There are three types of numbers you can use to send SMS marketing messages.
And, yes, your deliverability and conversions may be affected by the one you pick.
So let’s choose the right one for your business.
For starters, here are your options:
- Toll-free numbers.
- Short code numbers.
- Local numbers.
Toll-free numbers: These are the best option if you’re optimizing for ease-of-use.
If you’re sending fewer than 2k messages per day in the US or Canada, toll-free numbers don’t require any additional steps to get set up.
… But, they aren’t the best option for conversion and deliverability.
Short code numbers: These are the best option if 1) you’re looking to send lots of SMS messages, and 2) you want strong deliverability.
The only problem is… they’re expensive. Most providers charge at least $1k per month for a shortcode number, and at least that much for a setup fee.
Local numbers: While these can feel more authentic to users—people will recognize a local area code—they’re also, by far, the most complicated to set up in the US or Canada.
Outside of these countries, though, local numbers are simple to set up for SMS and can deliver good results.
Hopefully this gives you enough to pick the right type for your brand or business.
Alex Lim
Alex Lim is a certified book reviewer and editor with over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry. He has reviewed hundreds of books for reputable magazines and websites, such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and Goodreads. Alex has a master’s degree in comparative literature from Harvard University and a PhD in literary criticism from Oxford University. He is also the author of several acclaimed books on literary theory and analysis, such as The Art of Reading and How to Write a Book Review. Alex lives in London, England with his wife and two children. You can contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Website | Twitter | Facebook
