Bulk SMS

Bulk SMS FAQs.

• Why send text messages?

  It’s simple really. Text messaging is officially the most popular form of communication. At home, at work, on the move. Everywhere.

  If you receive a text, it’s direct to your phone, it’s personal and demands your immediate attention.

  Most SMSs are delivered within 7 seconds and 90% of those are read within 5 minutes. Best of all and completely unlike business email, the person reading the message is most likely the person you wanted to receive it.

  This makes the sending of quick short messages the most powerful form of direct customer communication a business could ever employ.

  Faretext, just makes it easier for you to use and understand effectively.

• How are texts used for business?

  The possibilities are endless with business bulk SMS. Communicate with your customers with real-time, relevant information, directed just at them.

  Embed contact numbers, mini-links or discount codes, use a short code for replies and opt-outs, make your texts interactive by inserting words or characters for your customers to respond to.

  Flexible and versatile text messaging has never been so popular. With the increasing use of smartphones, content is now more accessible than ever. Today’s mobiles intuitively recognise links and phone numbers, making that all-important call or web page a single click or finger slide away.

• Email vs bulk SMS

  Bulk SMS offer’s genuine real-time updates, like email there is no other communication medium that allows you to touch base with all of your customers within seconds and all at the same time.

  But the main difference between bulk SMS and emailing as an effective instant communication tool, is that 98% of texts are opened and typically read within 90 seconds. Emails, on the other hand, only enjoy a 22% open rate and take on average 2.5 days to be read.

  In addition, sending texts has always personal, not the same can be said about emails.  Most bulk SMSs sent are nearly always received by the intended recipient, emails can be read and often viewed by multiple individuals, or anyone with access to your email account.

  Using bulk SMS to embed a web link drastically improves the chances of engagement and conversion. The average click through rate (CTR) of URLs included in bulk SMS messages is 19% compared to just 4.2% CTR for emails.

  There also something to be said about the simplicity of a text, anyone, with any device connected to a mobile network, with a limited amount of knowledge can send and receive a SMS, to send an email via a mobile device, you will need a smart phone capable of supporting an email client. Even with all latest message apps out there, 96% of smart phone users still use SMS to communicate.

• Are texts reliable?

  No other form of communication offers businesses the speed and reliability of bulk SMS. Faretext enjoys a delivery rate of over 98.5% of messages submitted to the system.

  The reason it can’t be 100% is down to a number of variables, namely these include the use of technology, the internet, and the end-users mobile network coverage. In addition, delivery rates can also be affected by the mobile number being disconnected, the device not powered on or simply a typo in your customers’ mobile number, etc.

  Through your account login or your emailed reports, you will be able to see exactly what has been delivered, failed or sent (without delivery receipt). In the reports we provide, you will be able to view in detail the final delivery status of every single number relating to your historic SMS campaigns.

• What kind of messages can be sent?

  Faretext permits you to send two different types of business text messages, one is marketing and the other is for notification purposes.

  With the introduction of GDPR, businesses are now accountable and must show how they use, store and process an individual’s personal data, this includes a record of when the person opted in to receive any marketing communication via SMS from your company.

  Sending a notification text, as in a message to update or to confirm is okay as long as texting forms part of your business service and is clearly detailed in your Privacy Policy.

  Please note, that a notification text with marketing at the end of the message may still be classed as unsolicited marketing, so we recommend if you are in any doubt whether you have the correct permissions, please refrain from sending your text until you are satisfied you have the customers consent.

  Our system has been designed to identify any type of SPAM messages sent through our platform – by using our service you agree to follow our Anti-Spam Policy. Any evidence of users not adhering to this policy will cause immediate suspension of their associated Faretext account, pending an investigation.

• How long can a text be?

  With our system, you have the capability of safely sending a single message of up to 918 characters. For this reason, our bulk SMS charging model has to be based as a credit based system, as this is how we are charged by the mobile network operators.

  Each credit represents 1 x standard length SMS of up to 160 characters. Each subsequent message loses a few characters, to ensure that your bulk SMS message is invisibly stitched together in the correct order, this is why for example it’s not a true 320 characters for 2 credits, it’s only a maximum of 306 characters.

  Bulk SMS long messages of up to 918 characters are charged as follows:

  Up to 160 characters = 1 credit
  Up to 306 characters = 2 credits
  Up to 459 characters = 3 credits
  Up to 612 characters = 4 credits
  Up to 765 characters = 5 credits
  Up to 918 characters = 6 credits
  

  In addition to long messaging, our system also allows messages to contain unicode characters (special symbols, like the euro sign), however these are charged a little differently, so please be careful, if unicode characters are not required, please ensure you use standard characters wherever possible.

