SMS Broadcast: How to Send Broadcast Texts [2023]

We live in an ever-changing world. Technology is more advanced than ever—reaching heights that we only ever dreamed were possible.

Yet there’s one technology that’s remained constant for a couple decades now…

SMS.

Yes, the text message. Somehow this technology has not only survived and thrived but has become a part of our mainstream.

SMS has become one of the primary go-to ways to reach almost anybody, anywhere. (92% of surveyed respondents used SMS, according to a study by Statista.)

That’s why the concept of an “SMS broadcast” is important for business owners and marketers—because if you’re truly able to reach someone that effectively, the implications for your business are huge.

So what actually is an SMS broadcast? How does it work? And is there an easy SMS broadcast software you can use? (Hint: try Mobile Text Alerts.)

We’ll walk you through all of that.

What Is an SMS Broadcast?

SMS broadcast, short for Short Message Service broadcast, is a communication method that allows you to send a single text message to a large group of recipients simultaneously.

Unlike one-on-one SMS messages, which are typically sent from one person to another, an SMS broadcast enables you to reach multiple recipients with the same message instantly.

And unlike group SMS, in which all the recipients of your text message can see the other recipients (and can see their responses), an SMS broadcast is private for each individual recipient.

So that means you can send a text message to hundreds, thousands, or hundreds of thousands of recipients, and each person will receive it individually, as if they were the only recipient.

Why Use SMS Broadcasts for Your Business?

There are several reasons why using SMS broadcasts is beneficial for your business…

Mass Communication

With SMS broadcasts, you can reach hundreds of thousands of individuals with a single message.

Thus, it is one of the most efficient ways to disseminate information to a wide audience.

Quick Response

SMS messages are known for yielding a quick response. After all, texts come through with a very noticeable notification directly on people’s phones.

Most people pay close attention to the texts they receive, so they’ll typically see the message you send within minutes of its delivery.

High Open Rates

SMS messages have exceptionally high open rates, by some reports as high as 98%. This means that the majority of recipients will actually read your message.

The same could certainly not be said of other notification options, such as emails or social media.

How Does SMS Broadcast Software Work?

So how does it actually work to send an SMS broadcast?

Here’s a breakdown of the different components…

Sender's Platform or API

To send an SMS broadcast, you need access to an SMS broadcasting platform or service. This platform acts as the gateway through which you create and send your messages.

If you have programming capabilities, you can access an SMS service’s API to set up your own messaging option.

Recipient Database

You can maintain a list of recipient phone numbers within your SMS broadcasting platform. You’re able to manage, organize, add, or delete your SMS subscribers whenever you need.

Additionally, SMS broadcast platforms will come with various opt-in tools you can take advantage of that will help you get people to subscribe to receive your texts.

Message Creation

You compose the message you want to broadcast. SMS messages are typically limited to 160 characters per message, so brevity and clarity are essential.

Some SMS platforms, such as Mobile Text Alerts, give you access to built-in AI features that can help generate message content for you, or can shorten your message automatically to make it more concise.

Scheduling and Automation

You can choose to send the SMS broadcast immediately or schedule it for a specific date and time, ensuring your message reaches recipients when it's most relevant.

Alternatively, you can set up automated campaigns or triggers, so that messages go out at just the right time.

Sending

Once you're ready, you initiate the broadcast. The SMS broadcasting platform processes your message and sends it to all selected recipients in your database.

Recipient Receiving

Recipients receive the SMS message on their mobile devices, where it appears in their text message inbox. They can then read, respond to, or take action based on the message.

If they respond, you’re able to view their response within your software dashboard and you can reply back. Alternatively, if you don’t want to monitor replies, you can set up an automated “replies are not monitored” message to trigger if someone tries to reply.

Analyzing Results

After your message has been sent, you’ll be able to view and analyze the results within the SMS broadcast software platform.

The primary metric you’ll be able to measure will be link clicks, so you can see who all clicked on the link within your message.

Ways to Use SMS Broadcasts (with Examples)

There’s not a lot of limitation on the number of use cases out there for SMS broadcasts. Basically, any potential communication with customers, leads, and prospects that you can think of is a use case for SMS.

Let's explore some examples of common use cases and industries where SMS broadcast can deliver significant value. You can also check out our “Message Template” article for samples of texts.

Marketing and Promotion

Retail: Send promotional offers, discounts, and product announcements to boost sales and customer engagement.

“

🛍️ Exclusive Offer Alert! Get 20% off your next purchase at XYZ Boutique this weekend. Show this message at checkout to redeem. Happy Shopping!

E-commerce: Notify customers about order updates, shipping information, and abandoned cart reminders.

“

Order Update: Your package from ABC Electronics is on its way! Track your shipment here: [Tracking Link]

Events: Promote upcoming events, conferences, webinars, and ticket sales.

