Start a two-way conversation with your customers.
Choose from our range of dedicated or shared 5 digit short codes and long numbers.
Get your short code or long number for two-way messaging
Two-way messaging starts with either a dedicated or shared short code or a long number. Enabling Two-way messaging via short codes and long numbers will allow your business to receive messages and replies from your customers at minimum cost, thereby starting meaningful two-way conversations.
RegisterWhat are the options?
When choosing between a short code or long number, you need to ask yourself whether you'll be needing it to communicate across borders and whether your priority is to build visibility or to keep costs low. To find out which option best suits your business, we explore them in more detail.
Dedicated vs Shared short codes?
A dedicated short code is dedicated to your brand. Choose between a random short code (we'll assign one of our available numbers to you) or opt for a vanity short code (you choose the number you want to use).
A shared short code is is a more cost-effective solution. You can lease a keyword on a shared short code from us. You'll be assigned a unique SMS keyword, but you will share the short code with other businesses.
The greatest advantage of using a short code is that it can be easily remembered, making it effortless for recipients to reply to your messages. Furthermore short codes have a much higher throughput.
Get startedExplore the benefits
More about long codes, also known as virtual long numbers
Long codes are long numbers which can be up to 16 digits in length. Long numbers are not available in South Africa but we do service other countries.
Long numbers are cheaper to use than short codes and allow you to receive replies from local and selected international destinations, thereby adding a local presence to your brand.
If you need to receive replies to your messages but it’s not as important that people easily remember your number, then a long number is a more cost-effective solution.
Get started
How short codes and long numbers can benefit your business?
Surveys
A short code campaign enables a feedback loop to improve your service.
Lead generation
A great way for recipients to receive an instant response from a lead request.
Competitions
Invite recipients to enter and build up your database and identify new leads.
Schedule reminders
Allow customers to confirm, cancel or reschedule their upcoming appointment.
Donations
Allow anyone to donate to your charity using a short code or long number.
Voting
A long number is a cost effective way to gather votes for any voting campaign.
How to apply for a short code or long number?
Register your business on our platform, its free, we'll reach out to you to get your requirements. Pricing will vary depending on the number and country. Each country has its own rules and regulations in terms of configuration and billing - contact us for pricing to other countries.
RegisterPricing for short codes in South Africa
Prices subject to change and excl VAT
| Shared short code monthly fee | Shared short code set up fee | Dedicated short code monthly fee | Dedicated short code set up fee |
|---|---|---|---|
R 200 (per keyword) |
R 700 (per keyword) |
R 850 |
R 2500 |
Use Case: Mobile short codes
Whilst advertising via paid media & other digital channels provided detailed analytics around App downloads, tracking App downloads for traditional media was limited - The Entertainer turned to CM’s short code service.
Read the use case
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