Learn SMS Marketing

Automated text messages sent from a software application to a customer's phone. This includes marketing campaigns, appointment reminders, and transactional alerts. A2P messaging requires carrier registration for compliance.

The process of registering your business identity with carriers for A2P 10DLC compliance. Includes submitting your business name, EIN, and contact information to verify you're a legitimate sender.

Registering your specific message type (marketing, alerts, etc.) with mobile carriers after brand registration. Required for A2P 10DLC compliance and determines your messaging throughput limits.

A mobile network provider like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile that delivers SMS messages to customers. Each carrier has its own filtering rules and compliance requirements for business texting.

Automated filters used by mobile carriers to block or throttle messages that might be spam or violate carrier guidelines, protecting customers from unwanted texts.

The percentage of SMS recipients who click a link in your message. Calculated as (clicks ÷ delivered messages) × 100. Average SMS CTR is 19-36% depending on industry—far higher than email's 2-3%.

Following legal requirements and carrier rules for business texting. Includes TCPA regulations, opt-in consent, opt-out honoring, and A2P 10DLC registration. Non-compliance can result in fines and blocked messages.

The ability of your SMS messages to successfully reach customer phones without being blocked by carrier filters. Affected by compliance status, message content, sending patterns, and sender reputation.

The percentage of sent messages that successfully reach recipients. Calculated as (delivered messages ÷ sent messages) × 100. A healthy delivery rate is 95%+ for compliant campaigns.

A two-step subscription confirmation where customers first sign up, then confirm via a reply text (e.g., 'Reply YES to confirm'). Provides stronger consent documentation and higher-quality lists.

An automated series of SMS messages sent over time based on triggers or schedules. Example: Welcome message → Day 3 tips → Day 7 offer. Nurtures leads without manual sending.

A word customers text to your number to subscribe or trigger an action. Example: 'Text DEALS to 55555 to join our VIP list.' Keywords make opt-in easy and trackable.

The practice of regularly cleaning your contact list by removing invalid numbers, unsubscribes, and inactive contacts. Improves delivery rates and reduces costs from sending to dead numbers.

A standard 10-digit phone number used for one-to-one messaging. Ideal for low-volume, conversational SMS and two-way communication with customers.

A pre-written SMS with placeholder variables like {{firstName}} or {{offerCode}} that get replaced with real data when sent. Templates ensure consistency and speed up campaign creation.

Text messages that include images, GIFs, video, or audio. MMS messages have higher engagement than plain SMS but cost more to send. Great for product photos or event flyers.

Customer consent to receive marketing text messages from your business. Required by law (TCPA) before sending any promotional SMS. Can be collected via web forms, keywords, or paper sign-ups.

A customer's request to stop receiving text messages, typically by replying STOP. Businesses must honor opt-outs immediately—it's both legally required and automatically handled by SMS platforms.

Using customer data to customize SMS content. Beyond {{firstName}}, includes purchase history, location, preferences, and behavior. Personalized messages see 29% higher response rates.

A targeted subset of your contact list based on shared characteristics. Examples: 'VIP customers,' 'hasn't visited in 30 days,' or 'purchased product X.' Segmentation improves relevance and results.

A 5- or 6-digit phone number leased by businesses to send high-volume SMS messages. Short codes ensure faster throughput and higher deliverability compared to standard numbers.

Standard text messaging limited to 160 characters per message segment. The most widely supported messaging format, reaching 98% of mobile phones regardless of smartphone or data connection.

A single text message blast sent to a group of contacts. Campaigns can be sent immediately or scheduled for optimal timing. Each campaign should have a clear goal and call-to-action.

U.S. federal law regulating telemarketing calls and text messages. Requires prior express written consent for marketing SMS, honoring opt-outs, and identifying your business. Violations can cost $500-$1,500 per message.

The rate at which SMS messages are delivered—often measured in messages per second or per day. Throughput depends on carrier connections, number type, and campaign setup.

The maximum number of messages you can send per second or per day. Limits vary by number type and carrier registration status. Registered 10DLC numbers get higher limits than unregistered.

An automated SMS sent when a customer takes a specific action. Examples: abandoned cart reminder, appointment confirmation, or birthday offer. Triggers send the right message at the right moment.

The percentage of recipients who opt out after receiving a message. Calculated as (opt-outs ÷ delivered messages) × 100. A healthy rate is under 2%—higher suggests messaging too often or irrelevant content.

A standard 10-digit phone number registered with carriers for business A2P messaging. Requires brand and campaign registration but offers better deliverability and throughput than unregistered numbers.