Sender IDs [Explained]

Using a Sender ID for your SMS communications

To have truly effective and engaging SMS communications, your recipients must know who the message is coming from. With multiple Sender ID options available, you can make this easier for customers and make your brand even more memorable.

What is a Sender ID?

A Sender ID is a numeric or alphanumeric contact that identifies who has sent an SMS message. Sender IDs appear at the top of text message conversations and help users recognise what business has sent a particular message.

Types of Sender IDs

Sender IDs aren’t just limited to your standard mobile number set-up. With customisable options, your business can improve brand recognition and engagement with recipients.

There are three different types of Sender IDs; Custom Words, Dedicated Numbers, and Shared Numbers. Read on to get into the nitty-gritty of these Sender ID options.

Custom Words

A Custom Word can use up to 11 alphanumeric characters as the Sender ID. Your Custom Word could be your business name, a department within your business or any other word/phrase you deem suitable.

Custom Words are unique to your company and are a great way to increase brand awareness and recognition. SMSGlobal’s web SMS platform does not charge additional payments to send from a Custom Word.

Custom word

Unlike other Sender IDs, Custom Words do not support two-way SMS communication. Custom Words are often used for transactional SMS when replies are not needed and most popular amongst airlines, banks, and insurance agencies.

Dedicated Numbers

A Dedicated Virtual Number consists of up to 16 digits and can only be used by your business. Virtual Numbers support Two Way SMS conversations but must be purchased from an SMS provider like SMSGlobal.

Dedicated Virtual Numbers come in two forms; short code and long code.

Long code: Long code numbers consist of 11-16 digits depending on which country you’re sending from. They’re cheaper than short code numbers however they’re slightly more challenging to remember given their length.

Long Code

Short code: Short code Dedicated Numbers can be between 4-8 digits, dependent on the country you’re sending within. Short code numbers are easy to remember making them perfect for conversations that begin from the customer end. Many businesses implement short codes for text-to-win competitions, customer feedback, and customer requests.

Short code

Shared Numbers

A Shared Number appears like a long code Dedicated Number but isn’t unique to one business. Shared Numbers are free to use through the MXT SMS gateway and support two-way SMS. However, you can only receive replies within 48 hours of sending your SMS.

Sent. Delivered. Simple.

Claim your 25 free SMS credits today

Create a free SMSGlobal account and unlock the potential of business messaging.

Start Free Trial

Which type of Sender ID should I choose?

The best Sender ID for your business will depend on several factors. Below we’ve detailed the benefits of each so you can pick the best option for your SMS communications and business needs.

Custom Words

  • Free to use through our online SMS platform, MXT
  • Clearly identifies your business
  • Unique to your brand
  • Illustrates an increased level of professionalism
  • Improves brand awareness
  • Considered best practice for finance, insurance, and government institutions

Short Code Dedicated Number

  • Very easy to remember
  • Unique to your business
  • Supports Two-Way messaging
  • Supports Keywords & Triggers responses
  • Ideal for text-to-win competitions and customer requests

Long Code Dedicated Number

  • Unique to your business
  • Supports Two-Way SMS
  • Supports Keywords & Triggers
  • More cost-effective than Short Code Dedicated Numbers

Shared Numbers

  • Free to use through the MXT gateway
  • Supports Two-Way SMS (within 48 hours of sending)
  • Perfect for small businesses beginning their implementation of SMS communications

How to set up your Sender ID

Need help setting up your Sender ID or not sure which option is the best for your business? Get in touch to chat to one of our SMS experts who can walk you through the process from beginning to end.

You can also sign up for a free MXT account to get access to our extensive Knowledgebase filled with detailed documentation and instructions on getting started with Sender IDs.