Send broadcast SMS messages

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > SMS > Send broadcast SMS messages

Send Broadcast SMS Messages

Send Broadcast SMS Messages is a powerful feature in ActiveCampaign that allows users to draft, create, and send relevant, timely SMS messages to their contacts. This capability helps boost engagement and drive business by enabling personalized communication directly to customers' mobile devices. The SMS campaign builder offers a range of functionalities, including the ability to personalize content, create shortened links, insert images, and schedule messages.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively utilize the broadcast SMS messaging feature of ActiveCampaign.

How to Access This Feature

To access the broadcast SMS messaging feature, ensure you have an ActiveCampaign account with the necessary plan that includes the SMS add-on. You can find the SMS feature by navigating to the left menu and clicking the SMS icon. Ensure you meet the following requirements:

• A registered phone number in the UK, USA, or AU is necessary to send broadcast SMS messages.
• You must obtain explicit consent from contacts, and they should be subscribed to an SMS list.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create and send a broadcast SMS message:

1. Click the SMS icon on the left menu. 2. Click the New Message button. 3. Complete the following fields on the right pane:

  * (Optional) Use AI to create a broadcast SMS message by providing a prompt.
  * Message name: This is not visible to your contacts.
  * Sender name: This identifies who the message is coming from.
  * Content: Type your message here. You can add personalization and attach an image. The character limit is displayed at the bottom left of the message box.
  * Automatically shorten and track links: Click this checkbox to shorten URLs in your message, helping you stay within the character count and to track link clicks.
  * Attach image: You can attach an image, which converts your SMS message into an MMS message. This option is not available for users with a registered UK number.
  * Select your list: Choose the list of contacts who have opted in to receive SMS messages from you.
  * Schedule: Optionally, set a date and time to send the message. Ensure to avoid sending during quiet hours.
  
  As you complete the SMS message fields, a preview of how the message will appear when sent will be displayed in the left pane.

AI Message Creation

To utilize AI for crafting your broadcast SMS message:

1. Click the Campaigns > SMS option on the left menu. 2. In the SMS Campaigns page, you can either:

  * Provide a prompt in the field below Generate a campaign in seconds and click the Generate a campaign button.
  * Click the New message button or open an existing SMS campaign. Then, provide a prompt in the What is this SMS message about field and click Generate with AI.

When generating prompts, be as specific as possible to receive tailored results. For example: "A flash sale happening this Tuesday. Link flash sale code: TACOTUESDAY."

If the AI-generated content does not meet your expectations, you can create a new prompt by:

• Clicking Make changes, providing another prompt, optionally selecting a tone from the dropdown, and clicking Generate with AI.

Finish creating your SMS message by completing the required fields.

Configuration Options and Settings

While creating broadcast SMS messages, the following options and features are available:

• **Message name**: A unique identifier for your message.
• **Sender name**: The name displayed to recipients.
• **Content**: The body of your SMS or MMS, including personalized elements.
• **Automatically shorten and track links**: Automatically shorten URLs and enable tracking.
• **Attach image**: Allows the addition of images for MMS messages (only in USA and AU).
• **Select your list**: Define which recipients will receive the message.
• **Schedule**: Set a time for the message to be sent later.

Additionally, SMS credits will vary based on the region and type of message sent.

Best Practices and Tips

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

• **Obtain Consent**: Ensure that your contacts have explicitly consented to receive SMS messages from you to comply with regulations and enhance engagement.
• **Personalize Messages**: Use personalization in your SMS content to make communications more relevant and engaging.
• **Track Performance**: Utilize the tracking feature to monitor delivered messages, clicks, and engagement metrics. This data helps refine future campaigns.
• **Optimize Timing**: Be mindful of sending times, avoiding late-night or early-morning hours to respect your recipients’ preferences and increase open rates.
• **Keep it Concise**: SMS messages are limited in character count. Aim to deliver your message clearly and succinctly.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while sending broadcast SMS messages, consider the following:

• Ensure that you have acquired explicit consent from your contacts.
• Verify that you have used a valid phone number registered in the UK, USA, or AU.
• Double-check the character limits and ensure that you are within the limits defined by the SMS and MMS formats.
• If you have AI generation issues, revisit your prompts for clarity and specificity to improve generated content.

Related Features

• Automation: Enhance your SMS campaigns by integrating with automation workflows.
• List Management: Effectively manage your SMS contact lists to ensure compliance and maximum engagement.
• Reporting and Analytics: Access deeper insights into your SMS campaign performance through detailed reports.

FAQ

1. What is the character limit for SMS and MMS messages?

An SMS message can contain up to 160 characters, while an MMS message can contain up to 1600 characters, including images.

2. Do I need consent from contacts to send SMS?

Yes, explicit consent is required from contacts to send them SMS messages.

3. Can I send MMS messages if I have a UK registered number?

No, MMS messages are not supported for UK registered numbers. Messages with images will be converted to SMS.

4. How do I track the engagement of my SMS messages?

You can track engagement by enabling the Automatically shorten and track links option when composing your message.

5. What plans support the SMS functionality?

The SMS functionality is available with the Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans, and you must also have the SMS add-on.

6. How can I generate a message using AI?

You can generate a message by providing a prompt in the SMS Campaign section or by using the AI feature when creating a new message.

7. What should I do if my contacts are not receiving SMS messages?

Ensure that you have obtained consent, check for any delivery errors, and verify that the contact numbers are valid and properly formatted.

This article should help you navigate the capabilities and functionalities of the Send Broadcast SMS Messages feature effectively in ActiveCampaign. Follow these guidelines to enhance your communication strategies and achieve greater engagement with your audience. ```