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SMS COMPETITIONS

Run SMS competitions with two-way SMS

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.

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BUSINESS CONTEXT

What SMS competitions can support

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.

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THE SCENARIO

When SMS competitions make sense

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.

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HOW IT WORKS

A basic SMS competition flow

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. 

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DEDICATED CODES

Dedicated short codes and inbox workflows

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.

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COMPETITION FORMATS

Common types of SMS competitions

SMS contests

SMS competitions can be run as contests where people enter by sending a text message. The organizer collects entries and determines winners.

Text-to-win

People text a keyword for a chance to win a prize. Entries are collected over a defined period.

Text-to-vote

People cast votes for a preferred option via SMS. This format is often used for audience voting.

SMS prize draws

A winner is selected at random from all text message entries received within a set entry period.

CORE CAPABILITIES

What you get with Sinch Engage for SMS competitions

Dedicated short codes

A dedicated code is exclusively yours. Messages originate from one short 5 or 6 digit number, and other organizations cannot send traffic on it.

Two-way SMS messaging

Send and receive SMS as part of a two-way interaction with customers.

Inbox

Manage incoming messages in the Sinch Engage inbox.

Filters and conversation assignment

Use filters in the inbox and assign conversations to teammates.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions about SMS competitions

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.