  0-70 characters = 1 credit
  71-134 characters = 2 credits
  135-201 characters = 3 credits
  202-268 characters = 4 credits

• What else can business texts do?

  We understand that everyone’s needs are different. And dependent on how you want your solution to work and perform, there are a number of options available that could make your bulk SMS solution work harder and smarter for you.

  Most of these ‘flexible add-ons’ as we like to call them, are available for all routes, but there may be some option limitations with the Economy route. The International route may also have certain country-specific restrictions but this is something that we will initially discuss and check when planning your bulk SMS solution.

  Reply numbers
  Enable your customers to reply back straight to your messages, by assigning a dedicated reply number as the sender ID to outgoing text. A monthly rental charge per reply number applies.

  Keywords
  Create GDPR compliant opt-in’s by asking your customers to reply back with a keyword to your assigned reply number. Create new address book groups from these received replies.

  Short-codes
  Rent short-code or shared short-code numbers and use them as sender IDs or to capture inbound texts. Memorable at only 5, 6 or 8 numbers long, these are ideal for printed adverts.

  Email forwarding
  Nominate an email address, or two and our system can forward all replies received to your account as an email. It can even attach the original outbound message at the bottom of the email.

  Mini URL generator
  For those of you that want to include a web-link in your message, we have a facility that can create mini-url links on your behalf. Links created this way are fully trackable and offer helpful additional analytics.

  QR Code creation
  We can create bespoke QR codes, that can be used in your print or online advertising, allowing users to subscribe to your services by simply scanning a code with their camera phone.

  Custom code
  We are able to write and develop scripts or additional functions to let you get the most of your SMS integration. Although this is an additional cost, it normally isn’t as much as you may think.

  HLR Lookup
  Have an older database and not sure if some of the numbers are still valid? Rather than send a campaign and risk a percentage failing, we have paid service that checks if numbers are still live prior to broadcast.

  Automated processes
  For example, improve your customer journey by acknowledging receipt of your customers message by sending a fully automated reply SMS. Reaffirm your contact details and allow then reply straight back.

  Hosting
  Want to use your own SIM card to capture your replies? For a nominal charge we can host your SIM card on your behalf, so everything received to that number is recorded against your account.

  SMPP connection
  Have high-volumes of messages? Standing for Short Message Peer-to-Peer, send up to 600 messages per second via our secure and direct SMPP 3.4 connection. This can be direct to the network or a tier-1 aggregator.

  Managed services
  For those that require a little additional help at the start of utilising text messages for their businesses, we have a free-of-charge service that will fully manage your SMS requirements. Just get in touch for details.

  For a full list of our text related services, please click the button below:

  services

• Can I try before I buy?

  Absolutely, after registration is complete, we automatically preload your account with 25 free credits for you to fully test-drive Faretext immediately.

  Once these credits have been used, you are able to top-up by requesting an invoice for your desired volume, from your account contact.

  The minimum order value is 1000 credits and once payment is received the purchased credits will be updated to your account balance within a few minutes.

  For those that require a regular top-up, we are able to set-up a Direct Debit mandate via GoCardless that would make the generation of invoices and payment automonous, once a minimum balance threshold is reached.

• Why Faretext?

  Everything we do as a business is focused on giving organisations of any size the opportunity, and the ability to communicate with their customers via text.

  The sending of bulk SMSs should not be an exclusive communication method. We will assist every company, if they believe they have a genuine need and associated value to communicate to their customers via SMS.

  Once you register, we’ll get in touch and ask some preliminary questions about how you would like a bulk SMS solution to work.

  With every new customer or project, we apply a very simple 1-5 step process. This is integral to how we understand you. It allows both parties to clearly understand the purpose of what you want from using bulk SMS, the differences in the text routes and what options are available to you.

  By adopting this method, we are able to communicate clearly the steps leading towards a successful campaign or software integration. As a customer, you are actively involved in every phase.

  1 – Choose a function
  Whether your need is a marketing one, or about creating added value via a notification SMS to your existing customer base, it’s good to be clear from the start. For those customers looking at both objectives, we simply apply this process independently to each.

  2 – Choose your route
  For simplicity, we offer three specific routes. Depending upon your requirements for branding or reporting as well as your budget, you can decide on either our Direct, Economy or International routes, or if required a combination of all three.

