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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.

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What 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.

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Bali short code competition example

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.

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number shop

How short codes and long numbers can benefit your business?

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Surveys

A short code campaign enables a feedback loop to improve your service.

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Lead generation

A great way for recipients to receive an instant response from a lead request.

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Competitions

Invite recipients to enter and build up your database and identify new leads.

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Schedule reminders

Allow customers to confirm, cancel or reschedule their upcoming appointment.

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Donations

Allow anyone to donate to your charity using a short code or long number.

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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.

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Pricing 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
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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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