How to choose a Sender ID for your business in Ghana

When a customer's phone buzzes, the first thing they see is who the message is from. If it is a name they know, they open it. If it is a random number, many people ignore it or worry it is a scam. That name is your Sender ID.

What is a Sender ID?

A Sender ID is a short name that appears instead of a phone number, for example ShopGH or Grace Academy. It can be up to 11 characters with no spaces. Sender IDs are approved before use, so you cannot simply start using any name you like.

Five rules for choosing a good one

1. Use the name customers already know. Your business name or the short version people use when they talk about you is best. A new, unfamiliar name defeats the purpose.
2. Keep it short and easy to read. You have 11 characters. If your full name is longer, shorten it the way customers do, such as GraceAcad or ClinicOne.
3. Avoid names that copy someone else. Do not use the name of a bank, a mobile network or a government office unless it is yours. Names like that are usually rejected, and impersonation causes real harm to customers.
4. Be consistent. Use the same Sender ID on every message so customers learn to recognise it. Changing names often makes people suspicious.
5. Avoid special characters. Letters and numbers are the safest choice. Spaces and symbols are likely to cause problems.

Should you use more than one?

Some businesses use one Sender ID for everything. Others keep one for marketing and one for important alerts such as OTP codes, so customers know instantly which kind of message it is. If you do that, make sure both names clearly belong to your business.

How to get yours approved

Create your account at app.quickpingsms.com and request your Sender ID. We submit it for approval and tell you if anything more is needed, such as proof that the name belongs to your business. Approval can take some time, so request it before you plan your first big send.

Mistakes to avoid

• Requesting a name that belongs to another brand.
• Using a generic word like Info or Alert that tells customers nothing.
• Waiting until the day of your campaign to ask for approval.
• Signing every message differently so customers cannot tell it is from you.

Not sure which name to pick? Email us at support@quickpingsms.com and we will help you choose.