS messages at a slower rate
  • are more difficult to remember

Find out more about short codes

To learn more about short codes and their suitability for your business, including the cost of setting it all up, contact Us.

Get to us through Email: sms@movetech.co.ke or call 0742 06 33 55
bulk sms kenya
Movetech Solutions Ltd
Movetech Solutions Ltd
4.4
Based on 27 reviews
powered by Google
Emmanuel Onoo
Emmanuel Onoo
19:24 13 Dec 19
Nice reception
Robert Lerionka
Robert Lerionka
16:38 08 Dec 19
This company really knows what it's doing! Movetech are the Masters of all. I had a training session with them and their delivery was outstanding. Their product was top of the line. Seamless performance. Awesome GUI. The flow of the software was logical and easy to use. Compared to other company's 'ported' solutions, theirs is the best local custom software I have come across. They listened for suggestions and feedback. Try them you will not regret. If you do, come ask me.
Jacob Kara
Jacob Kara
05:31 01 Dec 19
The place is fine
Shan Ashley
Shan Ashley
07:33 21 Nov 19
Nice services from great people. Always the best place to shop for all your IT solutions
Nderitu Kelvin
Nderitu Kelvin
15:59 29 May 19
Good tech and customer care
Rose Makena
Rose Makena
16:42 15 Mar 19
Web hosting at cheap prices Bulk SMS SEO Payroll systems POS software fpr restaurant management,school etc Asset Management Software with functionalities such as Depreciation calculation, Asset tracking ,Vendor /waranty information, property acquisition And many more You can find the here Their offices are at Njengi house 5th floor They have great customer service
Evans ishmael
Evans ishmael
05:57 11 Oct 17
Staff are so friendly and services are outstanding.
See All Reviews

Powered by Movetech

We Creative People