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.

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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.

“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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maximize Your Reach with Short Code Text Messages

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What Are SMS Short Codes?

Why Use SMS Short Codes for Your Business?

Enjoy Lightning-Fast Delivery

Boost Campaign Efficiency

Reinforce Branding with Vanity Short Codes

Discover Scalable Communication

Use Cases for Short Code Text Messages

Marketing Campaigns

Customer Alerts

Event Management

Emergency Communications

Choose Your SMS Short Code Number

Try Short Code Text Messages in 3 Easy Steps

Choose a Type of SMS Short Code

Submit a Short Code Application

Start Sending Text Messages

Why Choose Sakari for Short Code Text Messages?

Hassle-Free Setup

Custom Options

High Throughput

Enhanced Reliability

Scalable Solutions

Data-Driven Insights

Regulatory Compliance

Dedicated Support

“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

SMS Short Code Service FAQs

What is an SMS short code number?

How much does Sakari’s SMS short code service cost?

What’s the difference between a short code and a long code?

Are short code text message numbers temporary?

How long can I use an SMS short code number?

What’s the difference between a vanity short code and a random short code?

What if my desired vanity short code is not available?

How long does it take to get an SMS short code?

Can I use an SMS short code for international messaging?

Why should my business use an SMS short code?

Goodbye isolated communication.Hello Sakari.

Goodbye isolated communication.Hello Sakari.

“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!”

Goodbye isolated communication.
Hello Sakari.

Goodbye isolated communication.
Hello Sakari.