Every moment counts for grassroots organizers and fundraisers, and correctly setting up your communication tools is essential for success. You might be considering leasing a short code, which is a 5- to 6-digit number, such as 12345, used by opt-in texting programs to send large volumes of messages from a single, memorable number. Whether leasing a new short code or transferring one from another provider, getting set up quickly is vital to your work.
Whether you've questions about short codes in general, the process for new registration or transfer, or what’s unique about short codes with Scale to Win, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will cover the basics of short codes, who is the best fit for one, and share the key info you need to get started with your short-code number.
By working closely with the Scale to Win team, you can effectively manage timelines and avoid potential delays, allowing you to focus on your core communication and fundraising mission.
FAQs about short code:
Who is a good fit for a short code?
How do I get a short-code number?
What’s different about short-code texting with Scale to Win?
What is the process for creating a new short-code number?
How does a short-code number transfer work?
What is a short code?
Short codes are 5- to 6-digit numbers, such as 12345, used by opt-in texting programs to send large volumes of messages from a single, memorable number. They are typically leased for 12 months at a time.
With a short code, you can only send texts to people who have given permission (opted in). Here are a few of the most used features of a short-code program:
✅ 🛑 Opt-in & Opt-out Keywords: Short codes require you to allow people to join or leave your list by texting specific, approved words.
👋 🙌 Custom Keywords: You can create additional keywords for various purposes, such as volunteer recruitment, event RSVPs, supporter mobilization, rapid response, and education.
📲 💬 Autoresponders: Automatically reply instantly when someone texts your short code using any of the keywords you've set up.
Scale to Win’s short-code service lets you easily manage subscribers. For example, people can join your list by texting a custom keyword, such as “FIGHT,” to your short code, donating on ActBlue, or entering their phone number on your website.
Learn more about short code and how it works in Scale to Win Text.
Who is a good fit for a short code?
Short codes are the best fit for organizations that have a subscriber list or are building one. Organizations often use short codes for longer-term organizing and fundraising because they have a minimum three-month lease period, and carriers require explicit consent before texting.
If you’re interested in a short code, schedule a time with our team to learn more, or check out our pricing page for the latest rates.
How do I get a short-code number?
At Scale to Win, we can help you register for a new short code or transfer an existing one. Registering for a new short code usually takes about six weeks. Check out the FAQ below that outlines the full process for creating a new short-code number.
If you have a short code with another provider and want to migrate, the timeline can vary depending on your current vendor.
On average, we migrate existing short codes within 3 to 4 weeks. However, certain transfer cases may take less time; please contact us for a more detailed estimate.
We make the migration process as quick and easy as possible. For every client, we can help review, proofread, and refine documentation before sending it to the carriers, ensuring the fastest possible acceptance
What’s different about short-code texting with Scale to Win?
Unlike other short-code tools, Scale to Win Text is an all-in-one platform that allows you to manage all of your texting in one place, whether sending with a short code, 10DLC, or toll-free number.
With Scale to Win Text, your scripts, subscribers, and opt-out lists are right in the tool, so you won’t waste time constantly importing and exporting information. If one of your campaigns in short code is performing well, you can easily copy it and send it to your toll-free list. Plus, you can easily suppress your short-code subscribers from your long-code texting campaigns, so that you can avoid over-texting your most important contacts while scaling your texting efforts efficiently.
While short-code registrations and transfers can be challenging, our best-in-class registration team has processed thousands of 10DLC, toll-free, and short-code registrations and is uniquely positioned to help you register your short code faster than any other provider.
What is the process for creating a new short-code number?
With Scale to Win, we guide you through the entire process. Here is the general order of events ➡️
- If you haven’t yet, please meet with our sales team to address any questions about our texting tool and, if applicable, discuss potential enterprise pricing discounts.
- Meet with our compliance team to answer any final questions you may have about the registration process.
- Fill out the new short-code registration form (you’ll need to provide organization info, describe your texting program, explain your opt-in process, submit your website and terms of service links, and choose your short-code lease type).
- The Scale to Win registration team reviews your application and works with you if any changes are required. Our experienced team has worked on every type of use case, ensuring your application has the best chance of approval. We are also happy to provide examples of ideal applications.
- Our team submits your application to the aggregators and carriers
- We work directly with the aggregator and carriers to address any questions they may have or resolve any potential issues. We can review and resubmit any additional information on your behalf.
- Your short code is approved!
For more details on the short-code registration process, check out our guide to short-code registration.
How does a short-code number transfer work?
With Scale to Win, we guide you through the entire process. Here is the general order of events ➡️
- Schedule a call with our registration team to determine the best course of action based on your current provider.
- Request a transfer of your short code and receive confirmation and a lease receipt from your current provider.
- Sign a migration letter to authorize the transfer.
- Fill out the short-code registration form and choose migration (you’ll need to provide your lease receipt, a letter of migration, organization info, description of your texting program, explanation of your opt-in process, submission of your website and terms of service links, and choice of short-code lease type).
- The Scale to Win registration team reviews your application and works with you to address any required changes. Our experienced team has worked on every type of use case, ensuring your application has the best chance of approval. We are happy to provide examples of ideal applications as well.
- Our team submits your transfer application to the aggregators and carriers.
- We work directly with the aggregator and carriers to address any questions they may have or resolve any potential issues.
- Your short code is transferred!
For more details on the short-code registration process, check out our guide to short-code registration
