If you are one who have to constantly inform the many people about some important information or If you’ve ever thought about sending a text message to hundreds or thousands of customers, students or members at the same time, you’re already thinking in bulk SMS terms. Bulk SMS enables you to send one message out to many recipients at the same time, all using an online platform or bulk SMS service. It is now the go-to way for businesses, schools and organizations to communicate to their target audience quickly and can be a very inexpensive way to send mass messages or mass text messages.
In this guide, we’ll be discussing what bulk SMS is, how bulk SMS works, the costs to bulk SMS, and how you can start your first campaign confidently.
What Is Bulk SMS?
Bulk SMS is simply the action of sending a single text message to groups of people (or to even one person) simultaneously through a bulk SMS service or SMS gateway. While you can send individual texts right from your phone, bulk SMS allows you to send your message to hundreds or even thousands or millions of recipients all at once.
Here’s how it works in a few simple steps:
- You upload a list of mobile phone numbers to an online platform
- You create the message only once
- The platform then sends that message to everyone in your list instantly
- All recipients receive the same message at almost the same time
The one major difference from sending regular texts is the scale and automation. Instead of typing each message out one at a time, you can reach massive audiences in seconds with bulk SMS or mass text message platforms! Standard SMS messages allow for up to 160 characters. If your message is longer than that, it splits in to separate messages, and uses SMS message credits for every single part. Senders using Unicode messages (for special character/non-English language) have an even shorter character limit per message segment.
Bulk SMS vs. Mass Messaging: Are They the Same?
Although people tend to use these terms interchangeably, there are some subtle differences in their meanings:
Bulk SMS refers to the intention of just sending mass text messages via SMS networks. This means bulk SMS can be implemented on any mobile phone, including basic non-smart phones without the internet.
Mass messaging describes many channels of communication, whether that be SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, emails or push notifications. Modern day platforms have multiple channel messaging capabilities i.e. one solution can message customers via SMS, WhatsApp and email.
Mass texting is simply another way to say bulk SMS – they are the same or very similar.
When do you want to use them?
• Search for “bulk SMS service” if your intent is SMS only solutions
• Search for “mass messaging” if you want to compare certain platforms that support SMS and other channels like WhatsApp or emails
SMS has an advantage over other messaging channels because it works on ANY mobile device, with NO apps, and NO internet connectivity.
Many businesses begin using bulk SMS because it universally connects to a high volume of users, subsequently adding channels like WhatsApp so they can share richer content with engaged users.
How a Bulk SMS Service Works (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
By understanding how a bulk SMS service operates you can identify the best platform for your needs and implement that service appropriately. Here is the whole process:
1. First Choose the right SMS Service Provider:
First identify the trusted and reliable provider who provides you with the platform through which you can send bulk SMS.
2. Build and Import Your Contact List:
To properly send SMS, you will first want numbers to send SMS too. For this you can simply organize the list of contact in csv or excel document.
Important: Make sure every contact from the list provided consent, they provided permission to receive SMS messages from you. This is not just a best practice, it is most likely legal requirement in your country.
3. Write Your Message:
When you write your message please keep in mind:
- Keep it brief and put most important information first
- Call-to-action for the end user (this might mean a link, code, instruction to reply)
- Make sure you stay within limits (first 160 characters are standard SMS, about 70 if you are using Unicode)
- You can also utilize tag options (like {{FirstName}} or {{Code}}) to personalize to the sender.
4. Schedule or Send Now
Decide when to send your message:
- Send it now if it is urgent
- Schedule it for specific times that allow the audience to respond when they are most likely to do so
5. Track Delivery, Clicks, and Replies
You can track how your campaign is doing based on the dashboard metrics:
- Messages sent, delivered, and failed
- Delivery times and delivery completion
Always export these reports to improve future campaigns.
How much does bulk SMS cost?
One of the biggest advantages of bulk SMS services is affordability. Whether you’re a small business, a growing startup, or a large enterprise, you can find a plan that fits your budget and messaging needs. Bulk SMS Nepal offer pricing models based on SMS credits, which means you only pay for the number of messages you send.
Here’s a detailed look at the pricing tiers and what they include:
| Plan | Price | SMS Credits | Features | Validity |
| Starter | NPR 999 | 1,000 SMS | • Basic report analytics • Email support • Web interface • 1 user account | 7 days |
| Growth | NPR 4,999 | 6,000 SMS | • Advanced report analytics • Priority email support • Web interface • 2 user accounts • Scheduled campaigns | 30 days |
| Enterprise | NPR 14,999 | 20,000 SMS | • Advanced report analytics • Priority email support • Web interface • 3 user accounts • Scheduled campaigns | 90 days |
Conclusion
Bulk SMS is a customizable, direct communication channel for quickly, effectively and reliably reaching your audience. With open rates reportedly at 98%, it’s one of the best ways to ensure your message gets seen and acted upon.
Whether you are running a marketing campaign, sending an alert of importance or informing your community on an event, bulk SMS is amplified reach and unprecedented engagement. The key is identifying a good bulk SMS provider, using compliance best practices, and composing messages that provide value to the audience you are communicating with.
So how do you get started? Launch a small pilot campaign through an established provider you can consider Bulk SMS Nepal For this the curate a clean, consented list of contacts, compose sellable messages, and evaluate your results. If you execute the proper pre and post-campaign best practices, bulk SMS will become one of your most impactful mediums.
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