FAQ text message marketing
Back to Opt-in SMS (text Message) Marketing System
Q: Do you still offer a free trial?
We no longer offer a free trial but to get an idea of how the system works text "directdemo" to #### to see a canned reply message that can be tailored to suit your needs.
Q: What is a Text Message (SMS)?
Text message or SMS stands for “Short Message Service”. The short portion of the term comes from the fact that messages have a maximum length of 160 characters. Text messages are not email and are sent and received on cell phones. Synonymous terms are Texting, TXT, SMS, and Text Message. One message to one recipient is equal to one credit used. If you send one message to 20 different cell phones at the same time, that would be 20 credits.
Q:What is A Short Code?
Think of a short code as an abreviated phone number. Instead of sending keywords to a long 10 digit phone number, you can send your keyword to a short code that is less to type and easier to remember.
Q:What is A Keyword?
Patrons text keywords to #### to join lists or trigger an information request. Each business on the Direct Texting system has their own keyword/s, and they promote these keywords along with our short code to get people to join thier list/s. For example, when the keyword "Rivercity" is sent as a message to the short code #####, the cell phone number of the person sending the message is logged by the system and then added to the list of customers for Rivercity Brewing Company. The business can then keep customers informed, as the restaurant broadcasts short text messages out to their list regarding news about live entertainment, promotions or drink specials.
Q: Can My Phone Receive Text Messages?
Most all cell phones since 2000 are equipped to send and receive cell phone messages. Nearly all cell phone carriers offer text message service.
Q: What Is The Advantage of Using Text Messaging?
Texting is less intrusive then a phone call, and is nearly instantaneous in delivery. Text messages can be delivered when people are away from their desks, and at times that are most appropriate to send them. It’s estimated that 96% of all text messages are read. As a business we are lucky to get our email delivered properly, much less read. The best advantage is that it will grow your business like fire, and your list will become one of the most valuable assets you own.
Q. I Don't Have Cell Phone Numbers For My Customers, What Can I Do?
Nobody has cell phone numbers when they first start out. You will grow your list by inviting people to join for updates on events, specials, various points of interest. Studies from MMA (Mobile Marketing Association) say that 84% of those with cell phones want to be on lists of the businesses or establishments they frequent in person or online. We will show you how, and give you the latest techniques that will get everyone walking in the door to want to be on your list. It's actually quite easy.
Q: Do You Charge A Setup Fee?
Yes. $75 includes setting up your account and testing your keyword of choice.
Q. If I Run Out of Message Credits, Can I Purchase More?
Yes. You can purchase additional credits from within your control panel. When you purchase message credits from your Direct Texting account your cost per single message will range per message depending on the quantity of credits you purchase at a single time. See our pricing.
Q: Am I Required To Sign A Monthly Contract?
No! There are NO contracts with Direct Texting. We only require a 30 day notification of cancellation prior to the next billing cycle.
Q: Do My Credits Expire At The End Of The Month?
No. Never! In fact, customers who purchase credits from within their account control panel never lose those credits; rollover is one Service texing's special features.
Note: There are no refunds for unused credits, so it is encouraged that you purchase credits according to your needs.
Q: Do You Charge Any Monthly Fees?
Only the monthly subscription fee which includes a certain number of text credits.
Q: How Long May I Save My Purchased Credits?
Your credits will remain in your account until you either use them or until the account is ever deactivated. Your credits will not expire at the end of the month like cell phone minutes typically do.
Q: Are Incoming Text Messages Free?
Yes. We do not charge you for incoming text messages. However we do charge a single credit for any automated reply message that goes out as a result of receiving an incoming message.
Q: Does My Carrier (or my contact's carrier) Charge For Text Messages On Their Cell Phones? All carrier charges apply and vary according to carrier and text message packages.
Q: Can I Receive Replies to The Group Text Messages That I Send?
Yes. They will be delivered to your Texting inbox for free. If you like, you can have us forward your replies to your cell phone.
Q: Can I Send a A Single Text Message?
Yes. When setting up your message you can select a single cell phone or a group of numbers.
Q: How Do I Purchase More Credits?
When logged into your account you will have the option of purchasing additional credits with your credit card or PayPal account. We accept PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Your credit card information is never stored or revealed to us, only PayPal merchant services will ever handle your billing information.
Q: How Many Characters May I Include In a Text Message?
