SMS

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.