TXTsigns Frequently Asked Questions
How Does it Work?
Do I Get The Mobile Phone Numbers?
What Does a Typical Welcome Autoresponse Text Look Like?
How Does the Subscription Work?
- Most people are familiar with texting a friend or family member on their mobile phone by sending a message to the person's mobile phone number. Major mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint) also support a system called SMS short codes. A short code is a way to send a message to a business or person without having to type a full phone number. So think of a short code as a short cut for a phone number. The other piece that goes with a short code is the actual keyword that you want sent to the short code. This keyword is unique to that short code so the system knows exactly what to do next. Most keywords and short code combinations are used to enter contests, get information, or confirm appointments on your mobile device.
- The short code for our system is "90407" - the destination number. You can come up with your own unique keyword that is tied to our short code. Assuming your keyword is available, we can then send an automated message. Think of your keyword like a domain name for a website. In the automated message we send you can even embed a link to your website.
- When you subscribe to our service your chosen keyword is linked to 90407 and whenever someone texts that keyword to 90407, they will get the information you want us to deliver - just remember, this is texting, so you're still limited to short messages. Make it to the point and add a link to more information.
Do I Get The Mobile Phone Numbers?
- To be in compliance and ensure real people with real mobile numbers don't get spammed, we do not give you a list of the numbers that subscribe to your SMS list. We can give you a count at your request.
- For compliance reasons (i.e. to be in good graces with the mobile carriers) we also are required to present the opt-out notice, STOP, if users want to no longer receive text messages. This notice cannot be changed or suppressed.
What Does a Typical Welcome Autoresponse Text Look Like?
- Example 1: "Thank you for becoming a client of Terry's Tax Service. For tax tips visit [website]"
- Example 2: "Thanks for joining Nick's Cafe for weekly specials. Visit [website] to see the latest menu"
How Does the Subscription Work?
- There is no long-term contract with us. You are billed at the beginning of your billing period for the next 90 days of texting service.
- An invoice is sent via email once per month on the billing date based on when your service was activated.
- Payment is due upon receipt. If not made within three (3) days your texting service is subject to being paused. This means that mobile users texting the keyword to our 90407 short code will not be able to join your list. We will also not send out future text messages on your behalf.
- There are no refunds once an invoice is paid for the next 90-day service period.
- Any subscription that lapses in payment for more than 14 calendar days, will be subject to a $49 reactivation fee.
Real Estate Specific Questions
How Do I Order Signs?
What Happens After I Order?
Can I Have Ongoing Text Messages With Every User?
What Does a Typical Autoresponse Text Look Like?
- Each package contains two signs - this allows you to have two properties on text messaging service simultaneously.
- Branding is important in real estate. You want something consistent that can also work for other properties once the first two are sold. For that reason we recommend picking keywords that allow you to have a series of similar phrases. For example, If your name is "Dee" you may have "DEEHOMES1" as the keyword on your first sign, and "DEEHOMES2" as the keyword on your second text sign.
- We DO NOT RECOMMEND picking a keyword that's all numbers (or the street number), or the street name. Remember, you want to use these signs for your next property.
- You have a 9 character limit on keywords because no one wants to text a long message into their phone.
- Everything else on the sign is fixed, including the color, text, fonts, and of course - the short code 555888.
- The other key information we need is the actual content to put in the text message that the mobile user receives.
What Happens After I Order?
- After we check your keyword availability we custom print your two signs - this can take up to 3-5 days.
- We then will setup your autoresponder in our system to deliver the message associated with your keywords. Each keyword for each sign can have a completely different message.
- The first setup is always longer, but once you're in our system, if you need to move your sign to the next property, you just email us the new information and the text message is updated in 24-48 hours.
- If you need more signs for more properties you can come back to our site and order additional signs continuing your series of keywords.
- If you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we can place your signs directly at the property. Outside of Dallas, we will ship your signs via UPS.
Can I Have Ongoing Text Messages With Every User?
- No, our real estate service is designed to send a one-time only autoresponse message which will take the person to your website or listing page where they can further engage with you.
- You will not get any notification, or actual text messages sent to your phone.
- Only new subscribers to your keyword will get the autoresponse message. Once your mobile number is in the system for that keyword/short code combination, you cannot receive the same message twice.
What Does a Typical Autoresponse Text Look Like?
- Example 1: "Here is the information you requested on property 1234 Cherryblossom Way. More details at [website]"
- Example 2: "Thanks for your interest in 1234 Cherryblossom Way. Visit [website] for buyer incentives"
- Example 3: "We see you're interested in 1234 Cherryblossom. Click the link for more info [website]"