“

🎉 Don't miss our Annual Conference on September 25th! Learn from industry experts and network with peers. Get your tickets now at [Event Link].

Misc. Sales and Deals: No matter what industry you’re in, you can use SMS broadcasts to let people know about special sales, discounts, and deals.

“

💥 Flash Sale Alert! Enjoy 30% off all items in-store and online at Wondorium Emporium. Limited time offer - shop now!

Reminders

Appointments: Help reduce no-shows by sending appointment reminders to clients ahead of time

“

⏰ Friendly Reminder: Your dental appointment is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Please confirm your attendance by replying 'C' or call us if you need to reschedule.

Payments: Send reminders for upcoming due invoices, loan payments, credit card bills, and financial deadlines.

“

Payment Reminder: Your monthly utility bill of $75 is due in 3 days. Avoid late fees - pay now at [Payment Link].

Service Notice: Remind clients that they’re due for an upcoming appointment and give them a link to schedule.

“

🛠️ Service Reminder: It's time for your car's annual maintenance check! Schedule an appointment here: [Appointment Link].

Customer Engagement

Customer Service: Assist with customer questions and issues via their preferred method of communication—SMS.

“

Need assistance? Our customer support team is here to help! Text us your questions or concerns, and we'll respond momentarily.

Surveys and Feedback: Collect valuable feedback through SMS surveys and engage with customers to improve products or services.

“

We value your opinion! Please take a moment to complete our quick survey and share your feedback. [Survey Link]

Appointment Reminders: Reduce no-shows by sending automated appointment reminders to clients in healthcare, beauty salons, and professional services.

“

⏰ Salon Reminder: Your hair appointment is tomorrow at 2:00 PM with stylist Sarah. Reply 'Confirm' or 'Reschedule.’

Internal Team Updates

Reminders: Remind team members about meetings, events, policy updates, or anything else.

“

📅 Team Meeting Reminder: Don't forget our weekly team meeting at 10:30 AM tomorrow in the conference room. See you there!

Announcements: Make sure everyone in your workplace is in the know about what’s going on.

“

📢 Important Announcement: Our company picnic is scheduled for next Friday at Central Park. Get ready for fun and team bonding!

Safety Notices: In case of a safety issue or emergency, you can make sure everyone knows the information they need to know in order to be safe.

“

Safety Alert: Due to inclement weather, all employees are advised to work from home today. Stay safe and stay connected.

Employee Recognition: Send shout-outs to employees acknowledging significant achievements, birthdays, and work anniversaries.

“

🎉 Employee Spotlight: Congratulations to Jane Smith on her 5th work anniversary! Her dedication is an inspiration to us all. 🌟

Nonprofit and Fundraising

Emergency Alerts: Let members or employees know when there’s an urgent issue or emergency situation.

“

🚨 Emergency Alert: Urgent! Due to the tornadic conditions, tonight's event is canceled. Stay safe, and we'll update you soon.

Member Updates: Make sure members know about important updates.

“

Member Update: Our monthly newsletter is out! Read about our recent achievements and upcoming projects here: [Newsletter Link].

Donor Outreach: Nonprofits can engage donors by sending updates on their impact, donation requests, and fundraising campaigns.

“

Support Our Cause: Your generous donation helps us make a difference. Join our mission by donating today at [Donation Link].

Volunteer Coordination: Coordinate volunteers for events, disaster relief efforts, and community initiatives.

“

🤝 Volunteer Opportunity: We need your help at the local food drive this Saturday. Sign up here: [Volunteer Link].

Misc. Examples

Transaction Alerts: Notify customers of account activity, such as deposits, withdrawals, or suspicious transactions.

“

Transaction Alert: A deposit of $500 has been credited to your account ending in 1234. For details, visit your online banking portal.

Travel Updates: Provide flight updates, booking confirmations, and travel advisories.

“

Travel Update: Your flight AA123 from JFK to LAX is on time. Remember to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure. Safe travels!

Hotel Reservations: Send reservation confirmations, check-out reminders, and special offers to guests.

“

Reservation Confirmation: Your booking at Sunny Shores Resort is confirmed. Check-in on [Check-in Date] after 3:00 PM. Enjoy your stay!

Inventory Management: Keep suppliers and retailers informed about stock levels, order status, and delivery schedules.

“

Inventory Update: We have 50 units of Product X in stock. Contact us for bulk pricing and delivery options.

Property Listings: For real estate agents, share new property listings, open house details, and price reductions with potential buyers.

“

🏡 Check out our latest property - a charming 3-bedroom home in Oakwood Heights. Schedule a viewing today!

Ride-Sharing: Send ride confirmations, driver details, and ride receipts to passengers.

“

Ride Confirmation: Your ride with driver John will arrive at your location in 5 minutes. Get ready for a smooth journey!

Ticket Sales: Promote ticket sales for sporting events, concerts, and entertainment shows.

