The BulkSMS team offers advice on running a successful SMS campaign. 

As we enter the last quarter of 2022, businesses are starting to assess where they did well, and where they can do better. If SMS campaigns are on your to-do list for the new year, you might be wondering how you can make sure you get them right! If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve outlined six simple steps to a successful SMS campaign. 

Step 1: First things first, choosing the right SMS provider for your business is more than a simple price comparison. Although cost is important, there are a number of other aspects that should be taken into account before settling with an SMS provider. These include things like reliability, scalability, experience, message delivery rates, and reach. 

Step 2: Get consent. The next step is to create a contact list of interested customers and clients who want to hear from you. It goes without saying that buying a database is a big no-no! 

Step 3: Create an exciting campaign. When using our software, your SMS messages can be so much more than just a simple text. Be creative, add attachments, images, links and really get your customers engaging with your content. 

Step 4: Choose the right time. So, your campaign is all set and you’re itching to press send. Before you do, make sure you pick a good time – you could even test your customer response rates to gauge when they prefer to receive messages from you! But be sure to schedule your SMS messages to be sent at appropriate times during the day. Most countries have regulations indicating when you can and cannot send marketing messages to your customers. If you are unsure, take a look at our SMS Best Practice Guide. 

Step 5: Keep it short and sweet. Nobody likes an unnecessarily lengthy text message. Keep your SMS messages concise and to the point. 

Step 6: Include opt-out instructions. Your customers need to be able to opt-out from receiving SMS messages from you. A simple “Reply STOP to opt-out” in the body of your SMS will do. Make sure that you respect your customers request to opt-out by removing their contact details from your contact list. If you’re using a Sender ID, or your customers are unable to reply, make sure to include an opt-out link.  

So, there you have it, six simple steps to make sure you get your SMS campaigns off to a great start in the new year! If you’re not sure which product is best for you and your business, compare our solutions here, or book some time with one of our SMS experts.