Why not use Chad's Wordpress SMS plugin?

I don't see it as a problem with the Carriers. I feel like that's just lingo to try to scare people into using a short code platform. IF one day it did become a problem, I could simply start using a short code service (such as yours) and just import my list. No problem. So for the time being, I am going to take the route that will save me an arm and a leg per month.


I am more interested here in hearing about people's problems that they say they have had with Chad's plugin having failed texts and a slow send rate.

@HypeText (interesting name choice, BTW...):

I think the basic argument of short vs long codes is the often costly competition for keywords and the question of whether the obscureness of some short code sequences is any advantage to the familiarity of a local number.

As I understand it, short codes are 5 or 6 numbers long. In the US, "long" codes are optional country code (1) plus area code (in my case, 858), followed by a three digit exchange and then a four digit number. If you're dealing locally, the initial numbers (1-858) are given, so we're talking 5 or 6 numbers vs. the remaining seven. In addition, if I can identify a number that spells something memorable, it's even easier (1 -858-555-TEXT, for example).

Some services do not offer shared short codes, and the cost of leased, custom short codes is sometimes obscene--thousands a month in many cases. If you're lucky enough to discover a shared short code service, you're often charged by the keyword, in addition to your monthly short code charge (haven't found any "free" ones yet), as well as by the message.

I scoured your site for prices, but didn't find any more information than that claimed in your tagline, so I can't speak to your offer. I do see that Trumpia charges $50 per month for a shared short code (the "memorable" 69302) with 2 keywords and 1000 message credits. If I'm providing the service for clients--let's say I have 8 accounts, and half of them want two keywords--Trumpia charges me $450/month. To me, that seems high.

Let's look at Twilio: if I want to use short codes, they actually don't offer a shared short code, so I'm forced to take a 3-month term at $1000 a month for a random short code, plus pay a penny a message (outgoing). All this, after I pay in advance and wait 8 to 12 weeks for carrier approval. Definitely, that's not for me.

@everybody:
So, at this point, $1/month for a "virtual" number (all phone numbers are "virtual" nowadays, by the way) for each of my clients, plus the quite reasonable messaging costs, is an extraordinarily better solution.

My opinions:
* I'm not convinced short codes are better for the local offline market;
* The "long code" solution is better for keyword selection;
* @HypeText: I can't judge your company's value proposition, because unfortunately your pricing isn't open;
* Chad's reminder plugin does a great job of marrying Twilio's extensive feature set to a one-page message form. Text to voice, custom audio, emails, SMS and/or voice messaging, message scheduling--these are all supported through Chad's reminder plugin.

I own both of Chad's SMS products and I think we've lost sight of the fact that, currently, two actually exist. Each serves a specific function: one is for SMS blasts and list building, the other is for one-off reminders. Each can be the basis for a helpful offline business, and often customer needs do not overlap. A surgeon's office may not want to say, "Hey, folks! We've got a 4PM slot open cuz the guy scheduled for then just died." However, they certainly want to contact patients and remind them that they are expected in the office for an appointment the next morning.

Lists and reminders are different. Salons might want to remind customers of appointments, but also blast their list, "Hey folks! Jessie has a last-minute opening today at 3. Get 20% off a cut and color one time only! First caller takes it."

Real estate agents could build a text list with a QR code display at an open house. Later, they could blast that list, "Hey, folks! The property you recently toured at 123 Northrup was JUST REDUCED 5%!!! Want to take another look?"

Another great feature of Chad's plugins is self-management. I know some people want their clients tied to them, and don't offer a self-managed solution, but it's there to use if you'd like. You get the chance to build trust and add value through a brief training session upon installation. I suggest you monitor activity and provide phone support in the event the user leaves the system dormant, but let the customer handle the day-to-day data entry. Both of Chad's plugins offer self-management, and the customer only sees the information associated with his or her account.

The update to the SMS blast plugin was great a couple of months ago. We're still waiting for the promised upgrades to the reminder system--but it's fully functional as is. If just some of the promised features are implemented in the upgrade, it will exceed my expectations by far. In fairness, the new version of the reminder plugin is quite late (read the sales thread), and not released yet, so we should only judge on the current product. That's enough for me to recommend it, however.

--George

Not keeping your Wordpress install up to date can leave a big hole in your business. A lot of times the reason Wordpress gets updated is because new hacks or holes have been found in the Wordpress platform and they need to adjust things to prevent people taking advantage of these faults. I would recommend you always keep your Wordpress up to date especially if it is responsible for an important part of your business.

What I suggest you do is create a second duplicate install of Wordpress that also has the exact same setup as your main website. Whenever Wordpress releases a new version you test it out on the duplicate site first and if there are not problems, you can safely upgrade on your main site.

Hold on Slim Deal, I never said your site was slow. If you keep adding plugin after plugin it will be.

Go ahead and use the plugin for your sms. You have a $17 dollar system. I have 10K system. To each their own. Do what you want I will do what I want.

You asked for the advice and several people gave their advice.

So, trying to sum up some of the advice in this thread regarding Chad's plug in:

1. If you're not yet offering SMS services, this is the least expensive way to get started.

2. Most small business owners new to SMS won't know or care about more sophisticated features.

3. Segment prospects by reminder vs broadcast needs, for each of Chad's products.

4. Don't expect top notch support from a one person operation like Chad.

5. Have a (more expensive) back-up plan in the wings, in case this third party solution stops working, and you have client obligations to fulfill.

Other than opinions from Chad's competition-- any other practical advice regarding Chad's products?

Thanks everyone!

John