FAQs
Q: What are text messages (also known as SMS)?
Short Message Service (SMS) is another term for text messages. It is essentially a short message, typically 160 characters or less, that can be sent to and from a cell phone using existing network services.
Q: Will my phone be able to accept text messages?
Almost all cell phones, and smartphones today can accept text messages. The service is typically offered with all major cell network carriers.
Q: Why should I use text messaging for client advertising?
You want to reach your audience in new and innovative ways. Text messaging provides a cheap but highly effective way of communicating with them. Because use of smartphone technology has permeated society, it is an effective way of reaching your customers where they are—wherever they are.
Q: Do you charge for incoming SMS messages?
No. There is no charge for incoming text messages.
Q: Does my carrier (or my contact's carrier) charge when I send a message via TMAO?
Each carrier differs in their fees for SMS messaging.
Q: Can I use my TMAO account to send group text messages?
Yes! TMAO allows you to establish contact lists in order to send group messages. It is easy to setup and organize, and even easier to send once set up.
Q: Can I receive replies to text messages that I send to a group?
Yes. They will be delivered to your TMAO inbox. (If sent within 3 hours of the initial sending of your group SMS message.)
Q: Can I send a text message to one recipient?
Yes. You can enter a number, or select an individual from your contact lists to send an individual text.
Q: How many characters fit in a text message?
The standard for text message length is 160 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation, and symbols.
Q: How long does a text message take to deliver?
The process typically takes no more than a few seconds. Depending on the size of your contact list, it could take a few minutes. There are many factors at play during delivery, but TMAO is designed to reach your contacts as quickly as possible. If a recipient is out of range, or their phone is turned off, this can delay delivery. When this happens, a carrier will hold the message and deliver it when the next opportunity presents itself.
Q: Does TMAO limit the number of text messages I can send?
No. TMAO does have an anti-spam policy in place to ensure no violations occur, but there are no other limitations. You may send as many texts as you wish to pay for.
Q: Some of my recipients didn’t receive my last text message. Why?
First, please make sure that the recipient has text messaging enabled with his/her carrier. If your recipient uses a pre-paid mobile phone service, his/her balance may be too low (assuming he/she pays for incoming text messages). Other reasons that a recipient may not receive a text message include (but are not limited to): memory full, out of network, and a number typed incorrectly.
There can be factors beyond TMAO’s control that could be causing this. However, the following issues should be checked with the recipient:
- Ensure the recipient has their text messaging service enabled
- Do they have a pre-paid service? Make sure they haven’t exceeded their balance
- Is their phone memory full?
- Are they currently out of network, or roaming?
- Is there number entered into the TMAO system correctly?
Q: Do you guarantee delivery of every text message?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to guarantee delivery of all text messages. TMAO works with carriers to ensure delivery occurs on the majority of messages, but 100% delivery is not always possible.
Q: Do I pay for text messages that are not delivered?
Yes. Each message must pass through the SMS gateway, which results in a charge to TMAO. Therefore, each message that is sent will be billed.
Q: What is a Keyword?
A keyword is a unique set of letters and/or numbers that individuals can use to communicate with you.
Q: How do Keywords work?
When you set up your TMAO account, you will have the option of purchasing a keyword. This code will be used for your audience to join one of your contact lists. For example, if you chose the short code KEYWORD for a contact list, your customers would text the word KEYWORD to 313131 on their phone to sign up for the list.
TMAO has custom responders you can set up to automatically reply to this action, including confirmation messages on subscription and unsubscription.
Q: Can Are there any limitations on my Keyword?
You can use any combination of letters and numbers for your keyword. Because keywords are first-come, first-served, you can use our system to see if a keyword is available.
Q: Are there any limitations on how I can promote my keyword?
Carrier guidelines mandate that the following details be listed in print or online marketing :
- Message and Data rates may apply
- Frequency (eg, “Maximum of 3 messages per week”)
- Unsubscription (opt-out) instructions
- List of supported carriers (Alltel, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cellular One, Cellular South, Cincinnati Bell, Cricket, MetroPCS, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Virgin)
Q: What is a Short Code?
A short code is a 5 or 6 digit number that can be messaged from a mobile phone. They are typically a number that is easy to remember (eg, 313131) and can be used across many participating carriers.
Q: Who owns my data?
You do. TMAO will not use your lists, your contacts, or any of your data for our purposes.
Q: How technically savvy do I need to be to use TMAO?
TMAO was developed to be used by anyone. Therefore, we’ve worked to make the process as simple as possible. We’ve integrated intuitive navigation and simple steps to make your job easy. If you ever run into an issue, or can’t figure out a problem, simply contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.
Q: What tools will I need to use TMAO?
TMAO is an Internet-based solution. So, you simply need a computer and an Internet connection to use the system. It is browser-based, so you can connect on a PC, Mac, or any other computer with web access.
Q: What is TMAO’s Coverage Area?
Currently, TMAO is available in the United States and Canada.
Q: How do you ensure my and my contacts’ privacy?
TMAO does not share, rent, or sell the contacts belonging to our clients with any third parties. Data that you enter in your account belongs to only you.
Q: Do I need to know my contacts’ providers?
No. TMAO figures out your contacts' providers automatically.
Q: How do I upload my contacts?
You can manually add contacts using our system, or upload a CSV file for large groups of contacts.