Text message marketing involves sending promotional messages directly to consumers' phones to increase engagement and sales. It works by having consumers opt-in to a business's campaign by texting a keyword to a common short code. This subscribes them to receive offers and coupons. It benefits businesses by having a low cost, instant way to reach customers that is more effective than traditional marketing. To get started, businesses choose a shared or dedicated short code, decide between a do-it-yourself or full-service platform, and research text marketing service providers.