Frequently Asked Questions

There are different types of text messages:

SMS = Short Message Service.  This is a text without a graphic. You can have a link to your website or a link to your video, but NO graphic, no emojis and no bolding. The maximum number of characters is 306, including your disclaimer and "Reply STOP to opt-out" wording.

MMS = Multimedia Messaging Service = This is a text with an image or video under 725kb in size, ideally, 30 seconds or less, but no longer than 60 seconds long. You can use emojis and bolding. You can have up to 2,000 characters (ideally 400-600 are best). If your message is too long, you run the risk of voters not taking the time to read the text. The wording must also include your disclaimer and "Reply STOP to opt-out".

Whatever people text back to us is captured and you get that information back along with the detail with the deliveries, opt-outs and yes, some of the comments will include nasty things, but that's how things are these days.

Yes! We offer both SMS Surveys and MMS Surveys.

SMS Surveys do not have graphics and MMS Surveys contain a graphic.

For an "SMS Survey", up to 306 characters for each question.  Ideally, we recommend 3-4 questions, as the drop-off rates are higher with each question beyond that.

If you want to include a graphic with the text survey, then you can have more than 306 characters for each question and it must be done as an "MMS Survey"

We use local caller ID numbers that correspond with the area codes in your list.

Generally, campaigns will have lists of phone numbers, many times obtained from the local election department. If you don't have a list, let us know and we can get you one from our list vendor for an additional charge.

We find they are very effective.  Delivered texts get votes, not sent ones !  We average a delivery rate of 90% and usually get a 5% - 15% reply rate.

An easy way to count characters is to go to www.lettercount.com, type in what you want, and it will count the characters for you. You can then edit, copy, paste and email me what you want for your wording. If you provide me with the cell numbers you want to send test messages to, we will send a test text to you so you can see what it looks like before we send it out.

Here are some specifications that may be helpful if you have someone helping you out with the video or image:

Supported file types:

IMAGES: .png, .jpg and must be no larger than 725 kb file size.

Preferred HD format: 16:9 

VIDEOS:

Supported file types: .mp4, .avi, .mov, .wmv

Preferred HD format: 16:9

Video length: Ideally, the shorter, the better, but no larger than 725kb.

The Campaign Registry: Your campaign/committee must be registered with The Campaign Registry in order for you to be able to send out texts. If your campaign is not registered, carriers will block your text messages. Registration can take up to 10 days, so please plan ahead and register. Let us know if you have any questions, and we will walk you through the process.