Your guide to Virtual Mobile Numbers: What you need to know

Whether you're a startup looking to engage more customers or an enterprise streamlining communications, a virtual phone number in Australia offers a flexible, scalable solution for SMS and MMS messaging.

All of your SMS campaigns are delivered from a virtual mobile number, which is very important when it comes to your mobile brand and credibility. Whether you're sending SMS campaigns, offering customer service, or running contests, choosing the right type of virtual number can make all the difference. Here's everything you need to know.

In this guide, we explore how virtual mobile numbers work, the types available, how they can benefit your business, and why now is the time to add one to your communication toolkit.

What is a Virtual Number?

A virtual mobile number (VMN) looks and functions like a regular mobile number but isn’t connected to a physical phone line, SIM card or mobile device. Instead, it operates through an online platform or API, enabling you to send and receive SMS, MMS or calls online from anywhere, without needing a handset.These numbers are ideal for companies looking to enhance communication without needing traditional phone systems.

Virtual numbers are versatile tools for boosting customer engagement, running automated workflows, and building your brand. This means your business can:

• Maintain a dedicated, recognisable number for customer interactions.

• Enable two-way messaging with customers.

• Automate marketing campaigns, support requests, and alerts.

• Integrate SMS into other systems like your CRM or helpdesk.

If you're searching for a virtual Australia mobile number to receive SMS, virtual numbers are the answer.

Types of Virtual Numbers available

Depending on your business needs, Kudosity offers a variety of virtual numbers tailored to specific use cases:

1. Virtual Mobile Numbers (VMNs)

These 11-digit numbers, also called Long codes, are used for two-way communication, allowing businesses to send and receive SMS messages and voice calls. This type is perfect for more personalised communication.

Available in: Australia (callable only), Singapore, UK.

• 11-digit standard mobile numbers.

• Enable two-way messaging (SMS and voice).

• MMS enabled in Australia.

• Ideal for customer support and transactional messaging.

2. Short Codes

Short codes are easy-to-remember 3-6 digit numbers used for high-volume SMS campaigns. Ideal for promotions, contests, and awareness drives, they ensure your messages stand out and are quickly remembered.

Available in: Canada, New Zealand, Philippines, UK, US, Belgium, Brazil.

• 3–6 digit numbers.

• Easy to remember and ideal for high-volume, one-way campaigns.

• Perfect for marketing blasts, competitions, and brand awareness.

3. Alphanumeric Sender IDs

Customised with up to 11 characters, alphanumeric sender IDs let businesses use their brand name as the sender of messages. This boosts brand recognition and trust as customers instantly recognise who the message is from.

Available in: Australia, Philippines, Singapore, UK, Austria, Brazil.

• Use your brand name (up to 11 characters) as the sender ID.

• Great for brand recognition in outbound messaging.

• One-way only (cannot receive replies).

4. Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers are excellent for businesses that want to offer free communication channels for customer support. This helps build credibility and enhances customer service experiences.

Available in: Canada, US.

• Best suited for support or customer service.

• Gives customers a no-cost way to reach you.

• Available in select regions outside of Australia.

5. 10DLC (10-Digit Long Codes)

Ideal for local businesses or franchises, 10DLC enables businesses to use local phone numbers for sending A2P (Application-to-Person) messages. Perfect for customer service or event notifications.

Available in: US (requires business registration).

• Standard-looking mobile numbers registered for business messaging.

• Currently available in the US.

6. Shared vs. Dedicated Numbers

Shared Numbers: These are cost-effective but used by multiple businesses, which can lead to inconsistencies in messaging and potential confusion.

Dedicated Numbers: Exclusively yours, dedicated numbers provide consistency, boost brand credibility, and enable more personalised customer interaction.

When choosing a dedicated virtual number, you have three options:

• Standard Numbers: Reliable and easy to use, like +61 467 528 788.

• Gold Numbers: Easily recognisable, such as +61 459 333 444, making them ideal for branding.

• Vanity Numbers: Numbers that spell out a word (e.g., 6141KUDOSITY) using the phone’s keypad.

These options enhance customer recall and add a personal touch to your marketing efforts.

Additionally, features like SMS keywords can boost interactivity, allowing businesses to launch surveys, contests, and giveaways quickly.

Availability varies by region.

Talk to our team to choose the correct number for your business.

• Shared numbers: More affordable, but used by multiple businesses (less brand consistency).

• Dedicated numbers: Assigned to your business only; best for brand integrity, deliverability, and control.

You can even choose enhanced options such as:

• Gold Numbers: Memorable sequences like +61 459 333 444.

• Vanity Numbers: Numbers that spell out a brand name, like 6141KUDOSITY.

How Virtual Numbers help your business

A virtual SMS number in Australia is more than just a contact point—it's a business asset that strengthens how you engage with customers.

1. Boost marketing campaign performance

SMS campaigns using virtual numbers boast up to 98% open rates and outperform email in terms of immediacy and engagement. Use your number to:

• Launch flash sales.

