SMS Broadcasting: Premium or Standard Mobile Numbers?

Many companies know that SMS marketing is an effective way to reach customers; however, there is a right way to do it and a wrong way. ReachTEL has many years of experience with SMS and has developed a knowledge base of current and effective SMS broadcasting techniques.

Premium Is Out
ReachTEL no longer offers premium numbers for SMS competitions. Using standard mobile numbers is now the way to go in order to reach customers more effectively. Why? An increasing number of scams involving ringtone and adult content campaigns have proliferated via premium numbers, and as a result, these mobile numbers are being blocked by contest entrants. Thus, premium phone numbers have a much lower response rate than standard numbers. People simply do not feel secure with or trust messages from these sources, which are largely attributable to premium numbers. Standard numbers do not encounter these roadblocks, and in addition, are not charged the 55-cent entry fee of a premium number. Individuals who know they will be charged an entry fee are more likely to reject the message completely. Those that are not aware a fee is being charged will eventually become distrustful of companies or SMS communications, thinking that they have been tricked. ReachTEL only uses standard numbers in all SMS broadcast competitions, which only costs entrants a standard text message - which may even be "free" on some cap plans. Entrants are also far less likely to have these numbers blocked.

Strict Regulation by carriers
Carriers now have strict rules in place governing the use of premium numbers. These rules were enacted to protect consumers from competitions and companies that may not be reputable. There is a definite "bad smell" around the whole premium number system that doesn't sit well with the national brands that we work with. At the end of the day - better results, lower costs, easier setup and most importantly no stigma - why wouldn't you go with a standard number?

ReachTEL is a leader in SMS broadcasting technology and competition implementation. We use cutting-edge technology to ensure businesses get the best return on investment for their SMS competition efforts. Avoid strict regulation, high fees and disgruntled customers by using ReachTEL for your next SMS competition.