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FAQs

You have questions. We have answers.

NorthText is more than a cutting-edge SMS and MMS marketing platform. We're also innovative experts in our field, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with you to help take your text marketing to the next level.

Whether you're just dipping your toes into the world of text marketing or you’re ready to dive right in, if you have questions about SMS and MMS mobile marketing, NorthText has the answers. We've been helping brands in a variety of industries connect and communicate better with customers and clients for nearly a decade now, and in that time, over a billion messages have been sent using our platform. We're proud to be able to leverage our experience and expertise so that you can create and manage your SMS and MMS campaigns with confidence and success.

Text Message Marketing Made Easy

We know running a business and managing marketing campaigns can seem challenging, confusing, and complicated. That's why we're dedicated to making it as easy as possible for you to set up and run successful SMS and MMS campaigns using our platform. Getting started is as quick and simple as signing up and logging in and our user dashboard has been designed to be as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. The same is true if you are an API-focused developer; our tools are built to be easy to implement.

Once you've got a list of subscribers to connect with and a marketing or communication strategy in mind, sending your messages is as easy as sending any other text—just be ready to get a few (thousand) more replies back than your typical private group text!

If you're not sure what you want to say—or how you want to say it—be sure to check out our blog for weekly inspiration, insights, and expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about SMS & MMS Mobile Marketing

Our dedication to making your marketing efforts easier goes beyond creating easy-to-use and innovative software. We're also happy to provide support whenever you need us, whether you're looking for campaign-specific advice or just want to know a little more about how text marketing with NorthText works before you get started. Our friendly, U.S.-based customer support experts are only ever a call or text away.

To help you get the information you need as quickly as possible, we've gathered some of the questions we are most frequently asked by our customers—along with our best answers.

If you don't see your question below, feel free to call or text us at (312) 869-9070 or send us a message online.


Getting Started

How long does it take to get started with NorthText?

Our signup process is streamlined and efficient for your convenience. We can get you up and running in just a few minutes! And, if you are a UX or API customer, you will be sending messages in minutes! It doesn’t get any easier than that.

What is an SMS keyword?

Keywords are single words or phrases your customers can use to trigger certain actions, such as opting-in. When customers send a keyword to your number, NorthText automatically opts them into your subscriber list. Keywords provide simple, brand-specific ways for your customers to interact with your text marketing campaigns.

Are there regulations regarding what I can send my subscribers? How do I ensure compliance?

Yes, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) have set certain regulations that need to be followed when using text messages for marketing purposes, including certain information that must be included in your messaging. NorthText takes care of compliance for you, and all necessary information is automatically included in the texts you send using our platform. Additionally, we maintain a full audit trail of messages sent and received on your behalf to minimize any legal liability issues.

Do I need a mobile number? What if I only have a landline phone for my business?

If you already have a landline business number, don't worry. Our text-to-landline option will allow you to keep your existing number and simply text-enable it to reroute texts to your NorthText dashboard—which you'll be able to access from any internet-connected device. But, for the most bang for your buck, the use of a toll-free number will be more effective

Managing Subscribers

How do I get people to sign up for my texting list?

Building a subscriber list is easy with NorthText. We offer pre-configured HTML code snippets and other widgets you can implement directly on your brand's website or social media accounts that will make it as simple as possible for your clients and customers to opt-in to your campaign.

We also work with a technology partner who has tools that drive traffic to your website, and when they see the keyword option, they sign up.

Can I import a list of subscribers if I already have one?

Yes! However, for legal reasons, your subscribers will have to have specifically opted-in to receive text message communication from you. If, for example, someone has only signed up for an email newsletter, you will need to invite them to opt-in to your SMS campaign first before you can begin texting them.

Can I organize my subscribers into different groups?

Our unlimited user group feature allows you to organize your subscribers into as many different segments as you need to target your messaging most effectively. Additionally, you can use keywords to help further segment your audience.

What do I do if people want to opt-out?

