Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT SMS
What is a keyword?
A keyword is what your customer(s) text in to the short code number (65374) to opt-in to your campaign. You may select any keyword, provided it is not yet in use. Your keyword should be short and succinct and be used to distinguish your brand or product. For example, text HOOKUP (keyword) to 65374 (short code) to join the HookUp Feed mobile program.
Are keywords case sensitive?
No, the keyword "APPLE" is the same as "apple", "Apple", "aPPle", etc, when customers opt in to your marketing campaign.
What is SMS?
short message service. Simply put, it is a method of communication that sends text between cell phones, or from a PC or handheld (via internet) to a cell phone.
What is a short code?
A short code is a 5-6 digit number used to send and receive SMS and MMS messages on all cellular networks. Companies that use short codes are approved by the carriers to send text messages into their networks. When you become a HookUp Feed customer and/or member, all your messages will be delivered using our short code 65374. If you are interested in your own vanity short code (ex: APPLE), we can help you set this up too!
What is a contact list?
A contact list is database of customers phone numbers who have opted-in to your campaign. If you run multiple campaigns using different keywords, you might have multiple contact lists associated with each campaign. The ability to create and segment your contact lists allows you to send customized messages to different audiences.
How do I build a contact list?
The quickest and easiest way to build a list is using in store signage at your check outs and educating your staff. If you sign-up with HookUp Feed, we provide a starter kit of 5 POS signs and 500 business cards free of charge to help you get started right away!
Other sure fire ways to build your database would be to integrate in all of your existing marketing initiatives, Facebook, Twitter, company website, sales flyers, radio spots, print ads, etc.
Is there a limit to how many contacts I can have?
There is no limit to how many contacts you can have. Our platform has the capability to accommodate hundreds or hundreds of thousands.
How long can text messages be that I send to my contacts?
Messages are limited to 160 characters including spaces and punctuation. The most effective messages are short and concise.
How long does it take my contacts to receive my text message?
Messages are delivered within a 10 minute max time period. This allows for our security systems to make sure all text blasts are safe and appropriate for your contacts.
Customers who opt-in to your campaign will receive your automated message back within seconds!
How do customers opt-out or stop receiving messages?
All your contacts have to do is text STOP in reply to a message you sent them. This information is shared with the user when they first opt-in. If they experience any issues and continue to receive messages, call or email HookUp Feed and we'll take care of it for you.
HookUp Feed prides itself in being 100% compliant with all rules and regulations stipulated by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA).
Can I include links to websites in my text message?
Yes! We recommend using a URL shortener to avoid elongated URL's that can take up most if not all of your 160 character allotment.
ABOUT HookUp Feed
How do I get started?
Call or email us and we'll get back to you the same day and can have you ready to get started with your own dashboard and login in 24 hours! 925-743-9134 or info@hookupfeed.com
How much does it cost?
We made our pricing plans simple. With any account you can have an unlimited number of contacts and campaigns. We never have any set up fees and we offer discounted rates for 6 & 12 month contracts. Each plan includes quarterly rollover messages and we offer a starter kit with registration. If you have multiple businesses or establishments, we offer discounted rates and a single account for easy management.
View our pricing page for more information on pricing or contact us anytime! 925-743-9134 or info@hookupfeed.com
What support do I receive after I sign up?
HookUp Feed prides itself on our customer service and hands on approach with our clients and to this we offer varying degrees of support. If you require technology and training support, we offer bi-weekly training webinars. If you require strategy support, we have the experience and insight to work with you on a campaign by campaign level. Remember, if you succeed we succeed!
Do I have to use the short code 65374?
If you want to be up and running within 24 hours, yes.
If you have a longer lead time and interest in owning your own dedicated short code (vanity or random) not shared with other clients, then no. We have direct points of contact that will allow us to expedite and establish a dedicated short code that you can use with our platform. Please note this process takes approximately 8 weeks to receive approval from all major cell phone carriers and necessary parties. Please contact us for more information. 925-743-9134 or info@hookupfeed.com
Are my contacts charged for receiving text messages from me?
All text message recipients are charged Standard Text Messaging rates based on their individual cell phone plans. In part to our responsibility and compliance, all users that opt-in to a program are informed of this.
What cell phone carriers does HookUp Feed support?
Below is a brief list of the carriers we support. If you have a specific carrier in question, please don't hesitate to contact us!
- Alltel
- ATT Wireless (Cingular Blue)
- Bell Mobility Wireless
- Boost Mobile
- Cingular
- Dobson Cellular Systems (Cellular One)
- Leap Wireless (Cricket)
- Nextel
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- U.S. Cellular
- Verizon
Who do I contact if I need customer support or have questions?
You can contact your account representative directly or contact us any time at the following: 925-743-9134 or info@hookupfeed.com
E-mail: info@hookupfeed.com
Updated December 28, 2010
