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FAQ's
Rainmaker Mobile Marketing FAQ's
FAQ's are grouped in seven (7) categories to make finding answers more efficient for you. Each question is followed by the corresponding answer. If you have an unanswered question, please
Billing
How much does Rainmaker Mobile Marketing cost?
Although we offer plans starting at $39/month, no two mobile marketing/communications campaigns are the same. No two clients choose the same levels of service. Therefore, we cannot provide "one size fits all" pricing or packages (beware of companies that do). However, because we are a reputable, professional mobile marketing consulting company, will be more than happy to perform a needs analysis and provide you with a proposal specific to your unique needs, requirements, goals, and time frames.
Is there a set-up fee?
Yes. Because of the amount of time and resources involved in setting up a new account, training you and your staff, we require a minimum one-time $199 account technology set-up and activation fee. This fee is non-negotiable. Additional fees will be quoted depending on the scope your project.
What is the length of our agreement?
We offer a 6-month minimum subscription or an annual subscription. All subscriptions are automatically billed monthly quarterly or annually via via credit card.
What if I want to cancel?
We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Although we require a minimum 6-month Agreement, if
we are unable to resolve technical issues involving the functionality of your account you may cancel your account with thirty (30) days written notice, either email or letter. See your specific agreement for terms and conditions.
What payment methods do you offer?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and PayPal. We do not accept cash, checks or Money Orders.
What does it cost my customers and prospects to receive SMS campaigns and alerts?
We do not charge the consumer for participating in any of our clients' campaigns. The carriers do charge for text messages. The charges vary depending on the subscriber's package and service plan. Many carriers have a bundle package for unlimited text for a small monthly fee.
Terminology
What Is SMS?
SMS is an acronym for Short Message Service. It is a worldwide standard for communicating textually
between cellular phones.
What is a text message?
A text message is a short message that can be sent to and from a cellular phone. When someone says
text, texting, or SMS, or if you see TXT in print, all of these are referring to text messages.
What is a Keyword?
A Keyword is a short word (which may include numbers) that customers send a text message to, in
order to join your list. An example would be: 'Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our text
messaging list.'
How long do I own my Keyword?
Your Keyword remains in your account for as long as you make the monthly payments. If you cancel
your account or fail to make your payment, the Keyword becomes available for others to register
after 45 days.
What is a Shortcode?
A Shortcode is similar to the address (URL) of a website. It is a unique location to send messages to
that all cellular carriers are aware of. You combine a Shortcode with a Keyword to form a “call-to action”
address. An example would be: 'Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our exclusive VIP list.'
A short code or common short code is a required 5 to 6 digit number approved by mobile carriers, which is used for mobile marketing and text communication in the USA and Canada. These numbers are specially created, approved, and issued as a way to run fair and manageable mobile messages between the business/organization and consumers. Short codes can either be shared with more than one company or a company can lease its own dedicated short code. NOTE: We can assist organizations who are interested in obtaining and their dedication short code. Contact us for additional info on short codes.
How much does it cost to have my own short code?
USA short codes: Random (an issued code) - $500.00 Monthly. Vanity Codes (request is made by company) - $1,000 Monthly.
Canada short codes: $500.cad for first 3 months $350.cad in 4th month to end of the 1st year.
Canada long codes: (8 digits) $500.cad first 3 months $250.cad in 4th month to the end of the 1st year.
Canada's short codes are assigned for one year. Prior to the expiration date you can re-apply for the same code.
Is there a difference between email and text messaging?
While most phones can send and receive email, email is not the same as text messaging. There are
many differences--for example a text message is sent to a phone number, while an email is sent to an
email address.
What is meant to opt-in /opt-out?
Opt-in is the word used for joining your list. During your marketing campaigns you would promote the short code with a short word or abbreviation which may include numbers asking everyone to join using that word via their mobile phone. This short would have to be saved as a contact and the keyword sent as a text from the saved short code. The customer or client will have to be given the option to opt-out as well. This is the option to then to be taken off your list and you should stop sending them SMS/Text messages, by using another keyword (out, stop1, quit, hold, etc.).
