Overview: Consumers enter a sweepstakes by texting a designated keyword to a short code (a shortened phone number used for SMS campaigns). This format is optimized for mobile-first campaigns and lowers the barrier to entry, making it especially effective for on-the-go participation.

• Primary Goals:
  • Acquire mobile numbers and grow SMS opt-in lists.
  • Reach new consumers through mobile channels,
• Technology: There are several implementation options for text-to-enter sweepstakes, each offering different levels of data collection and user experience:
  • Conversational Text-to-Enter: Entry is collected via a multi-step SMS “conversation,” allowing for the capture of full registration details (e.g., name, email, zip code). Because sufficient informationis gathered, winner outreach can occur via email or SMS.
  • Single-Text Entry: Users enter by sending a single text message with a keyword, submitting only their mobile number. Since no additional information is collected, winner notification must occur via SMS.
  • Text-to-Receive-Link: Participants text a keyword to receive a reply containing a link to a full microsite, where they complete the sweepstakes entry. This option bridges the convenience of SMS to deliver the promotion directly to consumers’ mobile phones with the richer data capture of a traditional online entry form.
• Strategic Considerations: Each approach offers a different balance of friction and data capture. Conversational and microsite-based flows allow for full registration and follow-up flexibility but require more user interaction. Single-text entry offers simplicity but limits re-engagement and winner communication options.