NorthText handles this for you. While we are only required to opt people out if they respond with STOP, END, QUIT, or CANCEL, NorthText recognizes hundreds of words and phrases from customers that will opt them out as well. Your dashboard will also include a live list of people who have opted-in and out that will keep you up-to-date with your current subscriber list.

Messaging Subscribers

How many characters can I send in a NorthText SMS message?

NorthText offers an extended character count of 240 characters per text. (That's 50% more than the industry standard of 160!)

Can I respond to customers/clients if they message me?

Of course! A cornerstone of our platform is allowing businesses to forge and maintain personal connections with customers and clients, and that includes the option of 1:1 communications. Should a subscriber reply to one of your texts, you can easily text them back, thereby initiating a separate conversation that won’t be shared with the rest of your subscriber list.

How long does it take to deliver my messages?

Text messaging is one of the quickest and easiest methods of communication available today, but exactly how long it will take your messages to send depends on how big your distribution list is. Our delivery rate is about 20-50 messages per second.

Can I send and receive picture messages?

Yes! Instead of linking out to an image somewhere on the internet, you can embed your images directly into your messages to add a bit of color and pop to your text campaigns. Our proprietary and industry-leading software will automatically resize image files that are too large to efficiently send via text.

Can I send and receive videos via text?

Yes! Instead of linking out to an image somewhere on the internet, you can embed your imaYes! Just like images, you have the option of embedding videos directly into an MMS text. We recommend keeping videos brief if you plan to do this, however—ideally around 15 seconds in duration, and no longer than 30 seconds. As for file types, MP4 files are best for sharing via text. MOV files will work as well but take a little longer to send and receive.

Does NorthText limit me to the number of messages I can send?

No, as long as you are in compliance with our anti-spam policy. Good taste and customer experience dictate how often is the right amount to communicate your message.

Other SMS Campaign FAQs

How can I promote my keywords?

Share your keywords (and your texting number) on your website, social media, flyers, billboards, email newsletters, and more—just be sure to include all the necessary opt-in information when you do. Carrier guidelines say you must include the following in your initial opt-in messaging:

  • "Message and data rates may apply"
  • The frequency with which you expect to send your messages (e.g., two texts per month)
  • Opt-out instructions (which NorthText automatically includes at the bottom of every message sent).
There are other things I want to do with messaging. Do you have an API integration?

Yes, we do! People use NorthText in the most innovative ways, including running their loyalty card management programs through us. NorthText easily integrates with a wide variety of other apps—contact us for details. All our API tools have been built with developer ease in mind.

Is my data safe? Do you use it for any other purposes?

Your data is safe on our secure servers. Your data is yours, and we will never sell, share, lease, or otherwise use your information without your consent.

Expert Support for Effective SMS and MMS Mobile Marketing Campaign Management

At NorthText, we believe our success is predicated on your success, and we're devoted to doing and providing everything we can to ensure the effectiveness of your next SMS and MMS mobile marketing campaigns. Regardless of whether you've had a bad experience with text message marketing in the past or have no experience with it at all, we can help you find all the answers you need and build an SMS and MMS campaign strategy that works for you and your business.

Every brand is unique, and with NorthText's help, you can be sure your messaging will reflect your brand voice and values, while always remaining ethically and legally compliant.

To get started using NorthText for your text marketing, call or text us at (312) 869-9070 or contact us today. We'll have your next SMS or MMS mobile marketing campaign set up before you know it!

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NorthText SMS Marketing Features

Interact with your customers by text

Unlimited Texts
Unlimited Texts
240 Characters
240 Characters
MMS capability
MMS capability
Unlimited keywords
Unlimited keywords
Create surveys
Create surveys
Auto responders
Auto responders
Text-2-win
Text-2-win
Message dashboard
Message dashboard
Text-2-Pay
Text-2-Pay
API integration
API integration

Our innovative SMS marketing services will help your company get ahead—and stay ahead—of the curve by giving you a direct, reliable line of communication with your customers and endless opportunities to grow your subscriber list. Ready to get started? We can get you up and running in a matter of minutes.

Start interacting with your customers by text today