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Blogs
February 9, 2023

Long Code vs. Short Code vs Toll Free numbers

When it comes to SMS messaging for business, there are many options out there, but which one is the right choice for you? Depending on what type of messaging you're looking to send out, the volume you’re looking to send it at, and the budget you have, it’s important to pick the correct number format to ensure you get the results you are looking for. Let’s go ahead and dive into the three most popular types of numbers, so you have all the information you need to make the right choice for your business.

Short Code Numbers

A short code number is a 5 or 6-digit number explicitly designed for sending out mass text messages most frequently used for marketing campaigns or automated messaging. Short code numbers can support volumes of 10 - 500 msg/sec *subject to carrier restrictions*

Pros Cons
Short code numbers are easier to remember for the consumer making them more covenant Short code numbers can be more expensive than traditional long code numbers or toll-free numbers
Short code can help establish brand recognition and increase visibility for a business Set-up time can take weeks or even months before you can use them
Messages from short codes tend to have a higher open rate than regular messages Short codes can only be used for messaging and are not compatible with voice calling

Long Code Numbers

Long code numbers are traditional 10-digit phone numbers that can be used for messaging and voice calls. Long code numbers can support volumes of 1-3 msg/sec *subject to carrier restrictions*

Pros Cons
Since long code numbers are traditional 10-digit phone numbers, they can be used globally expanding your area of reach Long code numbers are not designed to handle high volumes of messages which can cause message delays or failures when trying to mass texts
Long code numbers can be easily integrated with phone systems and other communication tools Long code can be used to send unsolicited messages making it important for businesses to establish clear opt-in and opt-out procedures
Long code can be used for sending and receiving sms messages Long code is typically used for one-to-one conversations, which can make it difficult to personalize mass text messages

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers, also known as 800 numbers, have a distinct three-digit code that allows the caller to reach a business or organization without being charged for the call. Toll-free numbers can support volumes of 3-10 msg/sec *subject to carrier restrictions*

Pros Cons
Using a toll-free number for a business can increase its credibility as it conveys a professional image Toll-free numbers can be more expensive than traditional long code numbers
Toll-free numbers can increase customer satisfaction as they provide an easy and accessible way for customers to get in touch with a business Toll-free numbers are typically used for customer support, so that can limit the personalization options in messages
Toll-free numbers can be used nationwide, giving the business access to a more extensive reach Toll-free numbers may have different restrictions or may not be available in certain countries, making it difficult to use them for global communication

In summary

SMS messaging is an incredibly valuable tool for businesses to effectively communicate with their existing and prospective clients for a multitude of reasons. However, it is very important that you choose the right kind of numbers for your business. One thing that stands out is that SMS messaging of any kind, combined with an omnichannel communication platform, is a recipe for success. Botsplash supports SMS messaging from all three numbers and will work with you to make sure that you choose the right number and get the most out of your messaging.

For more information on your SMS messaging capabilities, please reach out for a demo!

To learn more about Botsplash click the button below to schedule a demo with our team.

When it comes to SMS messaging for business, there are many options out there, but which one is the right choice for you? Depending on what type of messaging you're looking to send out, the volume you’re looking to send it at, and the budget you have, it’s important to pick the correct number format to ensure you get the results you are looking for. Let’s go ahead and dive into the three most popular types of numbers, so you have all the information you need to make the right choice for your business.

Short Code Numbers

A short code number is a 5 or 6-digit number explicitly designed for sending out mass text messages most frequently used for marketing campaigns or automated messaging. Short code numbers can support volumes of 10 - 500 msg/sec *subject to carrier restrictions*

Pros Cons
Short code numbers are easier to remember for the consumer making them more covenant Short code numbers can be more expensive than traditional long code numbers or toll-free numbers
Short code can help establish brand recognition and increase visibility for a business Set-up time can take weeks or even months before you can use them
Messages from short codes tend to have a higher open rate than regular messages Short codes can only be used for messaging and are not compatible with voice calling

Long Code Numbers

Long code numbers are traditional 10-digit phone numbers that can be used for messaging and voice calls. Long code numbers can support volumes of 1-3 msg/sec *subject to carrier restrictions*

Pros Cons
Since long code numbers are traditional 10-digit phone numbers, they can be used globally expanding your area of reach Long code numbers are not designed to handle high volumes of messages which can cause message delays or failures when trying to mass texts
Long code numbers can be easily integrated with phone systems and other communication tools Long code can be used to send unsolicited messages making it important for businesses to establish clear opt-in and opt-out procedures
Long code can be used for sending and receiving sms messages Long code is typically used for one-to-one conversations, which can make it difficult to personalize mass text messages

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers, also known as 800 numbers, have a distinct three-digit code that allows the caller to reach a business or organization without being charged for the call. Toll-free numbers can support volumes of 3-10 msg/sec *subject to carrier restrictions*

Pros Cons
Using a toll-free number for a business can increase its credibility as it conveys a professional image Toll-free numbers can be more expensive than traditional long code numbers
Toll-free numbers can increase customer satisfaction as they provide an easy and accessible way for customers to get in touch with a business Toll-free numbers are typically used for customer support, so that can limit the personalization options in messages
Toll-free numbers can be used nationwide, giving the business access to a more extensive reach Toll-free numbers may have different restrictions or may not be available in certain countries, making it difficult to use them for global communication

In summary

SMS messaging is an incredibly valuable tool for businesses to effectively communicate with their existing and prospective clients for a multitude of reasons. However, it is very important that you choose the right kind of numbers for your business. One thing that stands out is that SMS messaging of any kind, combined with an omnichannel communication platform, is a recipe for success. Botsplash supports SMS messaging from all three numbers and will work with you to make sure that you choose the right number and get the most out of your messaging.

For more information on your SMS messaging capabilities, please reach out for a demo!

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