When you receive an SMS that says "iSend" instead of a number, that is the Sender ID, the branded sender identifier. It is a small but decisive element for the recognition and trust of your business.
What is a Sender ID?
It is the "From" field of an SMS. Instead of a number, the business name appears (alphanumeric Sender ID, up to 11 characters). This way the recipient immediately recognizes who is sending the message.
Why does it matter?
- Trust: a branded message gets opened more readily than one from an unknown number.
- Branding: it reinforces recognition at every touchpoint.
- Less spam feel: it reduces the sense of an unwanted message.
Rules & restrictions
- Up to 11 characters (Latin), with no spaces or special characters in some cases.
- It must match your real business name: no misleading names.
- Alphanumeric Sender IDs are one-way (they cannot receive replies); for inbound messages you need a virtual number.
- Approval by the provider/networks is required.
How to get one in iSend
- Submit a Sender ID request from within the platform.
- Enter the name and (if needed) your business details.
- The request is reviewed and approved.
- Once approved, select it in every campaign or in the API/WooCommerce plugin.
Conclusion
An approved Sender ID is one of the first things you should set up before sending bulk SMS. It is a small detail with a big impact on recognition and read rates.
Frequently asked questions
Usually up to 11 Latin characters for an alphanumeric Sender ID. Choose something short and recognizable, ideally your business name.
Not to an alphanumeric Sender ID: they are one-way. For inbound replies you need a virtual number.
It depends on the review by the provider/networks. We recommend submitting the request early, before scheduling a campaign.
Send with your name as the sender
Get an approved Sender ID and build trust with every SMS.