Maximize Your Reach with Short Code Text Messages
Send high-volume messages instantly with Sakari’s short code texting. Run high-performing campaigns, send important updates, and issue emergency alerts. Short code messaging gives your business the speed, reliability, and visibility it needs to connect with subscribers at scale.
+95%
Sakari SMS messages are opened within minutes
+98%
SMS messages delivered successfully, compared to email's 85% deliverability
+36%
Click Through Rate (CTR) with SMS, exceed email at 3.2%
What Are SMS Short Codes?
SMS short codes are five- or six-digit numbers used for high-volume messaging. Since they’re shorter than a typical 10-digit phone number, they’re easier for subscribers to type and opt in.
Businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies use them to send and receive text messages instantly. They’re ideal for everything from text message marketing campaigns to urgent alerts.
Why Use SMS Short Codes for Your Business?
Enjoy Lightning-Fast Delivery
Can’t afford delays? Short codes send thousands of messages per second, so you can reach large audiences instantly. They’re ideal for delivering critical updates and time-sensitive alerts.
Boost Campaign Efficiency
Secure opt-ins quickly with unique, easy-to-type short code numbers and customizable keywords. Avoid carrier filtering for consistent, timely message delivery.
Reinforce Branding with Vanity Short Codes
Keep your business top-of-mind with vanity short codes that align with your brand. Increase customer recall and improve engagement rates with short codes that are easy to remember.
Discover Scalable Communication
Scale your SMS efforts on demand for high-traffic events like flash sales, limited-time promotions, and emergency alerts. Use dedicated throughput to avoid bottlenecks and delays.
Use Cases for Short Code Text Messages
Short codes are ideal for businesses in almost every industry. Some of the most popular ways to use SMS short codes include:
Marketing Campaigns
Reach massive audiences with large-scale text promotions. Retailers and ecommerce store owners can use short codes to manage flash sales and exclusive offers, sending promo details via mass text messaging.
Customer Alerts
Keep customers in the loop with timely notifications. Medical offices and service providers can use short codes to send reminders about upcoming appointments, request confirmations, or send important forms for review.
Event Management
Encourage attendees to subscribe for early access ticket sales or event updates. Event organizers and venues can use short codes to sell more tickets, notify attendees about schedule changes, and provide real-time event information.
Emergency Communications
Notify subscribers about time-sensitive issues instantly. Municipalities, schools, and universities can use short codes to send urgent alerts about weather warnings, emergency closures, and public safety concerns.
Choose Your SMS Short Code Number
As a business owner, you can choose from two types of short codes. While both have the same features and functionality, there are some important differences between the two:
- Random Short Codes: These numbers are automatically chosen for you when you apply for a short code. You don’t get a say in which five- or six-digit code your business gets. Of the two options, random codes cost less, making them more popular.
- Vanity Short Codes: These are numbers you choose and apply for manually. Businesses often choose vanity short codes that fit their brand, slogan, or product. While they cost more, they’re more memorable and offer more visibility.
Try Short Code Text Messages in 3 Easy Steps
Choose a Type of SMS Short Code
First, decide whether you want a random or a vanity code. Keep in mind that vanity short codes cost more but offer better brand recognition. Random short codes cost less but still have the same functionality.
Submit a Short Code Application
Either way, the next step is submitting an application to lease a short code. In the United States, for example, you file with the U.S. Short Code Administration. When it’s approved, Sakari works with wireless carriers to manage the provisioning process on your behalf.
Start Sending Text Messages
When the provisioning and approval processes are complete, you can begin sending and receiving text messages at scale. To attract subscribers quickly, set up keywords that make it easy for people to sign up.
Why Choose Sakari for Short Code Text Messages?
Sakari is the trusted text messaging provider for thousands. Here’s why businesses of all sizes choose Sakari for short code text messages:
Hassle-Free Setup
No deep technical knowledge needed. Sakari handles the end-to-end provisioning process for your short code.
Custom Options
Choose between vanity and random short codes. Sakari offers the ideal option for your brand and budget.
High Throughput
Avoid unnecessary delays. Sakari lets you send thousands of texts per second and run successful time-sensitive campaigns.
Enhanced Reliability
Make sure subscribers get your messages. Sakari bypasses carrier filtering for consistent message delivery.
Scalable Solutions
Run bigger, better campaigns. Sakari is ideal for businesses of all sizes with high-volume SMS messaging needs.
Data-Driven Insights
Make each campaign better than the last. Sakari’s advanced reporting tools have the data you need to optimize performance.
Regulatory Compliance
Keep campaigns and communications on the up and up. Sakari’s built-in safeguards ensure compliance with SMS regulations.
Dedicated Support
Access help when you need it. Sakari offers expert assistance so you can maximize the potential of each short code.
“SMS is truly the simplest way to get participation from a busy client type.
Sakari has allowed us a highly scalable, engaging, and powerful way to connect with customers, store structured data, and bring transparency across teams. We've never been closer to our clients!”
Paul Wurth
Head of Sales, RenoRun Inc.
SMS Short Code Service FAQs
What is an SMS short code number?
An SMS short code number is a five- or six-digit phone number that can handle high-throughput messaging. It’s ideal for marketing campaigns, emergency alerts, and two-way messaging.
How much does Sakari’s SMS short code service cost?
Short codes have two costs: the leasing fee and the texting plan. Sakari has plans for businesses of all sizes, and the price depends on the volume of SMS messages you send.
What’s the difference between a short code and a long code?
Long codes are 10-digit phone numbers that can send and receive texts, calls, and even faxes. Short codes are five- or six-digit numbers that work for SMS or MMS only.
Long codes can send an average of one message per second. Short codes are designed for high-throughput scenarios and can handle a much higher volume.
Are short code text message numbers temporary?
Yes, short code numbers are temporary. While you can’t buy one of these numbers, Sakari’s SMS short code service makes it easy to lease one for an extended period of time.
How long can I use an SMS short code number?
In many cases, you can use an SMS short code number for a period of months or years. The time limit depends on your lease, many of which have quarterly terms.
What’s the difference between a vanity short code and a random short code?
A vanity short code is a custom number you select, which costs more. A random short code is a number automatically chosen for you, which tends to be more cost-effective.
While some SMS marketing providers offer shared and dedicated short codes, shared short codes are increasingly uncommon. Dedicated short codes offer more security and consistency.
What if my desired vanity short code is not available?
If your short code is taken, another business is already leasing the number. You can wait until the short code becomes available, or you can choose another one instead.
How long does it take to get an SMS short code?
Before you can begin using a short code, you have to complete the approval and provisioning process. Sakari works with you to manage this process, which can take up to eight weeks.
Can I use an SMS short code for international messaging?
Yes, but there’s a catch. Short codes are provisioned for each country. This means you have to go through the provisioning process in each country to use a short code for international texting. Currently Sakari can provide short codes for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Why should my business use an SMS short code?
Use an SMS short code if you plan to send a high volume of messages from your business. It’s ideal for faster delivery, better visibility, and simpler two-way texting.
Goodbye isolated communication.
Hello Sakari.
Where every message meets its perfect match, right when it matters most.
Goodbye isolated communication.
Hello Sakari.
Where every message meets its perfect match, right when it matters most.