• Deliver coupon codes.

• Run polls and surveys.

• Manage competition entries.

The consistency of a dedicated number ensures your audience always knows the message is from you.

2. Enhance customer service with two-way messaging

Respond to customer queries in real time through SMS or receive support documents and photos via MMS. This is particularly valuable in:

• eCommerce (delivery tracking, returns).

• Events (entry info, last-minute updates).

• Services (booking confirmations, appointment reminders).

With inbound MMS enabled (Australia only), customers can send:

• Insurance or health claim photos.

• Signed documents.

• Product issue images for faster support.

Kudosity allows MMS content to be automatically forwarded to an email or API, streamlining your support or ticketing system.

3. Build trust and improve brand recognition

Using the same number across every interaction increases brand recall and customer trust. With a vanity or gold number, you can take this further—offering an easy-to-remember point of contact that reinforces professionalism and familiarity.

4. Automate and optimise communications

Your virtual number connects directly to Kudosity’s platform, giving you access to:

• Automation workflows.

• SMS keywords (e.g., “YES” to confirm, “INFO” to learn more).

• API integrations for CRMs, booking tools, and support platforms.

• Real-time delivery and engagement tracking.

This means you can set up appointment reminders, payment alerts, and onboarding flows—all without manual intervention.

How to lease a Virtual Mobile Number with Kudosity

Getting started is easy. You can set up your own virtual SMS number in Australia in just a few minutes.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose your number type (VMN, shortcode, toll-free, or alphanumeric sender ID).

2. Select your region (availability may vary by country or carrier).

3. Pick a standard, gold, or vanity number to match your brand.

4. Integrate with your SMS campaigns using our intuitive platform or API.

5. Start sending and receiving messages instantly.

All numbers are leased on a month-to-month basis, with no lock-in contracts. Need help choosing? Our team is happy to guide you through the best option based on your campaign goals and customer service needs.

Why choose Kudosity for your Virtual Number?

At Kudosity, we combine powerful messaging tools with flexible number options to support businesses of all sizes.

When you partner with us, you get:

• Full SMS and MMS support (including inbound MMS in Australia).

• Access to dedicated or shared virtual numbers.

• Support for campaigns, automations, and real-time conversations.

• Built-in compliance features (e.g., auto opt-outs, data security).

• Expert support and fast setup.

Whether you need a virtual phone number for marketing, a virtual Australia mobile number to receive SMS, or a way to upgrade your customer support channel, Kudosity makes it simple to connect.

Real world use cases for virtual mobile numbers

Here’s how organisations across Australia are already using virtual numbers:

• Insurance providers: Receive accident scene photos from claimants via MMS.

• Healthcare: Allow patients to send images of prescriptions or medical receipts.

• Education providers: Use short codes to share enrolment links and updates.

• Event managers: Run SMS competitions or send schedule updates in real time.

• Retailers: Notify customers about restocks, order statuses, and loyalty rewards.

• Tech companies: Enable SMS-based account verification or support ticket routing.

No matter your industry, a virtual Australia mobile number to receive SMS can be tailored to match your workflow, customer expectations, and brand tone.

Imagine running a music festival and using SMS to keep attendees excited. By texting a keyword to a short code, they can receive lineup details, exclusive offers, or reminders. Virtual numbers make this interaction seamless, and with a callable dedicated number, you can also handle urgent customer calls.

Similarly, if you run an online store, virtual numbers can help you send order updates, promotional offers, and track delivery status without needing to manually respond to each customer.

Both dedicated virtual mobile numbers and shortcodes are leased on a month to month basis, and they can be cancelled at any time. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Why your business needs a Virtual Mobile Number

Boost marketing campaigns: Virtual numbers drive higher engagement with an open rate of up to 98% for SMS, making them ideal for promotions, surveys, and contests.

Enhance customer service: With the ability to receive SMS and voice calls, virtual numbers improve response times and allow you to connect with customers directly.

Build trust and brand recognition: A dedicated virtual number ensures that your messages come from a consistent source, helping to build customer trust and loyalty.

Streamline automation: Use virtual numbers to automate reminders, appointment confirmations, and customer queries, making your processes more efficient and reducing manual workload.

Get started with a Virtual Number today

If you're ready to modernise your communications, lease a virtual mobile number with Kudosity today. Whether you're launching SMS campaigns, enabling inbound MMS for support, or building lasting customer relationships, we’ll help you get up and running fast choosing the right number for your business.

When deciding on the type of virtual number to use, consider: Your marketing strategy: Do you need high-volume messaging (short codes) or personal communication (VMN)?

Your location: Some virtual number types are only available in certain regions.

Customer expectations: For customer service, toll-free or dedicated numbers may be a better choice.

At Kudosity, we provide a range of virtual numbers to meet different business needs—whether it’s for SMS campaigns, customer support, or brand-building.

Explore our full range of capabilities for SMS messaging and MMS messaging, or contact our team to get started. Make SMS smarter. Make customer engagement seamless. Make it happen with Kudosity.