Choosing a Keyword

When choosing a keyword for your SMS marketing program, keep it simple. A keyword, or "textword" as we say at SlickText, is a unique word or phrase that people text to a shortcode to join your SMS list. Here are a handful of things to keep in mind when selecting your keyword.

Keep It Easy to Remember.

The simpler, the better. It should be something people see once and remember. Also, because one on one verbal requests help you grow your SMS marketing list, a simple keyword helps employees quickly and easily let customers know how to join.

Don't Be Too Clever.

Refrain from using keywords that confuse people. Just because you get it doesn't mean others will. It's better to err on the side of simplicity. Make it as easy as possible for people to subscribe to your list. Your keyword should also be a direct reflection of your business. For example, if you own a ski shop called "The Loft", some appropriate textwords might be "SKI" or "LOFT".

Avoid Special Characters.

This one is pretty straight-forward. For example, if your business name is "Burgers at the Pier," don't reserve a keyword that's something like "BURGER$" or "BURGER @ P!ER." Special characters do you no good. If your customers experience frustration while trying to sign up for your text program, they might skip joining altogether.

One Word is Best.

Some customers ask, "Can keyword(s) be more than one word"? The answer is yes. Although it complicates the signup process, you can use 2 or more words. Referencing our previous example, what's easier to remember? "BOBS BURGERS" or "BURGERS?" Or better yet, just "BOBS." The shorter, the better. You'll also be surprised at how many people will try to join your SMS marketing list by trying "BOBSBURGERS" without a space. Two or more words adds a small level of complication that's avoidable.

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