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Opt It Mobile Frequently Asked Questions

Terminology

1. Text message
2. Short code
3. Keyword
4. Sub-keyword
5. Sub-account
6. Mobile community
7. Interest

General

1. What cellular carriers do you support?
2. Can everyone receive text messages?
3. How do members opt-in to my mobile community?
4. How do members opt-out of my mobile community?
5. How does text message marketing affect my marketing campaign?
6. What do I look for in a mobile marketing solutions provider?
7. Do I have to sign a contract?
8. How can I promote my text messaging service to my customers?
9. Are there restrictions on keyword names?
10. Who owns the phone numbers that I collect?
11. How do members of my mobile community remove themselves from my list?
12. Is Opt It available outside of the U.S.?
13. Does Opt It have a feature for donations via text message?
14. How do I use sub-keywords?
15. If a member opts out of my mobile community, can they re-join my mobile community again in the future?
16. Do I need to know the mobile phone carrier of my members?
17. What is the difference between a shared and dedicated short code?
18. Can I use a dedicated short code with Opt It Mobile?
19. Can members subscribe via my website?
20. Do I need to install software?

Pricing and Billing

1. What does it cost to set up my account?
2. What is the cost?
3. What types of short codes are available through Opt It?
4. What counts as a message?
5. What types of payment do you accept?
6. How do I update my billing information?
7. Do you have a referral program?
8. Do the members of my mobile community get charged to receive my messages?
9. Can I start with your per message plan and in the future switch to your unlimited plan?

My Account

1. Can I have more than one mobile community?
2. How do I know how many members are subscribed to my mobile communities?
3. Is there a limit to the number of members I can have in my mobile community?
4. What happens to my numbers if I cancel my account?
5. How do I cancel my account?
6. How do I access my account?
7. How long does it take to set up an account?
8. Will the person I appoint as administrator of the account have access to the entire account?

Support

1. What kind of support do I receive with my account?
2. I forgot my password, what do I do?
3. How can I change my password?
4. How do I move members to an interest?
5. Can I create multiple groups or interests?
6. How do I delete a group or interest?
7. Can I change my keyword name?

Messages

1. Can I text coupons to my customers?
2. What is the difference between text messaging and email?
3. Can I receive message replies?
4. Is there a limit to the number of messages I can send out?
5. How many characters do I get to use for my text message?
6. Who can I send a text message to?
7. How long does it take for my contacts to receive the messages that I send?
8. How do you count the messages that I send?
9. Do you send out the messages for me?
10. Can I schedule messages to be sent out in the future?
11. Will the message come from my mobile phone number?
12. Do you ever send text messages to my members?
13. Do you have ads in your text messages?

Terminology

1. Text message

Text messaging or "texting" is the common term for the sending of short (160 characters or fewer) text messages from mobile phones using the Short Message Service (SMS). There are over 285 million mobile phone subscribers in the United States. More than 95% of those subscribers are able to send and receive text messages with over 70% of those users sending and receiving text messages on a monthly basis.

2. Short code

A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number used to send and receive SMS and MMS messages on cellular networks. Companies that use short codes are approved by the carriers to send text messages into their networks. When you sign up for the Opt It Mobile service, all of your messages will be delivered using short codes ensuring that your message is received by the cellular carriers and delivered to the intended recipient.

3. Keyword

Members can join your mobile community by texting your keyword to your short code. Examples:

  1. Text OPTIT (OPTIT is the keyword) to 46786 (46786 is the short code) to join the Opt It mobile VIP group.
  2. Text SAMPLE (SAMPLE is the keyword) to 46786 (46786 is the short code) to have an auto response message sent back to your mobile phone.
Every Opt It client has their own keyword(s) for creating their unique mobile programs. Keywords can also have an unlimited number of sub-keywords and interests allowing clients to segment the members in their mobile community.

4. Sub-keyword

Sub-keywords enable you to extend the functionality of your keyword. You can provide information on specific events, segment your list of members and provide auto-response messages for RSVP's or time sensitive offers. For example:

  1. Text OPTIT INFO (INFO is the sub-keyword) to 46786 to join a mobile community, receive an auto-response or forward the reply to either a cell phone number, email address, your inbox or to a URL.
Members can be placed into interests by texting in sub-keywords - that have been associated to interests - allowing you to track and segment based upon usage patterns.