Text Message Rules
Is there a limit to how many messages I can send using Rainmaker Mobile Marketing?
There is no limit to how many messages you can send using our text messaging service. However,
best practices indicate that you should not send more than one message per day to your subscribers.
More frequent messaging can result in high Opt-Out rates for your list.
How long does it take for my contacts to receive the messages that I send?
Messages are sent instantly and arrive within 1 - 2 minutes of you sending them. If a customer's
phone is turned off, or is in an area without coverage (such as inside an elevator), their carrier holds
the message and delivers it as soon as the customer re-enters a coverage area.
How do consumers Opt-In to my Rainmaker Mobile Marketing account?
There are two ways for a consumer to opt-in to your account:
1. The most common is texting your Keyword to our Shortcode to join your list. All a customer
has to do is text your Keyword to the Shortcode 71441. For example, if your
Keyword were XYZ, all your customer needs to do is send XYZ to 71441. To Opt-Out
your customer can reply to any message you send with the word STOP.
2. We also offer web signup widgets that you can add to your website and/or Facebook Page.
What does it mean to Opt-Out?
A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. The characters that are accepted by the system consist of letters, numbers, spaces, symbols, and punctuation. Note: Marketers are encouraged not to send more than two (2) messages per week to any subscriber.
Where can I find rules and guidelines for my mobile campaigns?
While there are a few resources that can assist you, including MM service providers, the MMA Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) is in business to assist mobile marketers in getting a better understanding of the:
The MMA is an active organization with a membership of a variety of industry and channel linked companies, with advertisers, retailers, content providers, wireless operators, software developers and more. Click here for more information.
Text-Message Campaigns
How long does it take to get setup?
The actual completion of your setup can vary depending on how fast we can receive all the necessary info we need from you and the amount of applicants we receive at any given time. The average turnaround time for technology setup and account activation is estimated at seven (7) business days once we have received all necessary info from a potential client.
How long does it take for my customers and prospects to receive my campaigns and respond to them?
Once the campaign has been completely setup, tested, and verified, then it's a click and send. Customers get your campaign in less than one minute. Their response time will vary, but with a good mobile campaign there is a good chance that the response rate will be high and fast.
Will I be able to setup auto responders for my campaigns?
Yes, businesses, professionals, schools/universities, churches and non-profit organizations who are interested in two way communications will the option to set up auto responses via the short code and attached keyword to your campaign or promotion. When a customer responds to your campaign or promotion message, the platform allows you to preset any response you would like to be associated with their response. This is can be used for FAQs, trivia, contests, phone numbers, locations, food and event menus, sales and promotions, and more.
How do I promote my new mobile campaign to my customers and consumers?
The initial focus is to create an opt-in database of subscribers interested in receiving updates, promotional info, specials, discounts, contests, alerts, appointment reminders, and more. This could be done through the usual promotional and marketing outlets such as TV, radio, newspapers, fliers and others. While you are promoting and marketing with traditional media, you should promote your short code with the keyword and/or your QR code asking everyone to join by saving the short code in their contact directory and send the keyword you are promoting as a text to and they will never miss a sale or promotion. Let them know this is the best way they can receive coupons, prizes, updates, notifications, appointment reminders, and deep discounts.
Requirements
Do I need any special software?
No, but Internet access is needed for running and managing campaigns.
Do I need a website?
No, you do not need a website in order to utilize our services, but Internet access is needed to create and manage your campaigns. We do strongly recommend that you have a website. The reality is your customers, clients and subscribers are all online.
Training
Will I receive training and consulting?
Yes, we are here to assist you, partnering for your success.
Carriers Supported
Which carriers do you support?
We support all the Tier 1 carriers in the USA (AT&T, Alltell, T-Mobile, Sprint, Nextel, US Cellular, Verizon, Virgin Mobile) and most of the Tier 2 carriers in the USA.
