A - What is the SMS Marketer platform?
The SMS Marketer text messaging platform is a feature rich messaging system designed from the ground up for opt-in bulk sms text message communications and marketing. It is built on a sound hardware base coupled with custom designed software to provide an easy to use, fast, cheap and efficient method for businesses, charities, groups and pretty much any organisation or individual wanting to communicate with their client base in a more direct and personal way.

A - How does it work?
It uses robust programming and industry approved protocols to provide an intuitive and highly flexible API to connect to all the main UK based GSM networks. This provides for a very easy but feature rich interface allowing the end user to make the most of this growing method of communication and marketing. The process is simple - you just upload or select the mobile phone numbers you want to market to, you compose your message or select one of the pre-defined templates and then you send!

A - Who can use it?
Anyone can use SMS Marketer: companies, charities, groups or individuals. The range of pricing and features will appeal to anyone wanting to use text messaging as a method of communication.

A - How much does it cost?
Prices are based on the quantity of message credits bought. Please contact us for full pricing details.

Pricing is for our premium routes with full reporting and detailed delivery receipts including dead numbers and invalids and a fully automated STOP request/suppression list handling system all included in the cost!

Credits are only deducted for messages actually sent. Our system automatically strips invalid and bogus numbers and those found in either your own or the global suppression list.

A - Why is it so cheap?
We like to think of it in terms of great value rather than just "cheap"! There are two main factors that govern the low rate pricing we can offer. Basically it's simple:

    1. We rely on bulk volume processing.
    2. The platform has been designed and built by our partner company and the API resides on our own hardware.

This means updates, maintenance and general day to day running of the platform have much lower overhead than our competitors. These savings can then be passed on to the end user.

A - How do I send messages?
Sending a message is simple! First you need to format your data file correctly (please see below for info on this) then you can create your message. This can be done easily by either typing in or copy/pasting in a message in the box provided OR by using one of your saved templates. Here are some tips and hints on good practice for test messages:

  Hints For Good SMS Message Creation:

Characters:	Try not to use any special characters including quotes as these don't always display properly in text messages and may be stripped out or be converted to another character before sending.
Copy/Paste & Word Processing:	Do not create or copy and paste your text using word processing documents as these use a different character encoding and your message may become garbled. Use basic text editors wherever possible.
Keep it short:	Obviously you have 160 characters to play with for a single text but if you can keep them as short as possible it can make it easier for your recipient to take in and absorb your message easier.
Abbreviations:	If abbreviating try to use the most commonly accepted version of the abbreviation.
Links:	If you want urls to turn dynamically into links then just use "www" at the beginning - you can use "http://" if you want and this will have the same effect but apart from being more characters it isn't actually needed. Most devices will then convert this automatically to a link. Do not use any other characters immediately against the url link characters - at the beginning or end of it. Don't forget you can also use our url link shortener to shrink down those long tracking links! See next answer for more on this feature.

A - What is the URL shortener?
When creating your message you will be given the option to shorten any urls or tracking links in your message. This is not only a great way of saving characters in your message but also makes it easier for your recipient to utilise the link. You just enter the full link url in the box provided and click "Shorten" the system will then convert your link to a tiny url on our UG0.co domain. The shortened link will be instantly active as our system also creates the redirect code on the fly.

A - Can I send sms text messages to recipients not in the UK?
Yes but by default only messages sent to UK networks can be sent to. If you would like to send international SMS messages then please let us know which countries you want to send to and we will activate them on your account.

A - Can I schedule a message to be sent at another time/day?
Yes. When composing your message you have the option to schedule the send for another day and time (within 2 months). Just tick the "Schedule" box and a calendar will pop up so you can select the date and time you want the message to be sent.

A - Can I cancel a scheduled message?
Yes. A message that has been scheduled can be cancelled at any time before it has started to be processed. However once the sending process has started it cannot be stopped or cancelled.