5. Sub-account

A sub-account provides the ability to assign specific roles and access to only certain keywords.

Example: Your night manager only has access to KEYWORD1 and only the ability to send messages and unsubscribe members. There are multiple roles available to create sub-accounts based upon responsibilities for that person.

6. Mobile community

When you have your keyword setup as a subscription allowing people to opt-in and receive text messages from you they are joining your mobile community. A mobile community is made up of all the people who have opted-in to receive periodic updates from you directly to their mobile phone.

7. Interest

Interests enable you to segment your mobile community and provide the ability to send messages to those smaller groups inside your mobile community. This is useful for segmenting your list by gender, location, opt-in date, sub-keyword sent in or even for delivering messages to your employees.

General

1. What cellular carriers do you support?

We support the following list of carriers, including all of the major national carriers:

  • Alaska Communications Systems (ACS)
  • Alltel
  • Arch Communications
  • Arch Paging
  • AT&T
  • Bluegrass Cellular
  • Boost Mobile
  • Boost-CDMA
  • CellCom
  • Cellular South
  • Centennial
  • Cincinnati Bell
  • Cingular Blue (AT&T)
  • Cox Wireless
  • Dobson
  • East Kentucky Network
  • ECIT
  • GCI Communications
  • Illinois Valley Cellular
  • Immix
  • Inland Cellular
  • Iowa Wireless
  • Midwest Wireless
  • Nex Tech Communications
  • Nextel
  • NPI Wireless
  • nTelos
  • Revol Wireless
  • Rural Cellular Corp
  • Sprint
  • T-Mobile
  • Thumb Cellular
  • TracFone (Cingular Orange)
  • United States Cellular Corp
  • United Wireless
  • Verizon
  • Virgin Mobile
  • West Central Wireless

2. Can everyone receive text messages?

Anyone who has a mobile phone with text messaging capabilities can send and receive text messages.

3. How do members opt-in to my mobile community?

Members opt-in to join your mobile community in one of two ways:

  1. Members can text in from their phones by sending your keyword to your short code to join your list.
  2. Members can also sign up directly from your website via the sign up form widget available in your account.

4. How do members opt-out of my mobile community?

At any time a member can text KEYWORD STOP to remove themselves from your mobile community. You can also unsubscribe and remove members while logged into your Opt It Mobile account.

5. How does text message marketing affect my marketing campaign?

Text message marketing can impact your current marketing programs in a very positive way. By adding a call to action with your keyword and short code to your signs, billboards, radio ads, TV ads, etc. you are creating a way to track the exact amount of consumer involvement with that ad and media type. We highly recommend that you incorporate your text message program into all your current and future forms of marketing to build your list through all of your available marketing mediums.

6. What do I look for in a mobile marketing solution provider?

When looking for a mobile marketing solution provider they should only engage in the legal way to send out text messages, via a short code. Be sure to ask if the message will be sent using short codes. Any mobile marketing solution provider should also provide a reliable software platform, friendly and prompt customer service, and marketing ideas for your text message marketing campaigns.

7. Do I have to sign a contract?

All of our plans are designed to accommodate our clients' needs and can be month to month or longer depending upon requirements.

8. How can I promote my text messaging program to my customers?

You can promote your text messaging program in a number of different ways.

First, we always recommend tying in your text message campaign to your current and future marketing programs. This will allow the money that you are already spending on your current marketing to work that much harder by also allowing you to begin building a database of mobile numbers or deliver your content directly to the mobile phones of people requesting your information.

Integrate the Sign Up Form Widget into your website so people can join your mobile community directly from your website. By using the Sign Up Form Widget you will also be able to gather additional demographic information on your members.

Create signage and flyers similar the ones below to let people know about your mobile promotions and how to get involved. If people do not know about your program they will not be able to sign up.

Send an email blast about your text message marketing plan describing what capabilities you now have (coupons, contests, special offers, etc.)

Also, it is important to get your staff involved. Make sure that your "feet on the street" know all about your text message campaign and are promoting it with your customers every day. The people who know your business and regularly engage your customers should be introducing them to your new promotional or communication programs to help build your database of members.

9. Are there restrictions on keyword names?

Yes, the keyword will need to be at least 4 characters and cannot start with a number.

