How to send mass SMS in 2024?

Bulk SMS remains an effective marketing and communications strategy in 2024, despite the growing popularity of messaging apps. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore best practices for sending bulk SMS, the tools available, and how to optimize your SMS campaigns with modern solutions like WhatsApp and Kanal.
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How to send mass SMS in 2024?

Bulk SMS remains an effective marketing and communications strategy in 2024, despite the growing popularity of messaging apps. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore best practices for sending bulk SMS, the tools available, and how to optimize your SMS campaigns with modern solutions like WhatsApp and Kanal.
Author:
Nicolas P
Published:
8/7/24
Updated:
7/10/2024

Why send mass SMS in 2024?

Before diving into sending methods, it's important to understand why mass SMS remains relevant:
1. High open rate: SMS have an open rate higher than 70% (WhatsApp messages <98%, read our complete guide on how to send mass WhatsApp messages?)
2. Speed: Messages are usually read within minutes of receipt.
3. Accessibility: Almost all phones can receive SMS, no internet connection needed.
4. Personalization: SMS can be easily personalized for each recipient.
5. Engagement: Short and direct SMS encourage immediate action.
6. Complementarity: They integrate well into a multichannel communication strategy.
7. Cost-effectiveness: Compared to other forms of advertising, SMS remain relatively inexpensive.

Methods for sending mass SMS in 2024


1. Platforms dedicated to mass SMS sending


Many specialized platforms exist, offering advanced features:
- Twilio
- Clickatell
- MessageBird
- Plivo
- MailingVox

Comparative table of existing solutions for sending mass SMS

Tableau Comparatif des Services de Messagerie
Fonctionnalité Twilio Clickatell MessageBird Mailingvox Kanal + WhatsApp Business API
Types de messages SMS, MMS, Voice SMS, WhatsApp SMS, Voice, WhatsApp SMS, Voice SMS, WhatsApp (texte, images, vidéos, documents)
Couverture mondiale Excellente Très bonne Excellente Bonne Excellente (via WhatsApp)
Tarification Pay-as-you-go Pay-as-you-go Pay-as-you-go Forfaits + Pay-as-you-go Forfaits flexibles
API Très complète Complète Très complète Basique Très complète et intuitive
Interface utilisateur Complexe Conviviale Conviviale Simple Très conviviale et intuitive
Personnalisation Avancée Moyenne Avancée Basique Très avancée
Automatisation Avancée Moyenne Avancée Basique Très avancée avec IA
Analyse et rapports Détaillés Bons Détaillés Basiques Très détaillés avec insights IA
Support client 24/7, multiple canaux Heures de bureau, multiple canaux 24/7, multiple canaux Heures de bureau, email 24/7, support personnalisé
Intégrations Nombreuses Limitées Nombreuses Limitées Très nombreuses et faciles à mettre en place

These platforms generally offer:
- APIs for integration with your existing systems
- Contact list segmentation tools
- Message personalization features
- Detailed reports on campaign performance

2. Telecom operator services

Some telecom operators offer their own mass SMS sending services, often with advantageous rates for large volumes.

3. CRM software with SMS functionality

Many CRMs now integrate SMS sending features:


- Salesforce
- HubSpot
- Zoho CRM


The advantage is direct integration with your customer data.

4. Business messaging applications

Applications like WhatsApp Business API offer mass sending features, with the additional advantage of rich messages (images, videos, etc.).

5. All-in-one solutions like Kanal

Kanal stands out by offering a platform that integrates traditional SMS sending and the use of WhatsApp, allowing for a more flexible and modern approach to mass communication.

How to optimize your mass SMS campaigns
1. Segmentation: Divide your contact list for more targeted messages.
2. Personalization: Use the recipient's first name and other relevant information.
3. Timing: Send your messages at the right time of day.
4. Conciseness: Keep your messages short and impactful.
5. Clear Call-to-Action: Clearly indicate the action you want the recipient to take.
6. Easy opt-out: Always include a simple unsubscribe option.
7. Compliance: Ensure you comply with local data protection regulations.

The advantage of WhatsApp with Kanal for mass sending

While traditional SMS remain effective, using WhatsApp via Kanal offers several advantages:
1. Rich messages: Send images, videos, and documents in addition to text.
2. Two-way interactions: Facilitate conversations with your customers.
3. Reduced cost: WhatsApp messages are often cheaper than SMS.
4. Detailed analysis: Get in-depth insights into user engagement.
5. Automation: Set up automated workflows for more efficient communication.
6. Integration: Connect WhatsApp to your other business tools via Kanal.

Best practices for sending mass messages via WhatsApp
1. Respect WhatsApp policies: Make sure you have user permission.
2. Provide valuable content: Your messages should be useful and relevant.
3. Use message templates: WhatsApp Business API allows the use of pre-approved templates.
4. Personalize your messages: Use customer data to make your messages more relevant.
5. Respect sending frequency: Avoid overloading your contacts with too many messages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mass SMS sending remains a powerful communication strategy in 2024, but integrating new technologies like WhatsApp via platforms such as Kanal can significantly improve the effectiveness and reach of your campaigns. By combining different methods and following best practices, you can create highly effective and engaging mass communication campaigns.

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Frequently asked questions about sending bulk SMS messages

Yes, SMS is still very effective, thanks to its high open rate and universal accessibility.

Sending bulk SMS messages is legal and ethical when done with the consent of recipients and in compliance with regulations. Spam is the sending of unsolicited messages and is generally illegal.

This depends on your service provider and your sending limits. Some platforms allow you to send millions of SMS messages a day.

Although WhatsApp offers many advantages, it can't completely replace SMS, because not all your customers use WhatsApp. A combined approach is often the most effective.

Kanal offers a unified platform to manage both SMS and WhatsApp, enabling a more comprehensive and flexible communications strategy. It also offers advanced automation and analysis tools to optimize your campaigns.