Mobile Marketing FAQ

Q. What is a keyword?

A. A Keyword is a unique term (letters and/or numbers) that people can use to communicate with you via a short code. TEXTit Communications’s short code is 54500.  The basic idea is that a customer texts your KEYWORD and when they do so they are automatically added to your list of contacts.

Keywords are an extremely powerful tool when it comes to building a successful mobile marketing campaign. Interactive replies and two way communication can be possible. As soon as a customer opt’s in to your keyword they are giving you permission to send them information relevant to their interests.

Q. What is a text message?

A. A Text message is a short message that can be sent to and from a cellular phone. When someone says text, texting, or SMS, or if you see TXT in print, all of these are referring to text messages.

Q. What Is SMS?

A. SMS is an acronym for Short Message Service. It is a worldwide standard for communicating textually between cellular phones.

Q. Can everyone receive text messages?

A. Nearly every cellular phone in use in Canada (and the world) can receive text messages. Most wireless carriers include some text messaging in their standard plans.

Q. What does it cost for a consumer to receive a text message?

A. Some carriers do not charge their customers to receive text messages. Others include a certain number in their standard plans–these usually cost less than ten cents a message.

Q. How long can a text message be?

A. A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. Characters means letters, numbers, spaces, symbols and punctuation. Our system allows 130 characters plus the mandatory STOP message at the end.

Q. What is a short code?

A. A Short Code is similar to the address (URL) of a website. It is a unique location to send messages to, which all cellular carriers are aware of. You combine a Short Code with a Keyword to form a call-to-action address. An example would be: ‘Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our VIP invite list.’

Q. What does it mean to Opt-In?

A. To Opt-In is to join a list. This can be done by sending a text message containing your KEYWORD to our SHORTCODE, or by entering your mobile number into a web-based form. This action signifies that a customer has given you permission to send them a message.

Q. What does it mean to Opt-Out?

A. A subscriber Opts Out when they quit your list. Users can do this quickly and simply by replying to any text message you send them with the word STOP.  Opt out instructions (ex: To unsubscribe text STOP {KEYWORD} to 54500)

Q. How do I access my TEXTit Communications account / Do I need any special software/hardware?

A. There is no special software or hardware to purchase or install you can access it anywhere and anytime you are online. Since TEXTit Communications’s platform is web-based, all you need to access our service is a computer with an internet connection and a web browser. We recommend Firefox or Internet Explorer for best user experience.

Q. How long does it take for my contacts to receive the messages that I send?

A. Messages are sent instantly and arrive within 1 – 2 minutes of you sending them. If a customer’s phone is turned off, or is in an area without coverage (such as inside an elevator), their carrier holds the message and delivers it as soon as the customer re-enters a coverage area.

Q. Is there a limit to how many messages I can send using TEXTit Communications?

A. There is no limit to how many messages you can send using our text messaging service. However, best practices indicate that you should not send more than one or two messages per week to your subscribers. More frequent messaging can result in high opt-out rates for your list.

Q. How much does TEXTit Communications cost?

A. You can choose from a variety of monthly packages to suit your budget and promotional needs. Estimate the number of alerts you’ll send per month and sign-up for that plan.

Q. Can I change my plan half way through the billing cycle?

A. No, each billing cycle is 30 days from the day of the month you sign-up. Additional outgoing messages will be charged the assigned rate.

Q.  Can I upgrade/downgrade my account at the start of the next billing cycle?

A. Yes

Q. Do you require a credit check or company history?

A. No, but a valid credit card on file is required to keep the account active.

Q: Will my customers need to have a “smart phone” or PDA to text in answers to my text campaigns?

A: No, 99% of all cell phones on the market today feature SMS text message functionality. Smartphone users however, will have the ability to browse your custom webpages for html content and offers.

Q. What is W.A.P. and do you offer it?

A. W.A.P. stands for wireless application protocol. It is a commonly used as a web browser for small mobile devices such as cell phones. Yes, TEXTit Communications utilizes this technology so you can custom design and host your own mobile website or webpage.

Q: My customer base is affluent and a bit older. I really don’t think they are interested in ‘texting’ and I’m also not sure if they know how to send text messages. Wouldn’t you agree?

A: No. Actually, independent research shows that the popularity of SMS text as a communication medium has exploded worldwide across all age groups. Here are some recent statistics on usage of SMS texts and interaction with Short Codes:

82% of Americans between the ages of 18-24 now use SMS texts regularly

72% of Americans between the ages of 25-49 now use SMS texts regularly

53% of Americans engaging with Short Codes are 35 and older

Q: Is this a nationwide service and will my customers be able to send in text message replies from any Cellular Network?

A: Yes, TEXTit Communications has been provisioned and is live on all major Canadian Cellular networks.

Q: Isn’t Twitter just as simple and effective as SMS Text Message Marketing?

A: There is no denying the current popularity of Social Networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook. But, in order for you to interact or promote your business via Twitter you first have to rely on your customers to complete several steps before they are available to you to promote your business to them. Please see the page “Text Message Marketing vs Twitter” for a detailed comparasion.

Our services simply require a single opt-in – whether it’s answering a customer comment card or simply texting in to receive a coupon or discount offer. This is something that takes seconds and can be done via a single SMS text message from 99% of cell phones available on the marketplace today.

It should also be noted that due to the text message fees that Twitter pays wireless network operators, it is anticipated that Twitter will soon start charging for their service or begin adding 3rd party advertising to customer initiated Tweets and text messages.

Q: How often are my Mobile Marketing activities updated in the system?

A: Our system is real time and events such as opt-ins or survey results are displayed in the message inbox as they happen. For more information see our Live Monitoring feature.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the number of management employees I can provide access to the system?

A: No, you can configure as many users as you wish at no extra charge.

Q: Can I configure user rights or limit the amount of rights a specific employee or user has on the system?

A: Yes, user rights can be configured as part of the Account set-up process. As an example, you may only want to grant “view only” rights to certain users.

Q: Are targeted SMS promotional text messages similar to SPAM?

A: No, absolutely not. Users only have the option to send out targeted SMS text messages to customers who have “Opted In” and wish to receive further promotional messages from your business. TEXTit Communications adheres to the strict practices and standards published by the Mobile Marketing Association and the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.

Q: Will I be able to restrict the amount of opt-ins or survey responses that a user sends in via SMS text message over a certain time period?

A: Yes, clients can configure how many opt-ins they will allow over a customized time frame from a unique mobile phone number.

Q: Can I configure scheduled delivery or auto-reply messages with mobile coupons to customers who elect to opt in to a Mobile VIP Club or respond to a campaign blast?

A: Yes, you can configure and customize your own campaigns with scheduled or auto-reply messages and/or coupons directly from the Admin panel.

Q: How long does it take to get an account set up?

A: We can configure your new account and issue log-in credentials usually within one business day.

Additionally, if you already have a sales force that is already calling on different business verticals that may be perfect candidates for mobile marketing services you should contact us today.