10. Who owns the phone numbers that I collect?

All information regarding your members collected while using Opt It Mobile is owned by you.

11. How do members of my mobile community remove themselves from my list?

They text STOP, END, QUIT, CANCEL or REMOVE to the shared short code and are automatically removed from your list.

12. Is Opt It available outside of the U.S.?

Currently Opt It is only available within the U.S.

13. Does Opt It have a feature for donations via text message?

Opt It does not currently support the ability to allow your members to make donations via their mobile phones.

14. How do I use sub-keywords?

The format for texting in a sub-keyword is to text in your KEYWORD(space)SUB-KEYWORD to your short code. It is important to make sure there is a space between the keyword and sub-keyword otherwise Opt It Mobile will not recognize the incoming message.

15. If a member opts out of my mobile community, can they re-join my mobile community again in the future?

Yes, if one of your members opts out they can always rejoin again by texting in your keyword or by entering their mobile number into the Sign Up Form Widget.

16. Do I need to know the mobile phone carrier of my members?

No, you do not need to know the mobile phone carrier of your members. Opt It Mobile takes care of that for you.

17. What is the difference between a shared and dedicated short code?

A shared short code is one that is shared by multiple accounts with each individual account distinguished by a specific keyword.

A dedicated short code is dedicated to one account. The short code is leased for 3, 6 or 12 months with unlimited keywords and is used by one account.

18. Can I use a dedicated short code with Opt It Mobile?

Yes, dedicated short codes can be used with Opt It Mobile. We can also help you acquire, setup and provision dedicated short codes.

19. Can members subscribe via my website?

Yes, members can subscribe via your website using the Sign Up Form Widget included with every Opt It Mobile account.

20. Do I need to install software?

No, you do not need to install any software to use Opt It Mobile. Opt It Mobile is web based and can be accessed via any internet connected computer.

Pricing and Billing

1. What does it cost to set up my account?

There is no set up fee. You will only be charged for the plan you choose, which would start at $50 for the unlimited plan or $20 for the per message plan.

2. What is the cost?

Opt It Mobile offers two different pricing options:

Per message - All incoming and outgoing messages are charged at .02 except for subscribe and unsubscribe messages on shared short codes.

Unlimited - based on the number of members in your mobile community and includes unlimited messages per month. Unlimited plans are not available on dedicated short codes.

3. What types of short codes are available through Opt It?

Opt It Mobile can work with shared and dedicated short codes.

4. What counts as a message?

Any message that is sent to or from your short code counts as a message.

5. What types of payment do you accept

We accept all major credit cards and direct debits from checking accounts. For certain accounts we can also invoice you.

6. How do I update my billing information?

Call Opt It Support at 312-784-6400 or email us at support@optit.com with the information.

7. Do you have a referral program?

Yes, we do have a referral program. For ever customer that you refer to us that becomes a paying customer, you will receive $50.

8. Do the members of my mobile community get charged to receive my messages?

There are no additional charges beyond the standard rates that your members pay to their carriers for sending and receiving text messages. Most people that do a lot of texting have unlimited plans for sending and receiving text messages to their mobile phones, and are aware of the costs involved in becoming a member of your mobile community.

9. Can I start with your per message plan and in the future switch to your unlimited plan?

Yes, you can begin with either pricing plan we offer and switch to the other plan at the end of that months billing cycle.

My Account

1. Can I have more than one mobile community?

Mobile communities are based upon keywords and you can register as many keywords as you would like.

2. How do I know how many members are subscribed to my mobile communities?

When logged into your account you can view the number of members in each of your mobile communities, and you can sort your members to see how many people have joined over the last 7days, last week, last month, etctera.

3. Is there a limit to the number of members I can have in my mobile community?

There is no limit to the amount of members you can have in your mobile community.

4. What happens to my numbers if I cancel my account?

You can always export your numbers directly from the Members page in your account.

5. How do I cancel my account?

Call Opt It Support at 312-784-6400 to cancel your account.

6. How do I access my account?

Go to www.optit.com and enter your username and password to gain access to your account.

7. How long does it take to set up an account?

Setting up an account at www.optit.com should only take about a minute. You will then receive an email that will ask you to confirm your email address. Once the email address has been confirmed you will be able to gain access to your account.