A - How do I format a recipient file?
This is an important aspect of using the platform. If your data file is not correctly formatted it may not be uploaded properly so it will not be sent to. Here is a rundown of how your file should be formatted and what constitutes "valid" data:

  SMS File Formatting:

Required Columns/Fields:	Your data file should be in Windows format csv and does not require header titles (field names) and must consist of only one column (mobile number) or two columns (mobile number and name OR mobile number and message) - and should contain all the mobile phone numbers you want to send your message to (one phone number per line). Including the message in your data file at this point allows you to merge personalised details in to your message eg, name, unique id or url etc. Click Here to download an example file. Click Here to download an example file.
Personalisation:	Our SMS platform has the capability of handling personalised SMS messages - this feature is enabled by creating a new list in the List Management area and following the instructions for formatting files for this purpose.
Valid Data:	Your recipient numbers MUST be valid UK mobile phone numbers and preferably be in international 12 digit format ie 447********* there may be a + sign eg +447 but basically your numbers must begin 7, 07, 447 or +447
Permissable Numbers:	Standard UK non-premium mobile numbers can only begin with (0) 74, 75, 77, 78, 79 - if your data file contains any mobile numbers not beginning with one of these that number will be skipped. Sequential numbers and obvious hoax numbers are also not permitted eg 447712345678 447711111111 but again our validation process should strip these out before sending.

A - How do I receive messages?
To be able to receive incoming messages to your account you will need to reserve some keywords to use on our long format numbers and/or short code numbers or for unlimited keywords reserve a dedicated long code number (with this option you receive ALL replies to that number). Please get in touch with your required number/keyword options and we can get these set up for you. Here are some more details on incoming messages:

  SMS Keywords & Sub Keyword Usage:

Keyword Selection:	Once reserved all your available keywords will be shown in the appropriate drop down box in the incoming message area. Keyword allocation and availablity is on a first come first served basis. Let us know what keywords you would like to use and we will check availability and upload them to your account for you.
Keyword Usage:	Keywords may be used on their own eg "reply: CALLME to get a call back" or in conjunction with a sub keyword eg "reply CALLME NOW/AM/PM to get more info".
Sub Keyword Selection:	Any word can be used as a sub keyword but it's best to keep it as short and to the point as possible.
Sub Keyword Usage:	When creating your message ensure your recipient understands the sub keyword goes immediately after the keyword eg keyword "CALLME" sub keyword "PM" would be "reply CALLME PM".
Setting Up Reply Messages:	Your messages can either be replied to the number sent from or a via dedicated/shared long code or one of our short codes. You can reserve a virtual number from most countries. Please get in touch for more options.
Short Code Replies:	If using one of our shortcodes for replies your message will need to include something along the lines of "Reply CALLME to xxxxx" or "Reply CALLME NOW to xxxxx" etc.

A - Can I add personalisation to my messages?
Absolutely. When you create a new group/recipient list you have the option to add this feature to that list. All it requires is for your data file to include one extra column and this should contain the recipients' first name. Your data file should contain one column for the number and one for the name. To add a recipient's name to your outgoing messages all you do is tick the checkbox that asks if you would like to add the recipeint's name and this will then display the name placeholder {NAME} which you need to add to your message where you want the name to appear. A small box will also be shown in which you need to enter a number from 1-20 for how many characters the name should be trimmed to. This is essential so that long names don't take you over the 160 character limit for single sms messages otherwise you will be charged for 2 credits.

A - What about reporting & delivery stats?
Full statistics and reporting are provided as standard. Once a message has been sent the recipient network sends a pulse of data back to our system which then updates our database with the current status of the message. This also enables us to provide you with even more details like for example which network the mobile number is assigned to so you can manage your mobile number lists and target your marketing even more efficiently.

Once you have scheduled a message you can check the general progress of the send by clicking on the message in the "Check Message Progress" area. When initially scheduled this will show the message as "Buffered" and the stats provided will only show the number of messages attempting to be processed. After a few minutes once all the numbers have been posted to the system (the time this actually takes depends on the number of messages you are sending) this will change to "Processed" and will then show you the true number of messages queued to be sent.

