Using short codes

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Misty Flowers

Finalsite now offers the ability to use short codes to send and receive SMS messages. This article provides an overview of the benefits and best practices for use in your district and school communication. You're probably familiar with getting SMS messages with a short code on your device so you're already a pro!  

In this Article

Short code overview

A short code is a 5 or 6-digit phone number that can be used to send and receive SMS messages. Short codes are often used instead of 10-digit phone numbers because they send messages quicker, can be easier to remember, and are ideal for sending out high volume notifications such as the ones Finalsite districts and schools send out. Also short codes are pre-approved by carriers and not subject to carrier filtering, making them ideal for sending high-volume or time-sensitive messages.

Short code vs long code

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Short code FAQs

Why is Finalsite offering short codes instead of toll-free numbers for sending SMS messages?
Short codes have higher throughput, which is the measure of data-transfer per second. Using a short code means more messages can be sent per second.
What does throughput mean?
Throughput is the measure of data-transfer per second, with regard to SMS messaging, this is how many messages can be sent per second, depending on volume.
What is the Finalsite short code?
All clients will be using 39025 as their short code.
How is a short code more beneficial than a TFN (toll-free number)?
TFNs only allow transactional messages and have a lower throughput. Some clients have TFNs due to having previously verified numbers but all clients new to Messages XR will be given short codes for SMS.
How does unsubscribing work with short codes? Reply STOP?
The recipient can type the word STOP as a reply to unsubscribe to messages coming from a short code. Remind your community that unsubscribing from a message from one school in your district means that the recipient will be unsubscribed from all messaging, even from another campus.
Is it possible to resubscribe after unsubscribing? Reply START?
Yes! Anytime you want to be resubscribed, you can reply the word "START" and you will be re-added.

Best practices

  • Begin messages with the name of your school or district with a colon to ensure the recipient knows who the message is from and it won't be treated as spam. Use abbreviations if recognizable.
    • "Finalsite Academy: After school tutorials start today, 9/3, at 3:45pm. Reply STOP to no longer receive these messages" 
    • "Greenbrook ISD: Last day to purchase school spirit wear is 12/15! Reply STOP to no longer receive these messages."
  • Educate your recipients to know that if they reply STOP, they will not receive any more messages from this number, even from another school within the district coming from the same number. STOP = no more messages! 
  • Did someone unsubscribe by mistake? Let your community know that they can reply with START to be re-added anytime. 
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