How do you choose a Sender ID for Bulk SMS that would be unique? This is a question many Small Business Enterprises (SMEs) ask in the pursuit of their SMS Marketing goals.
Operating with a unique Sender ID has become a necessity for businesses utilizing Bulk SMS, Transactional SMS, and One-time Passwords in SMS marketing.
This article provides 8 Powerful Tips on how to choose a unique Sender ID for your Bulk SMS campaigns.
Table of Content
What is a Sender ID?
Why is a Sender ID important?
Types of Sender IDs (plus examples of Unique Sender IDs)
8 Powerful Tips to Choose a Sender ID for Bulk SMS
How to Register a Sender ID
What is a Sender ID?
A Sender ID is the name that appears on the mobile phone as the sender of an SMS (It is used to identify who’s sending the message to the recipient).
Why is a Sender ID important?
Sender IDs allow businesses to establish a strong brand presence and foster customer trust by replacing SMS titles with recognizable brand names.
Sender ID allows SMS recipients to easily identify the sender, enhance brand recognition, and reduce the likelihood of messages being mistaken for spam.
Types of Sender IDs
Sender IDs are in different formats. There are two forms of sender IDs, namely:
1. Numeric Sender IDs
Combined Data Balance code for Network Providers in Nigeria
Numeric sender IDs consist of digits only. Numeric Sender IDs are usually used by GSM/VAS operators as can be observed from messages received from these operators (i.e. MTN, GLO, Etisalat, Airtel, etc.).
You rarely see these types of Sender IDs and Nigeria Bulk SMS does not accept submission of numeric Sender IDs. Numeric Sender IDs cannot be registered as it is seen as an attempt to impersonate Network operators.
For instance, when you use a phone number as a sender ID, the network operators don’t have a way to verify if the phone number is yours or if it is an impersonation attempt.
2. Alpha-numeric SMS
These Sender IDs combine letters and numbers, allowing businesses to display their brand name or a specific campaign identifier. They are particularly effective for establishing brand recognition and enhancing message memorability.
Types of Alphanumeric Sender IDs:
1. Brand Name Sender IDs: These Sender IDs display the full brand name of the business, providing maximum brand visibility. (e.g GTBank, JUMIA e.t.c)
Selligate SMS to Merchants
2. Campaign-Specific Sender IDs: These Sender IDs represent a specific campaign or promotion, allowing businesses to track the effectiveness of individual campaigns. (e.g MTN5G, 323)
MTN Promotional SMS
3. Abbreviated Sender IDs: These Sender IDs use a shortened version of the brand name or campaign identifier, balancing brand recognition with message conciseness. (e.g PTC, AirtelNG)
Presidential Transition Council SMS to Nigerians Post-2023 Presidential Elections
8 Powerful Tips to Choose a Sender ID for Bulk SMS
Before you can successfully register a Sender ID, you must ensure the Sender ID has not been chosen by another brand.
Choosing a unique and memorable Sender ID for bulk SMS is crucial for enhancing your brand recognition, boosting message engagement, and protecting your customers from scams. Use these eight tips to choose a sender ID for Bulk SMS:
- Avoid Sender IDs identical in spelling to other Companies
- Avoid Using Prohibited Words as Part of your Sender ID
- Avoid using Numbers
- Shorten for Pronunciation
- Align with Your Brand
- Use abbreviations
- Keep it Short and Simple
- Combine UpperCase and LowerCase Letters
1. Avoid Sender IDs identical in spelling to other Companies in your Region
Submitting Sender IDs that are identical in spelling to major companies and other registered companies will be rejected upon submission. Examples include Zenith Bank, TECNO, Airtel, DSTV e.t.c Ensure to choose Sender IDs that are not similar to other brands.
2. Avoid Using Prohibited Words as Part of your Sender ID
Some words such as are not allowed by Mobile Network Operators to protect recipients. Words such as “Whatsapp”, “Win”, “Bank” and “Account” are prohibited. Stay away from using these prohibited words in your choice of Sender ID.
3. Avoid using Numbers
To ensure the successful registration of a Sender ID and maximize SMS delivery success, avoid using numeric sender IDs. Some mobile network operators may regard these IDs as spam, resulting in message rejection.
4. Shorten for Pronunciation
Instead of choosing a Sender ID longer than 11 characters, choose a Sender ID that sounds the same way as it would with the full representation of your brand. e.g PlayMx instead of PlayMix
5. Align with Your Brand
Choose a Sender ID that reflects your brand name, product, or service. This helps establish brand consistency and reinforces your brand identity with each message.
6. Use abbreviations
Use the abbreviated form of your brand instead of your full registered brand name. e.g. RCCG Abuja instead of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Abuja.
7. Keep it Short and Simple
Aim for a Sender ID that is concise and easy to read, ideally between 6 and 11 characters long. This will ensure that it is easily recognizable and memorable for recipients. Eliminate spaces if you need to.
8. Combine UpperCase and LowerCase Letters
When choosing a Unique Sender ID, mix Uppercase Letters with the Lowercase of your Brand. This makes your Sender ID unique and in most cases, guarantees successful registration of your Sender ID.
How to Register Sender ID for Bulk SMS
Registering a Sender ID with Nigeria Bulk SMS is easy and achievable in 3 steps.
Click here to read how to register your Sender ID in three steps.
