These steps help build trust, maximise engagement, and set the foundation for ongoing success.
1. Audience preparation
Clean your list: When uploading a list, our system automatically removes duplicate and malformed numbers for you.
Segment your audience: Group contacts by relevant traits eg. country/time zone/industry.
Obtain consent: Ensure all recipients have opted in to receive SMS from you.
Warm up your audience: Send a primer/introduction message to set expectations.
2. Planning
Define your goal: Clarify what you want to achieve (eg, sales, event attendance, feedback).
Write a clear message: Write a concise, compelling SMS with a strong call to action (CTA).
Personalise where possible: Use customer names or relevant details for higher engagement.
Include Opt-Out instructions: eg, Reply STOP to unsubscribe or an Opt-out link (this is country dependent).
3. Compliance & timing
Check local laws and regulations: Ensure your messages comply with all SMS marketing laws (TCPA, GDPR, etc.).
Schedule for optimal timing: Send during business hours and avoid late nights/early mornings.
4. Choosing the right Sender ID (especially for international sending)
Pick the right Sender ID type: Different message and campaign types require different Sender IDs. If you require replies you'll need a Dedicated Virtual Number (DVN). If you want to send from your Brand name (Aphanumeric Sender ID) see below for more details.
Check country restrictions: Not all Sender ID types are supported in every region. Make sure your Sender ID type is approved for international sending in your target countries.
Avoid carrier filtering: Choose Sender IDs that are provisioned and tested for international routes. Ensure that your message content is compliant to the region you're sending to.
Keep it consistent: A dedicated Sender ID used across markets helps build trust and improves recognition, especially important when sending across time zones and countries.
Click here for more information on choosing the right number for your business.
5. Technical set-up
Test your message: Send a test SMS to yourself or your team to check formatting, links, and appearance.
Branded links: You can modify the URL to use a domain of your choice, vastly improving brand recognition, credibility, and personalisation.
Set up tracking: Enable link tracking and delivery reports to monitor performance.
6. Launch & monitor
Send to a small segment first: Consider a soft launch to a small group to monitor responses and deliverability.
Monitor delivery & responses: Track bounces, opt-outs, and replies in real time.
Be ready to respond: Have a plan in place to respond, especially to questions. Look to change your messages in furture if they're not resonating with your audience.
7. Post message/campaign
Analyse Results: Review delivery rates, click-throughs, conversions, and opt-outs. Note: It's common to see higher opt-out rates when first introducing SMS/MMS to your audience.
Document learnings: Note what worked and what can be improved for next time.
Follow up: Thank engaged recipients or send a follow-up message as appropriate.
Tip: Always put the customer experience first. Relevant, timely, and respectful messages build trust and increase engagement
Spam regulations are serious. Kudosity makes it easy to send responsibly.