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keywords Tag

News, tips & advice from FastSMS

In SMS messaging keywords are used to qualify an inbound message sent either to a Virtual Reply Number or a Shortcode.

Firstly a keyword is required to identify the recipient of a message on a shared shortcode. To have exclusive use of a shortcode, e.g. 87007 is expensive, several hundred pounds per month. Consequently most users opt to share a shortcode with use of a keyword that uniquely identifies them. So if your keyword is FRED then texts to 87007 would be formatted as “FRED + message body”.

With Virtual Mobile Numbers this is usually different. VMNs don’t cost a lot so there is no pressure to share. In this case keywords can be used to prompt a reply. For example the keyword might be a product code and the system would respond to that code with a price and/or stock availability. Equally a keyword texted in which relates to a property code might cause the system to respond with sales details of the property.

Is SMS marketing like social media? While there are similarities and both can be considered mobile marketing, the short answer is no. However when using a multi-channel marketing strategy it's important to know when to use a text message and when to use a social media channel.

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We released the newest version of our browser based SMS service, NetMessenger 2 (NM2), in January. NM2 was developed based on customer feedback and new capabilities we wanted to introduce. Since then, we've continued to improve it in response to comments and requests from our customers. Though existing customers likely have seen the changes already, we wanted to share the news with everyone.  Here's a quick run-down of the new features we offer with every account...

Part two of a two part article explaining the differences between SMS Shortcodes and Virtual Mobile Numbers. Here we explain in detail the costs and characteristics of Dedicated Shortcodes and Shared Shortcodes. You can also get advice on how to choose between shortcodes and VMNs.

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Part 1 of a 2 part article comparing Virtual Mobile Numbers (VMNs) and SMS Shortcodes as means of receiving inbound SMS messages. The first part focuses on how VMNs work, what they are typically used for and what they cost. Part 2 follows with details of SMS Shortcodes.

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