Which wireless carriers work with Kaizen Communications?
Kaizen Communications currently works on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, Cellular One, Alltel, Nextel, Cellular South, nTelos, Cricket, Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile, Cellcom, Cincinnati Bell.
Once I register a keyword, for how long do I own it?
Your keyword remains in your account for as long as you make the monthly payments. If you cancel your account or fail to make your payment, the keyword becomes available for others to register after 30 days.
Do I need to put software on my computer?
No software is required. You configure your keywords through a simple web site that you can access from any computer that is connected to the Internet.
What is short code marketing?
Short code marketing is marketing messages sent via a text message through a Common Short Code (CSC), or short code. A short code is an abbreviated phone number used for text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messaging. Short codes are used to market/sell goods and services (cars; restaurants; TV and Radio shows/programs; cereal; personal care items, etc.). (Source: White Paper: The Short Code Marketing Opportunity; The Nielsen Company, 2008)
How can I upload, or enter mobile phone #'s to one of my campaign lists?
Subscribers can be added to your list by sending a text message to your keyword and the associated short code, for Example: Text the key word “COFFEE” to 55522 to get a free cup of coffee at your nearest XYZ Donuts.
What if I need more messages than the plan includes?
In the Kaizen Communications control panel, you can upgrade your account at any time. If you find you are running low on messages, simply upgrade to the next plan and you will be given additional messages.
Do the carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) create the short codes?
Short codes are administered by the Common Short Code Administration (CSCA) for the wireless carriers. The codes consist of 5-6 numbers.
How many different short codes are there?
There is a different short code assigned for every different mobile application.
What do you mean by “Mobile Applications”?
For example: couponing/alerts; sweepstakes/promotions; polls/voting; gaming; purchasing, etc.
What are the short codes for and what are they used for?
Short codes are the means of direct communication between the end user (wireless subscriber) and the advertiser, according to the application. As stated by the CSCA (Common Short Code Administration), “… Most CSC applications are two-way, meaning messages are both received from and sent to wireless subscribers, creating interactivity and an ongoing “conversation” between the end user and the application.”
Depending on which carrier the mobile user has purchased his cell service, will there be a different short code for each carrier?
No, one short code will apply to all carriers, depending on the application. The key component that will differentiate each campaign, will be the Keyword used on the backend of the short code. For example, to test two different coupon messages for XYZ Donuts, (Couponing Application Campaign):
Keyword Campaign #1: Text the key word “COFFEE” to #55522 to get a free cup of coffee at your nearest XYZ Donuts;
Keyword Campaign #2: Text “DOUGHNUTS” to #55522 to receive 50% off your 2nd box of Doughnuts purchased at your nearest XYZ Donuts.
How does the consumer/mobile user become aware of the short codes? Where do they find them?
They are found in the current advertising placements for the advertiser. If the advertiser is running print, outdoor, radio and online , the short codes and keyword would be listed on the ads. This enables the mobile consumer to take immediate advantage of print, TV or radio offers,websites, BillBoards, word of mouth and request further information on the spot, simply by texting to the short code found on the ad (or heard on the radio).
How effective are the short codes? Do they work?
With response rates as high as 12% (source: MMA), mobile advertising can be more effective than Internet advertising. Refer to the “Case Studies” tab on the Text a La Carte website to read about the positive results from advertisers who have implemented short codes in their advertising