Unlike email which is an unlimited number of characters, SMS texting is limited to 160 characters. As a result, many common abbreviations have become generally accepted.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Deliver a Text Message?
Typically text messages are delivered in just seconds to a few minutes. Some short delays may be experienced during peak hours.
Q: Does Direct Texting limit the number of SMS messages I can send?
No. You can send as many as you pay for. However, it is important that what you send be relevant and of value. All messages sent from our system must be in line with Anti-Spam policy. In short, you must have permission. See our guide for developing your opt-in lists, and our list of does and don’ts.
Q: How Come Some Of My Contacts Did Not Receive a Message That I Sent Them?
Some prepaid cell phones my have issues preventing them from receiving messages due to a low balance or other reasons. Also, check to make sure that the carrier is on our certified carrier list. Other reasons may include full memory on the persons cell phone, or that they do not subscribe to message service . Other reasons include out of network or a wrong number.
Q: Do I Pay For Text Messages That My Recipients Do Not Receive?
Yes. We charge for every message we send on your behalf because we are charged for the attempt as well. If your recipients opted-in using our system, there should not be any network or carrier reasons why a message is not delivered.
Q: What is A Keyword?
A keyword is a unique term of letters or numbers typically 5 to 7 characters in length that identifies you within our short code of #####.
Q: How Do Keywords Work?
You pick the keyword you want to use to identify you on our short code (#####). As long as nobody else is using that keyword you can use it as long as you like. If you do not get the keyword you want, you can keep checking as keywords come available from time to time. You can pick any combination of numbers or letters 5 to 7 characters long.
When someone sends your keyword as a text message to ##### you have a variety of options. You set the system to respond in a variety of ways. You can send a reply message, you can add them to a list, or you can forward the message to your cell phone or email. Or any combination of these things.
Q: Can I Have Any Keyword I Want? Are There Any Limitations?
As long as nobody else is using that keyword, then it’s yours for as long as you keep it.
Q: What is A Short Code?
A short code is a 5 to 6 digit number that is commonly accepted by major carriers as a number that you can send text messages to. They are shorter and therefore easier to remember then 10 digit phone numbers.
Q: Where is My Data Stored?
Your data is securely stored on our back end servers. The data is frequently backed up incase of system failure. No one else has access to your data accept you.
Q: Who Owns My Data?
You data is owned by you. You can take it with you anytime you decide to leave. No one will contact your list without your direct consent.
Q: Do I Need to Posses Any Technical Knowledge/Skills?
Not at all. If you can send email or login to the system with your username and password you have already qualified yourself as being able to run this system. It is very simple and straight forward. Check out our demo video to see how easy it is.
Q: In What Areas Does Direct Texting Work?
Direct Texting sends messages to any cell phones in the 50 United states including Alaska and Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Canada. You do not need to be in these areas to have an account and market to customers in these areas.
Q: Will You Send Your Own Ads to My Contacts?
No. Your contacts are kept strictly confidential. We do not rent, lend, trade, sell or release your contacts to any third parties, nor do we use it ourselves. It is your data.
Q: Can I Collect Numbers On My Website?
Yes. We can provide you with the code to place on your web site, MySpace or email to collect phone numbers automatically.
Q. Will My Billing and Credit Card Information Be Safe?
Yes! All subscriptions and billing are securely handled by PayPal. Your credit card and billing information will never be held by us, and will ONLY be stored with PayPal.
Q. Can I Reserve My Keyword Even If I Do Not Continue My Subscription?
No. You must continue your subscription to reserve your keyword. No keywords can be saved beyond the period for non-paying customers.
Q. Does My Subscription Provide Message Credits For My Account?
Yes. Your subscription fee comes with a cooresponding number of credits. See pricing.
Q. Will My Message Credits Expire At The End of The Month?
No. If the message credits in your account are not used they will roll over to the next month and will remain in your account until you use them or until you cancel your service subscription.
Q. If I Need More Credits, Can I Buy More?
Yes. In fact you can buy extra credits when ever you need at a discount. When you have used up your credits or see yourself getting low, you can simply purchase more credits from within your control panel at any time day or night at the rates listed your control panel.
If we were not able to answer your question/s here, please call us! 1-623-925-5634
*Text STOP to #### to opt-out from any marketing campaign. You must be 18 years or older or have permission from a parent/guardian to participate. Msg & Data rates may apply.
