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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.
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What Is SMS?
SMS is an acronym for Short Message Service. It is a worldwide standard for communicating textually between cellular phones.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How Long Can Text Messages Be?
A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. Characters means letters, numbers, spaces, symbols and punctuation.
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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 95495 to join our VIP invite list.'
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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 95495 to join our VIP invite list.'
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Who Regulates Text Messaging?
In The United States, The FCC keeps an eye on text messaging.
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How Do Customers Opt-In To My YourAreaCode Service?
When you open a YourAreaCode Premium 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 customer has to do is text your Keyword to the Short Code 95495. For example, if your keyword were XYZ, all your customer needs to do is send XYZ to 95495.
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How Can I Promote My YourAreaCode Text Messaging Service To My Customers?
Promoting your text messaging and mobile marketing campaigns requires little or no investment on your part. Your campaign message to consumers is simple and can be added to the promotions you are already running! Simply add the text, 'Join XYZ's Text List To Find Out About Upcoming Events. Send the Word XYZ to 95495 Now!' Here are a couple popular examples of ways you can promote and build your VIP list:
- Call-To-Action signs within your venue. These can be placed anywhere from plasma screens, bathrooms, the front door, on tables, and even at Point of Sale registers (behind the bar).
- Include your opt-in message on all your promotional items such as event fliers, email campaigns, website, business cards, and magazine and print ads.
- DJ "shout outs" instructing customers to join your text messaging list.
Additionally, you can use incentives for your patrons to join your VIP text messaging list by providing them with special codes for promotional drinks or free gueslist access. These promotions can be tailored to your needs and are only bound by your imagination.
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What Kind of Text Messages Can I Send Through Your Service?
If you owned a dance club you might send a message like this: DJ Kalendr spinning this Friday night at Crobar. Say "Kalendr" at the door for reduced admission before 12 am, 530 West 28th Street, NYC.
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How Do I Access My YourAreaCode Account / Do I Need Any Special Software/Hardware?
Since YourAreaCode’s text messaging software is web-based, all you need to access our service is a computer with an internet connection and a web browser. There is no special software or hardware to purchase or install.
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How Long Does It Take For Subscribers To Receive The Messages I Send?
Messages are sent instantly and arrive within 1 - 2 minutes 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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Is There A Limit To How Many Messages I Can Send Using Your Service?
There is a 4 message limit to how many messages you can send using our text messaging service a week. However, best practices indicate that you should not send more than one message per day to your subscribers. You can also upgrade the amount of text messages you send a week at any time.
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How Much Does Your Service Cost?
YourAreaCode Mobile Marketing is affordable and can be set up within 24 hours. For full pricing details, please call 616.622.2000 to arrange for one of our sales representatives to contact you immediately.
