SMS Blast 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started [2024]

Today, there are 6.64 billion mobile users worldwide.

Smartphones are part of everyday life for most of us on this planet. They help us work, shop, and socialize with modern efficacy and convenience.

Many people it seems are chained to their devices like a life partner or soulmate. One study has found that smartphone users check their phones an average of 96 times a day!

The good news for businesses is that SMS text messaging is as effective as ever. There is no better way to reach a large audience with simple messaging.

Let’s say you’ve already signed up for the best phone system for small business solution. But are you leveraging the power of text blasts for your marketing campaigns?

What is an SMS blast?

A short message service (SMS) text blast refers to businesses and organizations sending out mass text messages that are delivered individually to each recipient.

Unlike group messaging platforms like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Skype, text blasting creates private two-way communication between an organization and its customers. (In other words, there's no getting caught in a group thread.)

Text blasts can also be conducted with multimedia service (MMS). With MMS messaging, you can include media such as images.

How to send an SMS blast

To send a text blast, you'll need a text blast platform or API.

Here's how it works with Mobile Text Alerts...

1. Add or get subscribers who will receive your messages

In order to send out texts, you need to have recipients.

If you already have a list, you can import that list directly into your online database via a spreadsheet or by connecting to your CRM via API or Zapier integration.

Otherwise, you can build your subscriber list by allowing people to subscribe via sending a text to a particular phone number, via filling out their information on an online sign-up form, or via scanning a QR code. You can segment your audience into groups if you'd like to send targeted messages.

2. Create the content for your messages

Input the content you'd like to send using the online dashboard or API. You can even personalize the messages with each individual subscriber's information. (You are able to include an image as well.)

--

And that's it! You're now ready to send, schedule, or add the message to an automated flow.

SMS blast automation options

There are a few different ways you can automate your text blasts as well. Here are some of them...

• Scheduling for specific times: Select the exact date and time that you'd like your text blast to be sent.

• Creating a drip campaign: Create a series of time-based messages that are automatically triggered and sent according to the time intervals that you designate (technically, these messages are not "blasts" since they are sent individually to recipients).

• Automated replies: These are also not "blasts" per se, but you're able to create automatic responses that send out to recipients under certain conditions.

• Building automations via API: If you have developer bandwidth, you can build your own automations via API).

SMS blast app

In addition to text blast software, you can get a text blast app that connects to your software account.

An app will offer many of the features and benefits of a full-fledged software, but it's available conveniently on your phone or tablet.

Some limitations would include that it won't give you access to all of the features of a full software platform.

How SMS blasts work

SMS blasts are sent through an SMS marketing platform, or via an SMS API.

If using the platform method, you can get contacts into your database either by loading in an existing list or by allowing prospective subscribers to opt in via various methods offered by your SMS service.

For example, users can opt in by texting in a “keyword.”

Once you have subscribers that you’re ready to send messages to, you can use either the platform or the API to create automated or manually-sent messages to as many contacts as you’d like.

The messages are then individually delivered to your recipients—not in a group text format, but in a single messaging thread on their phones. Each recipient is unable to see who else received the messages.

SMS blast software list

SMS blast software is what enables you to manage your SMS efforts and send out your messages (either automatically or manually).

But what SMS software should you choose?

Here are a few you can explore:

• Mobile Text Alerts
• Twilio
• SlickText
• EZ Texting
• Textedly
• Trumpia
• Textmagic
• Attentive
• Klaviyo
• Plivo
• Podium

Some basic elements to look out for:

1. Make sure the service has all the features you need—most SMS services offer all the basic needed features.
2. Make sure the pricing fits your budget and has a good chance of yielding a positive ROI.
3. Make sure the support is helpful and available to answer your questions and concerns.
4. Make sure the service is easy to use.
5. Make sure that your messages can get successfully delivered (you’ll likely need to go through a brand registration process in order to have successful delivery).

How to do SMS blast marketing

Building and launching your mass text messaging campaign is easy if you follow the necessary steps.

1. Define the goals or purpose

Every business plan or marketing campaign starts with well-defined objectives. It may be to gain more subscribers, gain X amount of donations, increase sales, or a vast amount of other business goals. You can’t go any further with a mass text drip campaign until completing this step.

2. Identify your target audience

Once you know your business aim, it’s time to identify your audience. Leverage information from your customer relationship management (CRM) software and marketing platforms to break down and segment your target audience.

Identity which segments will be targeted with the blast campaign.

3. Use the right SMS tools

Make sure you use the right SMS campaign tools for the job. For example, you may need a solution that lets you process payments and donations but not automatic replies. Identify which features are necessary for your campaign to ensure your chosen software is fit for your purpose.

4. Craft your copy and CTA

Get your team together and write your SMS copy. Remember to keep it clear and concise. For businesses, try to stay on-brand in tone despite character limitations. And always include a CTA that causes users to feel a sense of urgency.