8. Will the person I appoint as administrator of the account have access to the entire account?

You have full control over who has access to your account and to what degree. Within the software, look for the Account option in the top red menu bar. There will be an option called Manage Users where you can edit and manage the user accounts and what areas of your account that users have access to.

Support

1. What kind of support do I receive with my account?

When you have questions or problems regarding your account, there are three options for support:

  1. Phone: 888-577-6577 from 8-6pm CST
  2. Email: support@optit.com
  3. While logged into your account you can view the Opt It help area by clicking on Help in the top menu bar.
Whenever you have questions regarding our applications, your account, or additional features you would like to see – you can contact us via phone, email, or online.

2. I forgot my password, what do I do?

Go to app.optitmobile.com/login. You will see the Forgot password option which will let you reset your password.

3. How can I change my password?

You can change your password when logged into your account under Account in the top menu bar. Select Manage Account and you will see the option to reset your password.

4. How do I move members to an interest?

You can choose the members you want assigned to a specific interest and assign them to that interest on the Assign Interests page or by selecting the specific member and editing that member.

5. Can I create multiple groups or interests?

Yes, you can create an unlimited amount of interests which will allow you to segment the members in your account.

6. How do I delete a group or interest?

Interests can be deleted on the Assign Interests page or on the manage keywords page under interests in the actions column.

7. Can I change my keyword name?

Changing your keyword name is done on a case by case basis and you will need to contact Opt It Support by email support@optit.com or by phone at 888-577-6577.

Messages

1. Can I text coupons to my customers?

Coupons can be sent to the members of your mobile community for redemption on a web site or at a point of sale (POS) system. A unique code can be placed in your message enabling your members to take advantage of your offer by using the code during the redemption process.

Opt It Mobile also supports unique codes for each cell number so that you a can track your offer down to each individual member. Contact us at 888-577-6577 for more information about using unique promotion codes to track the effectiveness of your messages.

2. What is the difference between text messaging and email?

Opt It Mobile works for clients in a variety of industries who seek immediacy and effectiveness in marketing and promotion:

  • Retail stores deliver coupons that can be tracked by POS systems
  • Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs text time sensitive promotional offers
  • Newspapers leverage existing content to increase advertising inventory and revenues
  • Financial data is being customized and delivered in real-time
  • Businesses communicate updated schedules and announcements to employees
  • Mobile voting programs are incorporated into sponsorship programs
  • Text-to-win programs are used to distribute redeemable codes at web sites or physical locations
  • Demographic information is collected on-premise by event marketers using opt-in programs
  • Tradeshows drive traffic to keynote events, demonstrations, and booths
This sampling of uses for Opt It Mobile text messaging indicates the power of the medium for users of all kinds. To unlock the value of text messaging for your marketing program, contact us for innovative ideas that you may not have considered. We’ll learn more about your business objectives and demonstrate the ways in which text message marketing creates value in your business.

3. Can I receive message replies?

Yes, you can receive message replies to your Opt It account which can be delivered to your Inbox, email address, mobile phone or URL.

4. Is there a limit to the number of messages I can send out?

There is no limit to the amount of messages you can send out.

5. How many characters do I get to use for my text message?

A text message can be up to 160 characters.

6. Who can I send a text message to?

You can send a text message to anyone with a mobile phone that has messaging capabilities. Also, it is important to remember to only send messages to individuals who have opted in to receive your messages.

7. How long does it take for my contacts to receive the messages that I send?

The standard time to receive a message sent from the Opt It Mobile platform is seconds, but can depend on network traffic across the carrier’s networks.

8. How do you count the messages that I send?

The software automatically tracks the amount of messages you send out per billing period.

9. Do you send out the messages for me?

Opt It Mobile was designed to be a self service text messaging Platform that is very simple and easy to use. We are here to help with any questions that you have regarding the functionality of the platform but do not send out messages on behalf of our customers.

10. Can I schedule messages to be sent out in the future?

Yes, you can pre-write messages and set them up to be delivered in the future.

11. Will the message come from my mobile phone number?

No, the text message will come from your short code and will begin with your keyword.

12. Do you ever send text messages to my members?

No, we never send messages to any members.

13. Do you have ads in your text messages?

No, we do not include any advertisements in any text messages that you send out from the Opt It Mobile platform.