“

Grab your tickets now for the upcoming concert of your favorite band, The Soundwaves! Limited seats available at [Ticket Link].

Sports Score Updates: Provide live score updates and match highlights to sports enthusiasts.

“

⚽ Goal Alert: Your favorite team just scored! Tune in now to watch the game live on ESPN - Go Team! 🙌🏆 [Link]

How to Stay Compliant with SMS Broadcast Guidelines

Compliance with SMS broadcast guidelines is not difficult. (And due to some recent Supreme Court decisions determining that the TCPA regulations regarding automated dialers don’t apply to SMS platforms, it’s actually not too risky either.)

The main thing to be concerned about is not legal ramifications but actually just getting the best delivery for your messages.

If you don’t follow the SMS guidelines, the mobile carriers will likely interpret your messages as spam and prevent them from being delivered.

Here’s the gist of the guidelines you should make sure to follow:

• Fill Out a Registration Form: If you fill out the registration forms provided within your SMS broadcast platform, that helps the mobile carriers pre-vet your messaging traffic so that they know it’s not spam.
• Make Sure People Opt In: You’ll get the best results if you make sure people have actually opted in to receive your messages.
• Make Sure People Know How to Opt Out: Give people “opt-out” instructions so that they know how to unsubscribe if they decide they no longer want to receive your texts (if people reply STOP to your messages, they’ll be automatically removed).
• Don’t Use Bit.ly or Other Public Link Shorteners: Mobile carriers have really cracked down on using public link shorteners within text messages, so you’ll want to avoid using these.
• Watch Out for Objectionable Content: If the content you need to send has any question about being potentially “objectionable” (even if it’s totally legal), you’ll want to get special advisement before sending to make sure you get the best delivery possible. (Our SMS experts can help walk you through best practices for your use case.)

If you follow all of those guidelines, your odds of running into any message filtering due to compliance issues will decrease dramatically.

How to Measure Success with Your SMS Broadcasts

So how can you know if your SMS broadcasts are successful?

SMS platforms like Mobile Text Alerts give you tools to help you analyze and track your messaging success.

Here are some metrics you’re able to measure…

Click Rate

Click rate will be your key performance indicator for your SMS messages, if you’re texting links.

You’re able to see how many people clicked on the links within your messages, as well as who specifically clicked.

Out-Out Rate

In your SMS platform, you’re able to see who has opted out from receiving your texts.

Some unsubscriptions are expected, but if you have an unusually high opt-out rate, that likely indicates that your messages are not being as successful as they could be, or that your audience is not interested.

Response Rate

Your response rate will tell you how many people are replying to your texts, which in some cases can be an indicator of success.

You’re also able to monitor these responses and respond back to them, if appropriate.

ROI

If you’re using UTM links in your text messages, you’ll be able to track where your purchases come from.

You’ll then be able to attribute your purchases to your SMS efforts in order to determine what your ROI is.

How to Choose an SMS Broadcast Platform

There are a variety of factors you’ll want to consider when evaluating what SMS broadcast platform will work the best for your situation:

1. Does it have all the features you need or are looking for?
2. Will it be user-friendly enough to easily set up and use?
3. Will it be scalable if your business grows?
4. Is the cost a price point that makes sense for your business?
5. Is customer support available, helpful, and accessible?

Some optional considerations would include:

• Are there nifty additional features such as QR code generation and AI tools?
• Are you able to do a personalized 1-on-1 walkthrough of the platform?
• Is there a mobile app for easy access?
• Is there robust Help documentation?

(Taking all of those considerations into account, Mobile Text Alerts just might be the solution you’re looking for.)

FAQ

What Is SMS Broadcast Software?

SMS broadcast software is software that allows you to send mass text messages via an online platform. You can log into the platform from a web browser (and often a corresponding mobile app) to manage a database of contacts and send mass text messages.

“Mass text messages” are differentiated from group texts in that the recipients all receive the text message individually on their phone as a 1-on-1 conversation.

What is an SMS Broadcast App?

An SMS broadcast app is a mobile app you can install on your phone or tablet that allows you to manage a database of contacts and send mass text messages.

As mentioned above, “mass text messages” are received individually on recipients’ phones in a 1-on-1 thread. This is in contrast to “group texts,” in which all recipients are on a group thread.

Can I Send and Receive SMS Online?

Yes! You can get an account with an online SMS platform such as Mobile Text Alerts. You’ll be provided with a virtual phone number that you can use to send and receive SMS (text messages) online.

Can I Send a Broadcast Message on iPhone or Android?

You can’t send a broadcast message from your normal “Messages” app on your iPhone or Android. You can send a broadcast message on iPhone or Android if you download the mobile app version of an SMS broadcast platform.

Try an SMS Broadcast Platform Today

Armed with all of this knowledge, you’re ready to take on the world of SMS broadcasts!

Try a free SMS platform account with Mobile Text Alerts today to get a feel for how it works.