To view the status of an individual message/number, delivery receipts and live updates are viewable in the "View Delivery Reports" area where the status of each message is updated automatically - here is a key describing what each status means:

  Delivery Status Responses:

Buffered	This means that the message has been queued for processing.
Processed	This means that the message has been successfully received by the system and is either queued for sending OR it has been sent but is still waiting for a status update from the recipient network.
Delivered	This means that the message has been successfully delivered to the mobile device.
Not Delivered	This could be because the number is no longer in use or is invalid or it was found in either your or the global suppression list or perhaps it could not be delivered for another reason initially eg perhaps the recipient device has been switched off for too long therefore the message could be in re-try mode. Depending on the reason 3 further attempts may be made to deliver the message.
Message Read	Some networks now return this information depending on the handset/mobile device.
Rejected	This means that the SMS was rejected by the network, perhaps due to a barred MSISDN.

Please note that our delivery status reports are updated live as we receive information from the mobile phone network operators therefore the status of a message can change. eg it may change from "Not Delivered" to "Delivered" if it was successfully sent after a re-try.

A - How do I buy credits?
Use one of the "Buy Credits" links in your account admin area to order a credit bundle. If you select the "Pay by credit/debit card" or "Pay by PayPal" options your credits will be uploaded to your account immediately. If you select the "Pay by phone" or "Pay by bank" options an invoice will be generated and on receipt of cleared payment we will upload your message credits to your credit balance. We currently accept payment by credit/debit card online or over the phone, by bank transfer or by PayPal - even if you do not have an account with PayPal.

A - Do credits expire - do I have to use them within a certain period?
No, the credits you buy are yours and you can use them over any period you like.

A - What if my data contains bad or invalid numbers, will I still be charged for sending to these?
Our system employs various techniques and measures including complex validations and algorithms to clean your data file and strip out any bad numbers prior to it being sent to. You are only charged for messages accepted by the recipient network. Most providers make a charge for this "extra" service but we are currently providing this excellent service included as standard along with our number/network match technology to provide you with information on which network each of your mobile numbers is assigned to.

A - How are STOP requests and suppression lists handled?
All STOP requests are dealt with automatically. All incoming messages containing a recognised opt-out statement will be sent to the suppression list instantly. Your list/recipient management area also features a facility to export or add numbers to your own suppression list too.

A - Is my data safe?
Yes, absolutely! We fully understand how important the integrity of your data is so we have strict data handling procedures in place and our data handler is registered with the ICO under the Data Protection Act - license number Z1099417. Our databases use approved encryption techniques and are hosted behind solid firewalls to ensure your data remains as safe as it can be.

 

SENDER ID QUESTIONS

A - Can I use my own phone number as the Sender ID/Originating Address?
Yes, you can use any number that you already have. You may need to provide us with proof of ownership of the number. If you use your own number you will need to manage your own stop requests and consequently your suppression list as we will not have access to your number. You will also need to manage incoming text messages, including any keywords that you set. We can also provide you with one of our own fixed mobile numbers for a small fee per month. We will manage stop requests and your suppression list for no charge. We will also manage incoming text messages, including any keywords that you set.

A - Can I use an alphanumeric Sender ID/Originating Address?
Yes, you can use any combination of up to 11 alpha &/or numeric characters or 14 characters for a phone number the sender ID, subject to certain restrictions. For us to manage your stop requests & incoming text messages, including any keywords that you have set, the sender ID will need to be set to a validated and approved phone number. If you choose an alternative alpha numeric combination you will need to include a valid number in the body of the text that the recipient can respond to.

A - Can I use an 5 digit short code as the Sender ID/Originating Address?
Yes, you can utlilise our 5 digit short code 65041 & receive your stop requests & keyword responses to it for a small monthly fee. If you wish to purchase your own 5 digit short code there is a set-up charge £800 as well as an ongoing rental charge of £800 month.

A - Can I use response keywords in my outgoing messages?
Yes, you can set a response keyword in your outgoing message. You can set any keyword if the responses are being managed by us and you are renting a dedicated mobile number from us. You can set any keyword if you are managing your incoming messages through your own system. If you are using one of our shortcodes as your sender ID there are restrictions on the available keywords as the number is shared by multiple users. Certain premium keywords may also be chargeable when using the shortcode.

A - What is 65041 I've seen it in some system messages and incoming texts?
65041 is one of our sms shortcodes. The 65041 short code (among others) is exclusive to our partner companies and is available to our clients to use as a sender ID or to use in messages for recipients to use to reply with a keyword or opt-out request.

If you have any further questions not answered above please contact us and we will be very happy to assist.