SMS Message Marketing FAQ - Group Texting FAQ

Contacts will automatically enter your database when your subscriber opts-in via text message. You can also add contacts one at a time or download multiple numbers.
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Who uses text messages?

With nearly all cell phone carriers including some sort of text message plan with their service just about everyone with a phone is sending and receiving text messages of some form. Teens are the obvious leader in average text message usage with a staggering 2779 messages sent each month.
Here is a breakdown of average text message usage by age bracket:¹
teens = 2779 month
18-24 = 1299 month
25-34 =   592 month
35-44 =   441 month
45-54 =   234 month
55-64 =     80 month
   65+ =     32 month

¹(information from The New York Times/Technology)
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Who can receive a text message?

93% of the US population has a cell phone¹and every major carrier allows text messaging as part of their plan package or at a per message rate. There are about 173.2 billion text messages sent each month¹and that number has been substantially growing each year.

¹(CTIA)
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How long can a text message be?

Text messages are limited to 160 characters including spaces.
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What is a keyword?

A keyword is a 4-12 alphanumeric key that differentiates your company on a short code.
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How do I promote my service to potential clients?

There are many different ways to promote your keyword. Adding your keyword and short code to existing marketing is a prime example. We offer a wide array of ideas to help get you started when you sign-up or call 1-877-989-8180.
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How do my subscribers opt-in?

Your customers can opt-in by texting your keyword to your short code or you can manually enter them into your database, with their consent¹.

¹(subscribers must consent to receiving messages and must be made aware that standard message and data rates apply)
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Is there any equipment I need to get started?

The only equipment you need is a computer with Internet access. Our user friendly control panel is web based and allows your account access from the Internet.
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How long before my subscribers receive the message?

Once you have sent your message it chimes the subscribers phone within minutes¹and 95% of theses messages are read within one hour of receiving them.

¹(dependant upon carrier and volume)
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What is the maximum number of messages I can send a day?

There is no limit to the number of messages that can be sent per day, week, month or year, however, for marketing purposes it is recommended that you do not over saturate your clientele as this could lead to a high opt-out rate.
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How long does it take to get set-up?

In a couple short minutes you can be on your way to optimizing your business's full potential. Get Started
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What is a short code?

The short code is a 5-6 digit shortened phone number that wireless carriers assign to businesses sending text messages over their network. Subscribers can text “HELP” to the short code for more information on the business and the program. Short Codes are individually approved by each wireless carrier preventing spam and illegal marketing from their networks.
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Why do I need a keyword?

The keyword is what distinguishes you from anyone else on the same short code.
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How are the numbers in my database protected?

We use industry standard encryption to ensure security within our systems.

Do my subscribers get charged for receiving my message?

Standard message and data rates apply from the subscribers wireless carrier. We do not charge for them to receive or reply to messages.
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How do I recover my username/password?

From the login page click forgot password and follow the instructions.
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Why am I unable to login?

Make sure that your username and password are correct. If so try the forgot password link on the login page. If this does not work call 1-877-989-8180 or email us support@txt180.com.
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What is the difference between a text message, SMS and MMS?

SMS (short message service) and MMS (multimedia message service) are both types of text messages! SMS is the standard text style of message and MMS can include pictures, video, sounds and text.
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Are my subscribers in my database sold to other users?

Never! This is your information for your business and we will not sell your information!
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What is a web-widget?

A "web-widget" is a link that can be added to a website that allows visitors to that website to opt-in by entering their phone number.
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What counts as a message?

Any message that is sent from your keyword to a phone number counts as a message. 1 message to 50 phone numbers or 50 messages to 1 phone number would both count as 50 messages. This includes any system mandatory messages that are required to be sent (stop, help, default).
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