5. Draw up a messaging schedule

Plan your SMS messaging schedule. This is especially important if you’re conducting SMS text blasts as part of a drip campaign. Like a scheduler app, text messaging solutions let you schedule SMS texts for automatic delivery.

6. Track your SMS campaign

Once your SMS blast campaign gets going, you will want to track the results. Use your business texting solution to monitor sent messages, replies, open rates, CTRs, and other metrics in real-time. Alongside A/B testing, customer analytics will provide actionable insights to improve and tailor your campaign for better results.

How to program an SMS blast

Using an SMS platform is an easy way to send a text blast and set up automated campaigns.

But for even more customization and automation options, your best choice is to use an SMS API to program your SMS blasts, if you have the developer resources for it.

Here’s how…

1. Get your API key (or other authentication method)—if your SMS service offers an API, they will provide this for you. In Mobile Text Alerts, you can access your API key under your account settings.
2. Access the API documentation—this will usually be publicly accessible on your SMS service provider’s website.
3. Determine what you want to accomplish—after reviewing the API documentation to see what options are available, determine what you’d actually like to accomplish with your SMS API.
4. Follow the API documentation instructions to submit your API requests—the API documentation should have clear instructions and examples on how to use the API.

With an SMS API approach, you’ll be able to automate your SMS process and to integrate with your other software.

SMS blast campaign examples

The possibilities for SMS text blasts are nearly limitless. Here are a few of the most common use cases.

Flash sales and promotions

SMS is a great way to promote flash sales and other time-limited offers. Customers will read a message quickly after it’s received and be more likely to take action–the limited-time offer will instill their urgency.

“

🚨 Flash Sale Alert! 🚨 Today only, get 30% off all items in-store and online. Hurry, offer ends at midnight! Shop now: [link]

Product upgrades and other news

SMS text blasts provide an easy option to inform your audience about new products, updates, and other brand-related news. Interested customers can follow links to their mobile web browsers for opt-ins, subscriptions, payment, and other types of conversion.

“

Big Announcement! Our highly anticipated product launch is here. Check out what's new: [link]

Event reminders and updates

Text messaging can help keep customers informed about events like concerts, expos, live product demos, webinars, and just about anything. Ideally, your event planning goes smoothly and any updates on the time and place are as minimal as possible.

SMS text blasting is also a great way to gently remind potential attendees to save the date and avoid missing out.

“

Friendly Reminder: Our '5 Killer Digital Marketing Strategies' webinar starts in 1 hour. Click here to join: [link]

Payment or agreement reminders

You can use SMS texting to set up automatic payment reminders. This helps save your accounts and support teams from having to conduct routine calls. It is a simple yet effective way to help customers avoid service disruption and/or late fees due to missed payments.

Besides linking out to a payment option, you can link out to a contract document or agent agreement form that is time sensitive.

“

Hi [Name], just a friendly reminder that your monthly subscription payment is due in 2 days. Click here to make a payment and avoid interruption: [link]

Emergency response

Over the recent global pandemic, many of us became very familiar with SMS text blasting via our healthcare providers and relevant government agencies.

Mass text messaging is an effective way to let a local population know about any emergency events. SMS messaging can also help to guide recipients on safety guidelines and what to do next during an emergency.

“

URGENT: Due to severe weather conditions, residents are advised to stay indoors. Follow local news channels for updates. Stay safe!

SMS blast cost

So how much will sending SMS blasts cost you?

There’s unfortunately no clear-cut answer, because it depends on a lot of factors.

Using Mobile Text Alerts as an example, plans start as small as $20 per month for 500 messages per month. But of course, the more messages you send, the more you’ll end up paying.

If you are on a high-volume plan sending multiple thousands upon thousands of messages, you can end up paying just fractions of a penny for each message.

Some factors you should consider would include…

• Volume of Messages: The number of texts you plan to send is typically the primary cost driver. Most providers offer tiered pricing based on volume, with per-message rates decreasing as you send more messages.
• Provider Pricing Models: Most SMS providers operate on a subscription basis, but some are pay-as-you-go.
• Message Length: Standard SMS messages are limited to 160 characters. Longer messages may be split into multiple texts, potentially increasing costs.
• Including Media: Sending text messages with media files (such as images) typically are charged more per message within SMS blast services. (These types of messages are known as MMS.)
• International messaging: Sending messages internationally often incurs higher fees than domestic texting.
• Additional Fees: Many providers will charge more than what is advertised for their plans, because they incur carrier fees from the mobile providers.

Why send SMS blasts?

There are many benefits for organizations that use text blasting and mass SMS text messaging.

Better reach

A recent report found that nearly 84% of the world’s population now has a smartphone. In the US, there are over 294 million smartphone users, and 95% of Americans aged 18-49 own a smartphone. There is simply no single communication channel that can reach as many people as an SMS text message.

