SMS COMPETITIONS
If you want to run a promotion that makes it easy to enter a contest, sweepstake, or prize draw, an SMS competition where people send a text message to participate is the right idea. Participants typically text a designated keyword to a short code or long number. Sinch Engage supports two-way SMS, dedicated short codes, and an inbox to manage incoming messages.
BUSINESS CONTEXT
SMS competitions give you a simple way to invite responses by text message. They work when you want a clear way to enter that doesn’t rely on an app. You can also use replies to continue the conversation over SMS.
THE SCENARIO
SMS competitions are commonly used when you want people to participate by sending a text message. People can enter using a keyword sent to a short code or long number, then the organizer collects messages and determines winners.
HOW IT WORKS
You publish a number and an entry keyword for your SMS competition, which people send a text message to so they can participate. Your team can read and respond to messages using the Sinch Engage inbox.
DEDICATED CODES
A dedicated short code supports a consistent sender identity for SMS competitions. Being on a dedicated code means that all messages will come from the same single number, and no other organizations will be able to send traffic on that code. Sinch Engage also supports inbox filters and conversation assignment for incoming messages.
COMPETITION FORMATS
CORE CAPABILITIES
COMMON QUESTIONS
SMS competitions are promotional campaigns where people enter a contest, sweepstake, or prize draw by sending a text message. Participants typically text a designated keyword to a short code or long number. The organizer collects entries and determines winners.
An organizer publishes a number and an entry keyword for the SMS competition. People participate by sending a text message. The organizer collects messages and follows their rules to determine winners.
Common SMS competitions include text-to-win, text-to-vote, and SMS prize draws. These formats are definition-level categories used in promotional marketing. Your local rules may affect how each format needs to be run.
A dedicated short code is exclusive to your organization. Being on a dedicated code means that all messages will originate from the same single number, and no other organizations will be able to send traffic on that code. This can help avoid confusion about message origin.
SMS competitions often involve inbound messages from participants. Two-way SMS supports sending and receiving messages in the same channel. Your specific workflow depends on your rules and how you choose to communicate with entrants.
Sinch Engage supports an inbox for incoming messages. It also supports using filters in the inbox and assigning conversations. This helps your team organize replies during an SMS competition.
Timing depends on number provisioning in your market and on your internal review process. If you need a dedicated short code, that can affect setup time. Talk to Sinch to confirm what’s required in your region.
Requirements can vary by market, including number availability and local rules. Plan for market-by-market validation before expanding an SMS competition. Talk to Sinch to confirm options for each region.