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Communications professionals sometimes express concern about the growing popularity of texting.

“They” may tell you that summarizing your thoughts in 160 words or less makes it a challenge to convey complex thoughts or hold a decent conversation.

But a growing number of people are turning to texting because they can stay focused and be more selective in their words. The format also keeps whoever they are talking with from rambling on and on – it’s a great way to get to the point.

If you really want to talk about wanting to be brief, try offering your customers a text message short code, which is a string of five or six digits. Users can send a text to that particular number plus a keyword or two related to a certain topic."Yes” “Choice A” “Singer 2” “Popcorn” “Blue.”

A shared short code can be handy for businesses that want input from their customers, but don’t necessarily have the time or the resources to read through every email or text.

If they work with a text provider and a short code provider, they can receive a summary of how many people texted to a particular code with which keywords. This can provide useful data, especially for a promotion or voting event where several different codes are available.

For companies considering the appeal of a short code, here’s why they make sense:

1. They encourage companies to focus on mobile. Customers are already using their mobile devices, but some companies may be content with their desktop-friendly sites. By looking into ways to offer short codes, a company can find new ways to engage with customers. A good way to start the process is by creating a promotion with a special discount, but only for those who respond with a keyword texted to a short code., You can work with your short code providers to make sure anyone who texts a keyword receives a link to a coupon or a promo code.
   
   
2. They’re cost-effective. You can lease codes from short code providers as needed for your promotional period. Prices vary depending on your plans and type of code you prefer. If you’re on a budget, you can lease shared random digits for around $500, which can be combined with a keyword. For double this price, you can choose your own digits – perhaps a special set of numbers that your customers will find easy to remember or something symbolic for your organization.
   
   
3. Easy to set up. Short codes aren’t new – Marketingtechblog said they have been around since 1999, just seven years after the first SMS, so procedures are already in place for how they can be leased and utilized. A helpful shared shortcode API can also help developers make sure their leased codes are  customized to integrate with the rest of their systems.
   
   
4. They’re quick to implement. Most short code providers can have one available within 72 hours, mostly due to the verification process. The Common Short Code Administration, which oversees short codes, can provide up to 20 for 3- to 12-month periods.
   
   
5. Codes boost customer enjoyment. Short code providers can make it even easier for someone to interact with a business. Since many are texting already, they’re familiar with the process and won’t mind a simple request to send a keyword to the code of a business they know. If the task is tied into a fun promotion, even better.

Using a keyword with a shared short code can make the process even more engaging. You can utilize it to easily increase subscribers – just ask them to text keyword like JOIN or OPTIN to the code.

Or you can use your code to text something back to everyone who responds, such as a mobile coupon. Using a short code doesn’t have to be attached to a particular promotion or deadline either, although these can certainly encourage people to take action. A business can offer short codes for routine items like “sign up for our newsletter” or “help us choose the best color for the new break room.” Spreading the word in your other promotional material, anything from email to printed materials, can drive people to your site and tell them how easy short codes can be.

Overall, short codes can be used in many ways for any size or type of business. This can include Dominos, which asks fans to send a keyword to opt in to future communications like texts and coupons. One code example that millions of people see each week is the opportunity to vote on favorite “American Idol”  performers by sending in a certain keyword. AMC Theatres invites patrons to join its VIP club by texting a keyword, and then they receive a free drink coupon.

For more suggestions on short codes or other SMS strategies visit Trumpia.com.