  3 – Choose your flexible add-ons
  Once you have chosen your intended route, there are a few options available on each to ensure that you get the very most from your campaign or communication. For example, we can offer you access to a reply number to enable 2-way texting, long number support, branding via the Sender ID, keywords and a host of other optional extras.

  4 – Choose a delivery option
  We offer complete flexibility for every type of customer. Depending upon your intended function for your bulk SMSs, you can use Oello, our complete web-based platform, our adaptable bulk SMS API integration, or our  email-to-SMS service.

  5 – Choose your data
  The best data is always the data you have from your customers already, we’ll just help you use it in a different but more effective way. We’ll check that you’re compliant with the Data Protection Act and GDPR for SMS communication and that you have the right opt-ins and policies in place. We even have a service where we can check the validity of whether mobile numbers stored in your customer databases are still active. 

• What do I need to start?

  To create a free online and secure account, we only need a few details to get you registered, this can be started by clicking the button at the bottom.

  Namely, we need your name, company name, mobile number, business email address and an 11 character Sender ID (what people see when you text them from Faretext).

  Once you have set a password and accepted our Agreement, your account will be validated with a quick call for security.

  Depending on how you want your account set-up, we’ll normally issue your account credentials and login details via email within a couple of hours.

  Then, you’re ready for the world of business-related text messaging.

  connect today

• Jargon buster

  To keep things simple, and to get past the confusing terminologies of our industry, please see the definitions below to some of the language we use.

  2-way SMS
  Allows customers and end-users to have a conversation via SMS. Allows for participation, interaction and feedback replies.

  Account portal
  A dedicated web-based portal for you to access your account, providing send, balance and top-up information.

  API
  The code used to connect our services to your software or application.

  API key
  The same as API but with the user name and password replaced with a unique key to access your account.

  API connection via http(s) API
  Referring to the technology behind our API connection. Because we support this platform, it means we can provide example code for almost every programming language.

  API to SMS
  A way of connecting our bulk text service to your software seamlessly. Send, receive and schedule through your existing CRM.

  Aggregator
  An organisation which acts as an intermediary between content providers and carriers, enabling premium content to be delivered across multiple mobile operators networks to their customers.

  Code-free SMS
  Our web-based online application Oello, that enables the sending and receiving of text messages without API integration or experience in coding.

  Credits
  With our system, you have the capability of sending a message of up to 918 characters. For this reason, our charging model has to be based as a credit based system, as this is how we are charged by the mobile network operators. A standard length text message (or 1 credit) is up to 160 characters.

  Delivery reports
  A report that can be generated to analyse successful delivery to either the network or the recipient’s mobile device.

  Delivery reporting via API
  A report that is generated automatically via the API to show successful deliveries of your SMS Marketing and Notification campaigns.

  Dynamic sender ID, or sender ID
  The 11 characters that can be numbers, letters or spaces that appears on the recipient’s mobile device.

  Email to SMS
  A service where we convert email content into text messages or inbound texts to email.

  Free replies
  A non-chargeable service where end-users can reply to the text they receive and we catch the information that is sent back. This can then be forwarded back via email, API to your customer or to your CRM/software.

  Full reporting
  A report that can be generated periodically to show information on sends, delivered, failed, pending and opt-outs.

  HLR
  Refers to HLR lookup and allows customers to cleanse their database before sending any campaigns, by checking the validity against a registry to ensure that a mobile number is live on a mobile network.

  Inbound SMS
  Any reply SMSs that are sent from your customer to your reply number or short code that our system captures and records against your account.

  Long message support
  A text that is sent in a single transmission that can include up to 918 characters or 6 credits.

  Opt-in
  The action of signing up or subscribing. This can be initiated via an SMS sent from the end-user mobile number to a reply number or short code.

  Opt-out
  The action of unsubscribing from a subscription service, which can be requested by texting STOP to the relevant reply number or short code.

  Outbound SMS
  Any text message that is sent out by us to your customer on your behalf.

  Reply number, or virtual number
  A reply or virtual number is a mobile number that you can rent from the network, that then is assigned virtually (no physical SIM card) that will enable our system to capture inbound replies on your behalf.

  Shared short code
  A shared 5, 6 or 8 digit number that can be used for replies with associated trigger word or keyword.

  Short code
  A 5, 6 or 8 digit number that can be used for replies with associated trigger word or keyword.

  Trigger word, or keywords
  A single or combination of words that can be used as a function within your text message communication. These can be associated with your own reply number or dedicated short code.