SMS Campaigns

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Introducing SMS Campaigns

SMS Campaigns are a dynamic way to engage with your customers through direct messaging. With the capacity to deliver messages that are opened 99% of the time, this feature allows businesses to foster greater engagement and drive immediate action. Using SMS, businesses can now create a more personal connection with their audience.

This feature is particularly relevant for marketers looking to leverage the immediacy of text messaging to achieve their goals, whether that be increasing sales, disseminating information quickly, or simply maintaining a constant line of communication with their audience. Let's delve into how to access and utilize SMS Campaigns effectively.

How to Access SMS Campaigns

To begin using SMS Campaigns, you must first acquire the SMS Add-on. This involves applying for a phone number through the ActiveCampaign platform. Here’s a brief overview of the steps to access this feature:

1. Ensure you have an appropriate ActiveCampaign plan which includes the SMS functionality. 2. Navigate to the SMS section within your ActiveCampaign dashboard. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply for a US or UK phone number for your SMS campaigns.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you have access to SMS Campaigns, follow the steps below to create and send your first campaign:

1. **Log In** to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Go to the **Campaigns** section from the dashboard. 3. Select **Create Campaign** and choose the **SMS Campaign** option. 4. Enter a descriptive **Name** for your campaign to help you identify it later. 5. You will next be prompted to enter your SMS message. Make sure to be concise and engaging, as SMS messages should be direct. 6. If applicable, attach any images using the **MMS** feature to enhance your message. 7. Specify the **Audience** you wish to reach. You can segment your audience based on text message engagement or other criteria. 8. After confirming your selections, click **Send** or choose to **Schedule** your SMS message for a later time.

Configuration Options and Settings

While using SMS Campaigns, there are several configuration options to enhance your campaign’s effectiveness:

• Validated Phone Numbers: Ensure you're collecting validated phone numbers through ActiveCampaign Forms.
• AI Content Generation: Use the AI tools to generate optimal SMS copy unless subject to specific messaging requirements.
• MMS Capability: Utilize the ability to send images along with your messages.
• Campaign Reports and Analytics: After sending, analyze the results to better understand engagement levels.
• Audience Segmentation: Fine-tune whom you are reaching out to by segmenting based on previous engagement with SMS messages.

Best Practices and Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of your SMS Campaigns, consider the following best practices:

• Ensure you comply with local regulations regarding SMS marketing, including obtaining consent from recipients.
• Keep messages concise and to the point. The character limit on SMS is typically restrictive, so focus on the essential part of your message.
• Utilize personalization when possible to make each recipient feel valued.
• Schedule campaigns during optimal hours to ensure higher engagement rates, keeping in mind SMS quiet hours to respect your audience's preferences.
• Regularly analyze campaign performance with the built-in analytics tools to gain insights into engagement and areas for improvement.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using SMS Campaigns, here are some common troubleshooting tips:

• **Phone Number Issues**: Ensure that your SMS phone number has been correctly set up. Refer back to your account settings and verify your selection.
• **Delivery Problems**: If messages are not being delivered, check for any compliance issues or restrictions put in place by carriers.
• **Engagement Analytics**: If you’re not receiving expected engagement, consider revising your message content or timing.

FAQ

• What are SMS Campaigns?

 SMS Campaigns are a feature that allows businesses to send direct text messages to their customers, fostering engagement and immediate communication.
 

• What kind of phone numbers can I use?

 You can register for a US or UK phone number to use for your SMS Campaigns.

• Do I need a special plan to use SMS Campaigns?

 Yes, SMS Campaigns are available on certain ActiveCampaign plans, namely the Starter, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans.

• Can I send images with my SMS messages?

 Yes, you can enhance your messages using the MMS feature to send images along with your text.

• What analytics are available for my SMS Campaigns?

 You can analyze your SMS campaigns through campaign reports to gauge engagement and performance effectively.

• How can I increase engagement with SMS?

 Use personalized and timely messaging, along with adhering to best practices for SMS marketing.

• What should I do if my SMS message doesn’t deliver?

 Confirm that you've complied with regulations and check your sender status to resolve any potential delivery issues.

Additional Resources

• [Create a form to subscribe contacts to SMS lists](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/17927026308892-Create-a-form-to-subscribe-contacts-to-SMS-lists)
• [Create an SMS marketing list in ActiveCampaign](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/17929115713436-Create-an-SMS-marketing-list-in-ActiveCampaign#create-an-sms-marketing-list-in-activecampaign-0-0)
• [Manage the SMS consent message in forms](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/17928820436252-Manage-the-SMS-consent-message-in-forms#manage-the-sms-consent-message-in-forms-0-0)
• [About SMS quiet hours](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/17468107381660-About-SMS-quiet-hours)
• [Send broadcast SMS messages](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/17802695248284-Send-broadcast-SMS-messages)
• [Individual SMS Campaign Performance report](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/19140103051548-Individual-SMS-Campaign-Performance-report)
• [About ActiveCampaign form fields](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000844284-About-ActiveCampaign-form-fields)

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