A study says that the number of people sending and receiving text messages is expected to increase to 5.9 billion by 2025.  

Therefore, choosing the right type of number for communication can significantly impact the business's effectiveness and customer engagement. Understanding the different types of SMS numbers- such as 10DLC, toll-free and short codes are equally important in choosing the best option for your business needs.

What is 10DLC?

10DLC or A2P 10DLC stands for 10-digit long code, a type of phone number designed for business messaging. It is used for application-to-person (A2P) messaging, making it suitable for sending high volumes of text messages. 10DLC offers local presence, allowing businesses to use recognizable local numbers to communicate with their customers.  

What is a Toll-Free Number?

Toll-free numbers are phone numbers that begin with prefixes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, and they are free for the caller. For businesses, toll-free numbers provide a professional image and can be used nationwide, making them ideal for businesses with a broad customer base. They are also cost-effective for customers as they do not incur charges for sending messages to these numbers.

What is a Short Code?

Short codes are 5 or 6-digit numbers used for sending high volumes of messages quickly. They are commonly used for mass marketing campaigns, emergency alerts and SMS verification. Short codes are memorable and can handle large volumes of messages per second, making them ideal for time-sensitive communications.

How to Select the Right Type of Number

Some key points to consider when choosing the right number type are:

1. Analyse Costs and Budget

Compare the SMS payments costs associated with each number type, including setup fees, per-message charges, and monthly fees. Choose the option that fits your budget while meeting your communication needs.

2. Delivery Speed and Volume

Short codes offer the fastest delivery speed and can handle the highest volume of messages per second making them ideal for large-scale businesses. A2P 10DLC provides moderate speed and volume capabilities, suitable for smaller campaigns and local messaging. Toll-free numbers also support high volumes but may not be as fast as short codes.

3. Test and Measure Effectiveness

Run pilot campaigns using different number types and track key metrics such as delivery rates, open rates and customer engagement in SMS dashboards. Use this data to determine which number type delivers the best results for your business.

4. Customer Perception and Engagement

Short codes are highly recognizable and trusted for verification purposes, often leading to higher engagement rates. Toll-free numbers convey a professional image and are preferred for customer service and support messages. 10DLC numbers on the other hand, provide a local touch, which can increase trust and engagement with local customers.

5. Compliance and Regulations

All three number types must comply with industry regulations including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and carrier-specific guidelines. 10DLC registration has also become necessary for all SMS campaigns. Although there are some providers like Message Central which enable use cases like SMS verification without the need of A2P 10DLC in the US.
Toll-free numbers and short codes must follow guidelines set by carriers and regulatory bodies to ensure message deliverability and avoid penalties.

6. Integration Capabilities

Ensure the number type you choose can integrate seamlessly with your existing systems through SMS APIs. This allows for efficient management and automation of enhancing overall effectiveness.

7. Security Features

Consider the security features offered by each number type, especially if your messages include sensitive information like authentication or verification messages. Look for options that support two-factor authentication and other security measures to protect your communications.

8. User Experience and Support

Evaluate the ease of use and the level of customer support provided by the SMS gateway. A user-friendly interface and a responsive customer support can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns.

9. Scalability and Flexibility

Choose a number type that can scale with your business as it grows. Whether you're starting with small local campaigns, SMS pumping or planning large-scale national promotions, the number type should be flexible enough to accommodate changing needs.

10. Reporting and Analytics

Look for number types and SMS gateways that offer strong reporting and analytics features. Access to detailed metrics on delivery rates, open rates, and customer responses can help you fine-tune your messaging strategy and achieve better results.

Use Cases for Types of Numbers

Some use cases of these numbers are:

1. 10DLC registration in US is suitable for local businesses wanting to use recognizable local numbers, small to medium-sized marketing and minimal customer service communications including appointment reminders and notifications.

2. Toll-free numbers are ideal for nationwide marketing and customer service campaigns, providing professional communication channels for businesses with a broad customer base and sending important updates while managing customer inquiries via text or by using automated text messages.

3. Short codes are perfect for high-volume marketing campaigns and text blasts used for authentication and emergency alerts as well as conducting surveys and gathering customer feedback.

Challenges Faced While Selecting a Suitable Number Type

Some challenges faced when choosing a suitable number for business

1. SMS Delivery Failures

SMS delivery failures can be caused by factors like network issues, invalid numbers or carrier restrictions. To minimize these failures, choose a reliable SMS gateway with high delivery rates and strong error-handling mechanisms.

2. Managing Compliance

Stay informed about relevant regulations and ensure your SMS gateway provider complies with these standards.

3. Handling Opt-Outs

Managing opt-outs is crucial for maintaining compliance and customer trust. An SMS gateway that effectively manages opt-out requests ensures that you respect customer preferences and adhere to regulations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right number type for your SMS campaigns is crucial for maximizing effectiveness and customer engagement. Whether you opt for registering to A2P 10DLC, toll-free numbers or short codes, understanding their unique advantages and use cases will help you make an informed decision. Additionally, leveraging advanced features like SMS verification will ensure your SMS campaigns are secure and successful.