SMS supported countries

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SMS Supported Countries

Introduction

The SMS Supported Countries feature in ActiveCampaign provides important information regarding countries where you can send SMS messages using local numbers or U.S. numbers. Understanding which countries are supported, and the credits needed for each, is crucial for optimizing your messaging strategy, forecasting costs, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

This feature matters because it directly impacts your communication strategy with contacts in various regions, helping enhance engagement and conversion rates by reaching them via SMS. By leveraging SMS, you can deliver time-sensitive information directly to contacts, enhancing your overall marketing efforts.

How to Access This Feature

To access information regarding SMS supported countries, navigate to the SMS section of your ActiveCampaign account. This feature is mainly relevant if you are planning to implement SMS messaging as part of your marketing automation strategies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding active SMS supported countries and their related settings:

1. **Purchase the SMS Add-on**:

  - You must purchase the SMS add-on to use SMS features effectively. This add-on is available for Plus, Professional, or Enterprise plan types.

2. **View Supported Countries**:

  - You can find the list of SMS-supported countries in the ActiveCampaign knowledge base or within your account's SMS settings section.

3. **Understand Credits**:

  - Each country has a specific number of credits associated with sending SMS or MMS messages. Familiarize yourself with these to manage your credits effectively.

Configuration Options and Settings

When using SMS for your campaigns, you should be aware of several key configuration options: - **Credits Allocation**: Different countries have different credit usages. For a detailed list, refer to the supported countries section. - **Local Numbers**: SMS messages sent to specific countries utilize local phone numbers for delivering your messages. - **From Numbers Selection**: The system selects a From number that corresponds to the contact’s country. For instance, if a contact from the United Kingdom receives a message, it will come from a UK number.

Best Practices and Tips

1. **Plan for Credits**: Always monitor your available credits to avoid running out during important campaigns. 2. **Segment Your Audiences**: When using SMS, segment your contacts based on their country to tailor messages that comply with local regulations. 3. **Testing**: Before launching a full campaign, conduct A/B testing on SMS messages to gauge effectiveness. 4. **Consider Regulations**: Ensure you are aware of local laws regarding SMS marketing to avoid potential penalties, especially in countries with strict regulations like Malaysia and Taiwan.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Event Notifications**: Sending reminders or notifications to your contacts before an event. - **Promotions**: Announcing special promotions or discounts through SMS for immediate engagement. - **Feedback Requests**: After an event, you can follow up with SMS to request feedback or ratings.

Troubleshooting

Should you encounter issues sending SMS messages, consider the following: - Verify your SMS add-on is active and properly configured. - Check for any limitations related to specific countries, as highlighted in the list. - Ensure the credit usage aligns with the outgoing message type (SMS or MMS) and the destination country.

Related Features

If you're interested in exploring more features that complement SMS functionality, consider looking into: - Automation - Email Marketing Features - Integrations

FAQ

Q1: What happens if I don’t have enough credits to send an SMS? A1: If your credits are insufficient, the SMS message will not be sent until you purchase additional credits.

Q2: Are there countries where SMS is only sent using U.S. numbers? A2: Yes, certain countries require SMS messages to be sent from a U.S number, and you can find this information in the Supported Countries section.

Q3: Can I send messages to Germany and Spain using local numbers? A3: No, currently, ActiveCampaign does not support sending SMS messages with local numbers for Germany and Spain.

Q4: What credit is used for sending an MMS compared to an SMS? A4: MMS typically uses more credits than an SMS. For example, sending an SMS to Australia requires 3 credits, while MMS requires 21 credits.

Q5: How are the "From" numbers selected for SMS messages? A5: The SMS provider selects a "From" number based on the country of the contact receiving the SMS message.

Q6: What regulatory changes should I be aware of when sending messages to Malaysia and Taiwan? A6: Due to recent changes, SMS messages to these countries can no longer include URLs or phone numbers within the message body.

Q7: How can I check the number of credits used for sending SMS messages? A7: You can track your credit usage within your account under the SMS settings.

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