SMS stands for short message service commonly known as text messaging. The protocol is designed to send text messages to and from mobile phones. The messages may be up to 136 characters in length including spaces. Almost 100 per cent of today’s phones can send and receive text messages.

Short codes are special telephone numbers that are shorter than full telephone numbers and are used to address SMS and MMS (multimedia messaging service) messages from mobile phones or land lines. They are used for texting purposes only and do not accept incoming calls. Short codes allow individual engagement and interaction with your organization through voting, polling, games, contests, donations and other interactive applications. In Canada, short codes are 5 or 6 digits long. The length of the short codes varies from country to country.

A mobile keyword is a one word phrase that identifies a product, service, action or business. It also can differentiate mobile campaigns from others on the same short code. The keyword and short code combination allows mobile phone users to engage in a variety of engaging activities through the Minerva Mobile short code, PLEDGE. For example, an organization dedicated to protecting the environment may choose the keyword GREEN. Mobile phone users would text the keyword, GREEN to the short code, PLEDGE.

Benefits

  • Build up your cause quickly
  • Manage viral campaigns
  • Collect full donor information
  • Immediate
  • Acquire your mobile phone database quickly

For information about Minerva Mobile, SMS messaging or how this new media channel with affect the way fundraisers process donations please call 1-800-263-0669.