To send SMS/MMS, you need a number from which the text messages are to go. Now, as you start setting up the SMS/MMS feature, Factoreal will assign a default number to you.
But if you need to set up a new one, you’ll have 2 different number types at your disposal.
- LongCode(1-XXX-XXX-XXXX)
- Toll Free Number(1-800-XXX-XXXX)
Take your pick, and have Factoreal approve the number for you before you get into the campaigns. You can choose from an array of SMS plans that is available as per what you need.
Set up the contact list
You can upload all the phone number leads that you have and set that as a contact list within Factoreal.
Conversely, you can add them individually as well, and all of that will be saved with your account.
Signup forms to gather more contacts
More leads is always good, so we recommend you have a signup form where visitors can submit their phone numbers. By putting in their phone numbers, you’ll have permission from them to send them SMS/MMS.
This will increase the breadth and volume of your campaigns, leading to more success.
The gravity of this setup is such that it warrants a section of its own. Regulations are there across the US, Canada & India which requires certain kinds of adaptation.
But with Factoreal, all of that is more convenient than ever before. Be sure to refer to the region-wise SMS/MMS compliance documentation available here.
By default, Factoreal assigns a long code number (1-XXX-XXX-XXXX) to your setup. You can change that to any one of the available formats, or port a number that you want.
NOTE: Administrators and account owners have access to the option to change numbers. Account will be charged if the free allocated long code number is deleted.
Request additional numbers
You want to use a new number for sending out your messaging campaigns. You can select the ‘Request Additional Numbers’ option which will present you with the following 2 options as we mentioned before.
LongCode (+1-XXX-XXX-XXXX)
This is the mobile phone number that you can use and is of the 10 digit mark. Note that you are going to get a number assigned to your account as you put forth your request.
Toll Free Number (+1-800-XXX-XXXX)
This would be a 9 digit number and you would get access to it immediately. And you can get up to 9 toll-free numbers to choose from.
However, to avoid confusion to your receivers, Factoreal will be using the number you have to do the sending. This is going to keep SMS delivery consistent.
Port an existing number
If you happen to have a number that you’ve been using up until this point, you can use that one as well.
That’s where you’ll need to select the ‘Port an Existing Number’ option.
NOTE: This can be a complicated and long-drawn process taking upwards of 30 days. However, if you face any issues, we’re always active to help you. Contact our team and they will take you through the process.
As you select this option, you will be getting a prompt asking you to submit the port request. From this point on, you’ll have one of our reps contact you for proceedings.
Selecting the right SMS/MMS number for your business
The right choice when it comes to selecting the right kind of sender number can directly influence campaign performance. Consider the following as you make your choice between the long code format and toll-free format.
LongCode format
For new businesses and businesses that are light on finances, LongCode is a great option, to begin with, and get a feel of the SMS messaging program.
Factoreal provides a free LongCode by default, make sure you do not delete this number.
It is recommended for its hassle-free setup as organizations can add SMS communication to their stack. Since there is no application process or approval timeframe, LongCode is a great option for businesses.
Since a LongCode is just like a personal mobile number (10 digits), the communication with subscribers feels more personal, than getting a message from a bot. LongCodes are scalable, making high-volume messaging possible.
While it’s easy to set up LongCodes has some baggage that makes them vulnerable. While they can be used for mass messaging, because of their limited throughput rates, they can’t be used for bulk messaging.
There is the option to use multiple numbers to address this issue; it can be inefficient when dealing with bulk messaging involving a huge pool of customers.
Carrier and traffic restrictions have a significant impact on LongCode, as a business can’t send more than 250 msgs/day using a number. Carrier filtration with LongCode is very strict in terms of content, sending rates, and outbound to inbound ratio.
Even a small mistake in the form of a wrong SMS would mean suspension of SMS service and a hefty fine.
The bottom line is if you’re starting out with your business and are in the initial stages. The long-form number is the way to go.
Toll-free format
Right off the bat, the Toll-Free number addresses a major disadvantage that LongCode poses.
The high throughput nature of Toll-Free numbers means you’ll be sending 10-150 MPs which is a day and night difference compared to LongCode.
Toll-Free Numbers have reduced filtering restrictions when compared to LongCode.
So if you want to send bulk messaging with a high-reliability Toll-Free Number is a great option. Toll-Free Numbers can be used for text as well as voice communication for a seamless connection with your users.
Because of its throughput Toll-Free Number is ideal for person-to-person communication, and also for businesses to send alerts and notifications as a one-way communication to its users.
Setting up a Toll-Free Number is an easy process, similar to the LongCode.
You can choose a Vanity Toll-Free Number (1-800-BURGER) so that users can associate that number with your business. This helps businesses with brand recognition.
Managing all your SMS/MMS numbers
For a variety of different reasons, you might want to have different numbers for different types of use cases.
The arrangement is divided into 20 batches, with a limit of 20 numbers per batch, totaling 400 numbers.
In case you don’t want to use any of the numbers, you can use the ‘Release Number’ option to remove that number.
