SMS Text Messaging & Mobile Marketing Frequently Asked Questions:

General SMS Text Messaging Questions

What Is A Text Message?

A Text message is a short message that can be sent to and from a cellular phone. When someone says text, texting, or SMS, or if you see TXT in print, all of these are referring to text messages.

What Is SMS?

SMS is an acronym for Short Message Service. It is a worldwide standard for communicating textually between cellular phones.

Is there a difference between email and text messaging?

While most phones can send and receive email, email is not the same as text messaging. There are many differences–for example a text message is sent to a phone number, while an email is sent to an email address.

Can Everyone Receive Text Messages?

Nearly every cellular phone in use in the United States (and the world) can receive text messages. Most wireless carriers include text messaging in their standard plans.

What Does It Cost For A Customer To Receive A Text Message?

Some carriers do not charge their customers to receive text messages. Others include a certain number in their standard plans–these usually cost less than ten cents a message.

What Is A Short Code?

A Short Code is similar to the address (URL) of a website. It is a unique location to send messages to, that all cellular carriers are aware of. You combine a Short Code with a Keyword to form a call-to-action address. An example would be: ‘Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our VIP invite list.’

What Is A Keyword?

A Keyword is a short word (which may include numbers) that customers send a text message to, in order to join your list. An example would be: ‘Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE (30802) to join our text messaging list.’

What Does It Mean To Opt-In?

To Opt-In is to join a list. This can be done by sending a text message containing your KEYWORD to our SHORTCODE (30802), or by entering your phone number into a web-based form. This action signifies that a customer has asked you to send them a message.

What Does It Mean To Opt-Out?

A subscriber Opts Out when they quit your list. Users can do this quickly and simply by replying to any text message you send them with the word STOP.

Who Regulates Text Messaging?

In The United States, The MMA, Wireless Carriers and the FCC all govern and manage text messaging.

GuestText™Feedback Service Questions

How Do Guests Opt-In To our GuestText™ Feedback Service?

When you open a gUESTtEXT™ account you are assigned a Keyword of your choice. Commonly, this Keyword is the name of the business/institution of the account holder. All a GUESTr has to do is text your Keyword to the Short Code 30802 For example, if your keyword were MIKESGRILL, all your customer needs to do is send MIKESGRILL to 30802 To Opt-Out your customer can reply to any message you send with the word STOP.

What Cellular Carriers Do You Support?

GuestText™ is certified by and can send SMS text messages to every US Tier 1 Provider (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Nextel, Boost, Virgin Mobile, US Cellular, & Alltel). We also deliver to nearly all Tier 2 providers (Dobson, Midwest Wireless, Cellular South, Cricket etc.).

How Do I Access My Club Texting Account / Do I Need Any Special Software/Hardware?

There is no special software or hardware to purchase or install.

How Long Does It Take For Subscribers To Receive The Messages I Send?

Messages are sent instantly and arrive within 30 seconds- 1 minute of you sending them. If a customer’s phone is turned off, or is in an area without coverage (such as inside an elevator), their carrier holds the message and delivers it as soon as the customer re-enters a coverage area.

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How Long Does It To Get My Account Active?

Typically within 12-24 hours