Details
When setting up and creating an SMS message, you have several options available with regards to your SMS 'from' number, as outlined below.
Use the Default System 'From' Number
The default system 'from' number is shared amongst all of our clients.
In a default setup, the system will use our shared 'from' number for your SMS sends. Users will be able to reply to your SMS and you can view replies on the send report (as well as have SMS responses saved into a database field). Our platform will also handle and unsubscribe requests for you automatically.
In this setup, the unsubscribe option for your recipients can be configured to either listen for keywords (eg. the recipient replying with "Stop"), or you can insert a link to your unsubscribe form.
Use Your Own Mobile Number
You can set the SMS 'from' number to be your own mobile number if you wish. However, you'll receive all responses on your own phone - so our reports won't show SMS replies.
Use of this option requires an SMS Sender ID to be configured.
In this configuration, our system will not be able to handle unsubscribe requests. You will need to manually unsubscribe contacts from SMS if you use this option, or you can include a link to your unsubscribe form in the SMS text.
Use a Brand Name (text), Instead of a Number
You can set the SMS 'from' field to display text - such as your brand name. However, recipients won't be able to reply to this at all - so be sure to include the unsubscribe link.
If you wish to send your SMS from a Brand Name but don't want to use the aforementioned unsubscribe link, the link can (in most cases) be replaced with a dedicated SMS unsubscribe phone number instead. This will allow your contacts to send a "stop" SMS to a special number in order to unsubscribe. To purchase a dedicated SMS unsubscribe phone number, please submit a request and we can help you out.
Use of this option requires an SMS Sender ID to be configured.
Some telecommunications providers don't look favourably upon using text as the 'from' number, so we do not guarantee SMS delivery in these instances. These are not supported in all countries.
Use a Dedicated 'From' Number
Use of this option requires an SMS Sender ID to be configured.
As our standard SMS 'from' number is shared between all of our clients, you may wish to purchase a dedicated 'from' number just for your account. This also means that you can use it for incoming SMS messages, such as for competitions, offers or data acquisition (this number can be advertised in print material, used in radio competitions, etc).
In this setup, the unsubscribe option for your recipients can be configured to either listen for keywords (eg. the recipient replying with "Stop"), or you can insert a link to your unsubscribe form.
If you'd like to know more, or would like to purchase a dedicated SMS 'from' number for your account, submit a request and we can help you out.