SHORT CODE SMS: how to get your own code

These days there is a high number of short code SMS'es we receive per day. I know some of you must have asked how they got your numbers or how to opt out of such messages, well that's a story for another day.


Today I will guide you through having your own short code number from which you can earn money.

How it works:
The money you pay when you reply the text message you receive (which is deducted from your airtime) is shared among;
- The service operator (Mtn, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat e.t.c) - The owner of the short code
- The company who generates the short code for you.

Basically two types of GSM short codes are available:
- dedicated short code and
- the shared short code.

The dedicated short code is one leased and is used exclusively by only one company or brand. Each of the setup costs and associated fees is the responsibility of that brand. This now makes it hard to purchase a dedicated short code.

A Shared Code is one used by a larger number of brands, Setup costs and fees is divided between these brands thus making it more affordable to smaller or Beginner brands.
The various keywords available makes it possible for brands to use one short-code. It is these keywords that keeps each user to his own private account without any of the group using the same code looking over your shoulder.

This keyword is what the customer types first before any other information they are meant to reply with.
Eg. Send ‘vote’ space ‘contestant name’ to 33811″. Keyword in the above example is ‘vote’ while the shortcode is 33811

Now I know you wll be interested on how to get this code here in Nigeria

First of all, you need to acquire your own shared gsm short-code.

Then its very important you get people to respond to your shortcode. The higher the number of people who respond to the code the more money you stand to take into your account. Simply put, it’s game of volume.

Campaigns such as health, educational, relationship tips etc. is quite a very profitable venture due to their niche which almost everyone needs.

An example of campaigns you can promote is “Health is wealth; so as order to live and stay healthy you need to be informed with daily health tips. Send ‘health’ to ’33810′ to receive sms 3times per week. SMS Cost N100″.
The above campaign has the potential to bring in good income from a tangible number of mobile phone users simply because everybody wants to live.

Therefore a campaign like this can easily influence people to reply. Its just all about how creative you are to create important, compelling and motivating Keywords. Also ensure you choose interesting topics that affects a high number of the populace.

You just have to create enough awareness before you start getting good results. Social media, offline marketing, radio, flyers etc will help grow your business.
Also these days, a database containing a number of phone numbers can be purchased at a token amount and you can use bulk sms system to promote your business.

Lastly, you can get your short codes from this site: www.supremeshortcode.com

Goodluck!!! Feel free to share and drop your comments too.