Short Codes vs. Long Codes for SMS: Choosing Wisely

[ariful12]

When implementing SMS marketing in Bangladesh, businesses face a critical decision: choosing between short codes vs. long codes for SMS. Each has distinct characteristics that impact cost, functionality, and perceived professionalism, necessitating a wise choice based on your campaign objectives.

Short Codes are typically 5-6 digit numbers (e.g., 24747).

Pros: High throughput (can send messages very quickly), high deliverability, often perceived as more professional and legitimate, ideal for high-volume campaigns, contests, and quick interactions (e.g., "Text WIN to 24747"). They can also support two-way messaging for applications like polls or customer service.
Cons: More expensive to lease and set up, require belize phone number list specific carrier approval, and might not be suitable for very personalized one-to-one communication.
Long Codes are standard 10-digit phone numbers (e.g., +88017XXXXXXXX).

Pros: Less expensive to acquire, can be used for more personal, two-way conversations (like customer support), and are suitable for lower-volume sending.
Cons: Lower throughput (messages send slower), may be perceived as less professional for mass marketing, and might face more stringent filtering for bulk sending if not properly managed.
Choosing wisely depends on your needs: For high-volume promotional blasts, large-scale contests, or transactional alerts, a short code is usually superior. For personalized customer service, lead nurturing with limited volume, or small-scale local campaigns, a long code might be more appropriate. Many businesses use a combination, leveraging short codes for broadcast and long codes for dedicated support lines.