Short Codes vs. Long Codes for SMS Marketing
Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 5:42 am
Understanding the difference between short codes and long codes is crucial for businesses in Bangladesh planning their SMS marketing strategy, as each has distinct advantages and use cases.
Short Codes are typically 5 or 6-digit numbers (e.g., 20000, 30000) used for high-volume SMS messaging.
Advantages: Higher throughput (can send more messages per second), better deliverability for bulk messages (less likely to be filtered as spam), memorable and easy to use for "text-to-join" campaigns. They are often associated with legitimate businesses and organizations.
Disadvantages: More expensive to lease and set up, require a phone number data more rigorous approval process, and typically only support SMS (not voice calls). Can be shared or dedicated.
Best Use Cases: Mass marketing campaigns, high-volume alerts (e.g., election results, emergency notifications), loyalty programs, two-factor authentication, and short-term promotions requiring quick, widespread reach.
Long Codes are standard 10-digit phone numbers (e.g., +880 1XXXXXXXXX) commonly used for individual conversations.
Advantages: More affordable to lease, can support both SMS and voice calls, allows for two-way, personalized conversations, and feels more "local" or personal.
Disadvantages: Lower throughput (slower for bulk messaging), higher risk of being flagged as spam if used for high-volume marketing, and not as memorable for public "text-to-join" campaigns.
Best Use Cases: Customer service, one-to-one sales interactions, appointment reminders, small-scale personalized marketing, and providing direct support.
Choosing between a short code and a long code depends on your campaign's volume, purpose, budget, and desired level of personalization. Many businesses in Bangladesh use a combination of both for different communication needs.
Short Codes are typically 5 or 6-digit numbers (e.g., 20000, 30000) used for high-volume SMS messaging.
Advantages: Higher throughput (can send more messages per second), better deliverability for bulk messages (less likely to be filtered as spam), memorable and easy to use for "text-to-join" campaigns. They are often associated with legitimate businesses and organizations.
Disadvantages: More expensive to lease and set up, require a phone number data more rigorous approval process, and typically only support SMS (not voice calls). Can be shared or dedicated.
Best Use Cases: Mass marketing campaigns, high-volume alerts (e.g., election results, emergency notifications), loyalty programs, two-factor authentication, and short-term promotions requiring quick, widespread reach.
Long Codes are standard 10-digit phone numbers (e.g., +880 1XXXXXXXXX) commonly used for individual conversations.
Advantages: More affordable to lease, can support both SMS and voice calls, allows for two-way, personalized conversations, and feels more "local" or personal.
Disadvantages: Lower throughput (slower for bulk messaging), higher risk of being flagged as spam if used for high-volume marketing, and not as memorable for public "text-to-join" campaigns.
Best Use Cases: Customer service, one-to-one sales interactions, appointment reminders, small-scale personalized marketing, and providing direct support.
Choosing between a short code and a long code depends on your campaign's volume, purpose, budget, and desired level of personalization. Many businesses in Bangladesh use a combination of both for different communication needs.