Higher open rates

Email has long been used for marketing campaigns and is a stalwart of business communication. Most people check their email several times a day. Despite this, email open rates hover around 20%.

It was previously reported by Mobile Squared that 90% of all SMS messages are opened within three minutes of being received and 98-99% of text messages end up getting read. Recently, Mobile Squared found that in today's climate, 55% of text messages are "read" (meaning, actively opened - which is still far higher than email), but up to 100% of SMS are "seen" by recipients.

Higher click-through rates (CTRs)

Getting your customers to open your message is the first step to conversion. Unless you are sending out a general announcement, this will require the recipient to take action by way of clicking on a link or CTA (call to action) button.

According to SMS comparison, SMS has a 19% CTR compared to 4% for email and 1% for Facebook messages. This means SMS text blasting is nearly 5 times more effective than any other marketing channel.

Cost-effective marketing

Typically, SMS blasting and mass texting cost far less than other marketing channels like email, social media, or even influencer outreach. This is because to properly create campaigns for email and social media, organizations will need to invest in APIs to streamline and automate much of the process.

You are likely already using a group text messaging for business solution. The best ones already provide a fully integrated and capable text expander for business messaging. In this way, you can tap into your existing resources and reap the benefits of SMS blast texting.

SMS blast best practices

Businesses like yours will want to follow the best practices when implementing group text messaging for business.

Get opt-in

Getting user opt-in is necessary to fulfill any compliance requirements. Due diligence must be performed to ensure any external business communication meets the regulations of the regions involved.

You have many options to garner user opt-ins. This can be done during account creation or subscription via an app or website form. You can also look at options like interactive voice response menus or letting callers dial a specific number to opt-in to SMS texting.

Keep it short and sweet

It’s called a short message service for a reason. Each SMS text is limited to 160 characters. Longer messages can be sent using multiple texts, but try to keep communication concise and easy to read.

Your customers will appreciate the brevity and respect for their time–you will also avoid coming across as overbearing, verbose, and annoying (a good way to drive up customer churn).

Provide easy opt-out

For all US-based communication, you will need to follow guidelines set forth by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This means that in addition to grabbing customer opt-ins, you will also have to provide quick and easy methods for users to opt out of SMS texting.

You can accomplish this by providing a link for recipients to opt out. Another common tactic is to instruct users to send a keyword such as “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to terminate any SMS communication.

When sending out a text blast campaign, it can be difficult to manage your opt-ins and opt-outs. You can save the arduous task of SMS contact list management and use a business text solution to automate the immediate addition or removal of contacts.

Automate replies

With SMS text blasts, every message is sent as a private message to each individual. In many cases, this will result in a high volume of replies to your initial message (including any opt-outs).

Replying to every single message could result in a delayed and lengthy process. You can save your team valuable time by using a business texting platform in a similar way to what is an omnichannel contact center tactic: automation.

An automated reply message also makes your customers happy because they receive an instant response. This helps to avoid frustration and any confusion as to whether their text has been received or not.

SMS blast FAQ

How to SMS blast online for free?

Most text blast services will require a fee in order to send a text blast. However, you can get a free trial account to test out the platform for free and see if it would be a good fit for you.

What are SMS blast services and systems?

SMS blast services/systems offer an online platform and/or an SMS API that allows you to set up and send out SMS blasts.

Some SMS blast services include Mobile Text Alerts, Twilio, and SlickText.

How do I access an SMS blast website?

SMS blast websites are accessible at the URL provided by the SMS service provider of your choice.

For example, the Mobile Text Alerts SMS blast website can be found at https://mobile-text-alerts.com/

Can I do unlimited SMS blasts?

Generally speaking, you aren’t able to send unlimited SMS blasts.

Most SMS platform subscription plans will have a limit based on the plan that you choose.

How to use text blasts for business?

In order to start using text blasts for your business, you would just need to...

• Select a service to try

• Load your contacts into your selected platform, or start offering subscribers a way to opt in

• Send or set up your messages from the platform or through API (if you have developer bandwidth)

How to send blast text messages on iPhone or Android?

If you're wanting to send a text blast from a phone, you'll need to find a blast software that either offers a mobile app or has an easy-to-use online platform that's accessible from a phone.

How to try it out

SMS provides better access to your customers than any other communication channel. They say great things come in small packages. Effective use of short message service texting will elevate any marketing campaign with higher open rates and higher conversion.

You are likely looking to invest in enterprise application integration solutions, but if you’re not already using SMS text blasts as part of your marketing strategy, it’s not too late. Get started with a business texting solution today to try it out for yourself!

--

Bio:

Grace Lau - Former Director of Growth Content, Dialpad

At the time of writing, Grace Lau was the Director of Growth Content at Dialpad, an AI-powered cloud communication platform and cloud-based PBX for better and easier team collaboration. She has over 10 years of experience in content writing and strategy. Grace Lau also published articles for domains such as UpCity and Powermat. Here is her LinkedIn.