Introduction #
The increasing demand for bulk SMS services can be attributed to their cost-effective approach to reaching target audiences. Many studies have delved into the realm of bulk SMS format, consistently revealing an impressive 98% open rate. Furthermore, these messages are typically read within a mere 3 minutes of delivery.
Consequently, this communication method has gained widespread adoption across various sectors and industries. In this article, we will delve into the format of bulk SMS, including the bank message format, SMS format, and promotional SMS examples, to provide insights into effective message formatting techniques.
There are 2 kinds of bulk SMS #
Transactional SMS: In this category, critical or essential information is communicated to clients. Transactional SMS can be sent to both Do Not Disturb (DND) and non-DND numbers without any time restrictions. These messages are not intended for marketing purposes. Examples of transactional bulk SMS include OTPs, password reset codes, bank account details, and more.
Format of transactional SMS:
- 1. Dear User,
“The OTP for your SBI card ending in xx881 is 131457, intended for single use. Please keep it confidential.” - 2. Dear User,
“Your account 1400XXXXXX2540 has been credited with Rs. 2000.”
Promotional SMS: Under this category, SMS messages can only be dispatched to non-Do Not Disturb (DND) numbers during the time window of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The primary objective here is to promote a product or service. Examples of promotional bulk SMS include conveying offers, discounts, schemes, deals, and more.
Format of Promotional SMS:
- 1. Dear Customer,
“Avail a 30% discount on purchases totaling Rs. 2000.” - 2. Dear Customer,
“Diwali Sale: Buy 2 shirts and receive 1 shirt absolutely free.” - Difference Between Transactional SMS and Promotional SMS
| Aspect | Transactional SMS | Promotional SMS |
| Purpose | Conveys critical or essential information. | Aim at marketing products/services. |
| Recipients | Can be sent to DND and non-DND numbers | Sent only to non-DND numbers. |
| Time Restrictions | There are no time restrictions; it can be sent 24/7 | Restricted to 9 AM to 9 PM timings. |
| Content | Typically, this includes OTPs, alerts, etc. | Contains offers, discounts, and ads. |
| Opt-out Requirement | Does not require an opt-out option. | Must include opt-out instructions. |
Guidelines for Enhancing SMS Effectiveness #
- Avoid Information Overload: Don’t include too much information in your message.
- Be concise and clear. Keep it short and easy to understand.
- Add a Call to Action: Tell them what to do next.
- Time it right: Send messages when they’re most likely to read them.
- Personalize Your Message: Make it feel like it’s just for them.
How to use SmsLocal: #
To use the SMS Local Bulk SMS Service effectively, follow these steps:
- Sign Up: Create an account on the SmsLocal website or platform.
- Log in: Log in to your newly created account.
- Verify Your Account: Some services may require you to verify your identity or phone number for security purposes.
- Recharge Your Account: Add credits or funds to your SmsLocal account to pay for the SMS messages you send. You may need to choose a payment method and make a payment.
- Upload or Import Contacts: You can manually input your contact list or import contacts from a spreadsheet or file.
- Create your SMS: Compose the text of your SMS message. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging. SmsLocal may provide tools to personalize messages.
- Select Recipients: Choose the recipients, or contact groups, for your SMS campaign. Ensure you comply with all relevant regulations and obtain consent where necessary.
- Schedule or send: Decide whether to send your SMS immediately or schedule it for a later time. Some services allow you to set specific delivery times.
- Review and confirm: Double-check your message content, recipient list, and scheduling options before confirming.
- Send SMS: Click the “Send” button to dispatch your SMS messages.
- Monitor Delivery: Keep an eye on the delivery status of your messages. SmsLocal may provide delivery reports or analytics.
- Analyze Results: Review the performance of your SMS campaign, including open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates.
- Optimize campaigns: Based on your analysis, make improvements to future SMS campaigns to enhance their effectiveness.
FAQ #
1. How do I create a bulk SMS? #
Creating a bulk SMS campaign involves using a bulk SMS service provider or software to send a single message to a large number of recipients simultaneously. You typically compose your message, select your recipients, and then utilize the service to distribute the SMS.
2. What is an example of a bulk SMS? #
An example of a bulk SMS might be a retail store sending a promotional message like, “Get 20% off all items this weekend at XYZ Store!” to hundreds or thousands of its customers.
3. How do I bulk text messages? #
To send bulk text messages, you need to subscribe to a bulk SMS service, upload your contact list, compose your message, and then initiate the sending process.
4. What is the format of SMS? #
The format of an SMS typically includes the recipient’s phone number, a sender ID (usually alphanumeric or a shortcode), and the message itself, which is limited to 160 characters in standard SMS.
5. Bulk SMS format for WhatsApp? #
Bulk SMS for WhatsApp is different, as WhatsApp has its own messaging platform and doesn’t support traditional SMS formats. To send bulk messages on WhatsApp, you’d need to use a WhatsApp Business API or a WhatsApp marketing platform.
6. Bulk SMS format download? #
For bulk SMS format download, you can often find templates or formats provided by your chosen bulk SMS service provider to help you structure your messages effectively.
