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Original 2026-01-01

Modified 2026-03-10

1 <p>A<a><strong>short code</strong></a>is a 5- or 6-digit phone number businesses use to send SMS and MMS messages to their subscribers. Short codes are easier to recognize than standard 10-digit codes.</p>

2 <p>There are two types of short codes:</p>

3 <ol><li><strong>Vanity short codes:</strong>These are custom codes that usually spell out a word or phrase. For example, Target’s vanity short code is 827438, which spells out the company’s name on a phone keypad.</li>

4 <li><strong>Random short codes:</strong>Random codes are more affordable than vanity codes, but aren’t as recognizable.</li>

5 </ol><h2>The benefits of using a short code</h2>

6 <p>Businesses often choose short codes because of the following:</p>

7 <ul><li><strong>Faster message delivery:</strong>Messaging your target audience is up to 10x faster with short codes than with long codes or toll-free numbers. This makes short codes ideal for businesses that frequently send messages to their audience, like ecommerce or retail companies.</li>

8 <li><strong>Recognizable brand image:</strong>People often perceive businesses that use short codes as more professional and trustworthy. Plus, subscribers can verify an SMS short code in a directory, which boosts a company’s credibility.</li>

9 <li><strong>Less filtering:</strong>Because getting a short code involves a strict approval process, carriers aren’t as strict about filtering messages from them, which gives businesses more freedom with their content.</li>

10 </ul><h2>How to get a short code for your business</h2>

11 <p>If you’d like to<a>use short codes</a>to send messages to people on your SMS list, follow the steps below:</p>

12 <h3>1. Choose a marketing platform</h3>

13 <p>Marketing automation platforms like Klaviyo offer a handy<a>short code application form</a>and a<a>detailed checklist</a>to help you obtain your code hassle-free.</p>

14 <p>You can easily choose between a vanity code or a random one and start using it for SMS marketing in no time. If you want a vanity short code, visit the<a>US Short Code Registry</a>to see available options and avoid requesting codes that have already been taken.</p>

15 <h3>2. Prepare text message examples</h3>

16 <p>The short code approval process requires sending text message examples to mobile carriers. Because<a>some content is prohibited</a>, it’s a good idea to check the requirements before sending the examples you plan on using in your SMS marketing strategies.</p>

17 <p>You’ll need to prepare an example of an opt-in method (as people need to give explicit consent to receive your messages) and a few example messages. You’ll also need to provide data related to your business, such as name, address, tax ID, and contact information.</p>

18 <h3>3. Wait for approval</h3>

19 <p>Receiving short code approval can take several weeks. Once your application status changes, you’ll receive a notification in your marketing platform.</p>

20 <p>To utilize short codes for<a>SMS marketing</a>,<a>sign up for Klaviyo.</a>Besides helping you obtain short codes, Klaviyo helps you<a>create and manage SMS marketing</a>campaigns with:</p>

21 <ul><li><strong>Forms:</strong><a>Get your subscribers’ consent</a>to receive SMS messages.</li>

22 <li><strong>Segmentation:</strong><a>Divide your audience</a>into groups based on specific criteria to ensure they receive relevant messages.</li>

23 <li><strong>Automation:</strong><a>Automate sending SMS messages</a>to different audience segments to reduce manual work and enhance efficiency.</li>

24 <li><strong>Templates:</strong>Use pre-made templates to write effective and personalized messages.</li>

25 <li><strong>AI</strong>: Get help writing messages, performing A/B testing, and making smarter decisions for your business.</li>

26 </ul>