In North America, businesses looking to engage with customers through SMS have three primary options: 10DLC (10-digit long codes), short codes, and toll-free numbers. Each option serves unique purposes and comes with its own set of advantages and considerations.
1. 10DLC (10-Digit Long Codes)
10DLC is the latest standard for application-to-person (A2P) messaging in North America. Designed for businesses, it allows companies to send high-volume, compliant text messages using a standard 10-digit phone number.
Advantages:
- Ideal for personalized, two-way communication.
- Cost-effective for businesses with moderate messaging volumes.
- Local appearance, which can enhance trust and engagement with recipients.
Considerations:
- Requires registration to comply with carrier regulations.
- Subject to carrier filtering if not used properly.
2. Short Codes
Short codes are 5- to 6-digit numbers widely used for high-volume messaging campaigns, such as promotions, alerts, and two-factor authentication.
Advantages:
- Supports massive throughput, making them perfect for large-scale campaigns.
- Easy to remember, enhancing customer engagement.
Considerations:
- More expensive to lease and operate.
- Dedicated short codes require registration and approval, which can take time.
3. Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers (e.g., starting with 800, 888) are another popular option for business messaging. Traditionally used for voice calls, these numbers now support SMS for both one-way and two-way communication.
Advantages:
- National presence, appealing to businesses with a wide customer base.
- Cost-effective for medium to high message volumes.
Considerations:
- Slightly less personal compared to local 10DLC numbers.
- Requires proper setup to ensure deliverability.
Which Option is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the best option depends on your messaging needs. 10DLC is great for businesses wanting a local touch, short codes excel for high-volume campaigns, and toll-free numbers provide a balance between national reach and affordability.
Regardless of your choice, compliance with carrier regulations and a clear understanding of your use case are critical to ensuring successful SMS campaigns.
For more information, visit World Text.
