Key answers
- What is the difference between a Sender ID and a shortcode?
- A Sender ID is a one-way branded alphanumeric name (up to 11 characters) used for broadcasting. A shortcode is a 5-digit number that enables two-way communication — customers can reply and interact with your service.
- How do two-way SMS shortcodes work in Kenya?
- You register a shared or dedicated Bulkit shortcode, define keyword → response mappings in the dashboard, and every inbound reply can be pushed to your server in real time via webhook. Common flows are STOP/START opt-in management, polling, appointment confirmations, and lead capture.
- Should I use a shared or dedicated shortcode?
- Shared shortcodes cost less and suit standard use cases; dedicated shortcodes are for high-volume or brand-exclusive interactions. Two-way shortcodes are available to Bulkit Business and Enterprise accounts.
One-way SMS broadcasting has served businesses well for years. But the next evolution is interactive — customers replying to your messages with keywords, triggering automated workflows, and receiving contextual responses without any human intervention.
Bulkit's two-way shortcode infrastructure is now live in Kenya. Businesses can register a shared or dedicated shortcode, configure keyword routing rules, and define automated response logic directly from the dashboard.
Common use cases: opt-in/opt-out management (STOP/START), competition entries, polling and surveys, appointment confirmations, and lead capture flows that push directly to your CRM via webhook.
- Shared shortcodes available for standard use cases — lower cost.
- Dedicated shortcodes for high-volume or brand-exclusive interactions.
- Keyword routing: define unlimited keyword → response mappings.
- Webhook push: every inbound reply forwarded to your server in real time.
- Full inbound message logs in the dashboard with export capability.
Interactive SMS transforms your messaging from a broadcast channel into a two-way customer engagement tool. The possibilities — from automated lead capture to instant customer support — are significant.
Two-way shortcodes are available to all Bulkit Business and Enterprise accounts. Contact our team to activate your shortcode and configure your first keyword flow.
