Send SMS with a Custom Sender ID

An SMS Sender ID is the text display name that identifies who sent a text message. Also known as the originator or sent address, the SMS Sender ID can be customised to a specific value, though there are certain restrictions on what can be used.

This feature is a cornerstone of SMS marketing, as it helps recipients immediately recognise the sender, building trust and enhancing the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns. When sending SMS messages, choosing a relevant and recognisable Sender ID is crucial for maximising engagement and response rates.

• Alphanumeric Sender IDs: These can include both letters and numbers, with a maximum character limit of 11. They are ideal for branding purposes, allowing businesses to use their name or a specific campaign identifier.
• Numeric Sender IDs: Comprising only numbers, these IDs can have up to 11 digits. They are often used for transactional messages where a recognisable number is essential.
• Alpha Sender IDs: Limited to letters only, these IDs also have an 11-character limit. They are perfect for straightforward brand representation.
• Dedicated Virtual Mobile Numbers: These are 10-digit numbers that resemble a regular mobile number and can be used for both sending and receiving SMS messages.

Instant Recognition

A Sender ID will allow your company name to appear on the recipient’s mobile phone when they first receive the SMS message. This helps with building your brand recognition.

Reinforced Trust

Not only does a Sender ID give brand recognition, but seeing a message branded instils a bit of extra trust. So instead of your customers receiving an SMS from a random number, which could be anyone, they will see it is from your brand. When sending messages, this looks like you’ve invested in your messaging, and therefore is less likely to be a scam or spam.

Perfect for Marketing

Using a Sender ID is great for marketing, as it is a one-way communication medium for sending and receiving text messages. If you are using one for marketing, however, you will be required to insert a Virtual Mobile Number into the message, to give recipients an option to “opt-out”.

Country and Network Restrictions

Country and network restrictions on setting the SMS Sender ID can vary significantly. For instance, in Australia, there are specific options for sending and receiving SMS, while in the UK, there are stricter regulations on setting the Sender ID. In some regions, alphanumeric Sender IDs are not permitted, whereas in others, alpha Sender IDs must be registered in advance. It’s essential to be aware of these restrictions for each country and network before sending SMS messages to ensure compliance and avoid delivery issues.

Security

Spoofing is a major security concern when it comes to SMS Sender IDs. In many countries, the Sender ID can be set to any value, which opens the door for fraudsters to impersonate organisations or individuals. To combat this, some countries require the registration of Sender IDs, while others impose restrictions on setting the Sender ID. Using a reputable SMS gateway and adhering to best practices is crucial to ensure the security of your SMS messages and protect your brand from potential spoofing attacks.

Setting Up a Custom SMS Sender ID with Esendex

A clear and recognisable Sender ID that reflects the brand/company/product name, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your SMS campaign. A Sender ID that’s too long or complex may be rejected by the recipient’s network, so it’s crucial to have a Sender ID that follows best practice. At Esendex, we’ve made it easy to set up a custom SMS Sender ID. Get in touch today to get started.