• Product
  • Mass Texting

Mass Texting Service

The Communication Channel With
A Proven 98% Open Rate

Free Trial Book Demo

What is Mass Texting?

Mass Texting is a marketing strategy where the company sends thousands of messages to a list of subscribers all at once. This is highly useful for companies who need to notify, alert, send promotions, and remind subscribers of important events and appointments that are coming up. The benefits of using a mass texting service are endless. By allowing you to send thousands of messages in seconds, companies are able to send targeted messages for different contact lists. This is useful for sending relevant messages that are meant to improve customer engagement, minimize opt-outs, and automate your campaigns so they to do the work for you.

Does Mass Texting Work?

We know mass texting works for many reasons. In the last five years alone, nearly 33% of consumers (Nielson) have indicated that they want to have text conversations with the companies that they engage with. Customers and users want to feel cared for and seen, and providing that kind of support for them will ensure an increase in revenue, new leads, and overall sales. But most importantly, it will ensure a stronger relationship with your subscribers, leading to more trust and future transactions. Check out some more facts about mass texting below:

  • Text Messages Get Seen

    98% of text messages are read, compared to just 22% of emails. If you need your message to be seen, there's really no comparison.

  • Text Messages Are Quick

    90% of text messages are read in three minutes. This makes it the most effective way to generate traffic to your stores for last minute sales.

  • Text Messages Are Engaging

    Text messages are responded to 7.5x more often and 60x quicker than emails.

  • Text Messages Are Popular

    89% of consumers say they want to text message to communicate with a business, but only 48% of businesses are equipped to do this.

Considering all of these statistics, it stands to reason that the use of mobile devices for communication will grow,
with experts predicting the use of mobile subscriptions to reach 9.3 billion in 2019 (Telecoms).

Getting Started

Ok, so you've decided you want to take advantage of mass texting. Where do you start? First, you need to subscribe to a mass texting service provider like Trumpia. Service providers give you all the tools you need in order to opt in contacts and send them messages through whichever number option is best for your use case. What often distinguishes one mass text messaging service provider from another is the power and ease of use of its platform. The reality is, if you want to use SMS texting services, you probably need it right now. Our system is so intuitive and easy to follow that you can start sending messages in seconds while having access to excellent service, resources, and more. The other distinguishing features have to do with the features they provide and the level of automation they offer their customers. Before we go any further, let's cover some mass texting terminology that every user should be familiar with:

Mass Texting Terminology

  • Text Keywords

    A text keyword is any word or phrase you choose for your customers to text in order to subscribe to your alerts. When a customer texts in your keyword, a text messaging software will automatically capture their phone number and store it in your database. In an ad reading, "Text 'DEALS' to 97000 to join our texting campaign", the mobile keyword is "DEALS."

  • Online Signup Page

    An online signup page, or OSP for short, allows subscribers to opt in to your mobile campaigns by filling out an online signup form. Some businesses prefer to opt in subscribers through an online signup page instead of a mobile keyword because businesses may want to gather more information about their subscribers, such as their name, interests, birthday, etc.

  • Short Code

    Short codes are 5- to 6-digit numbers that are exclusively for text messaging. They are "short", easier to remember, easy to text on the go, and allow for high throughput mass messaging. Unfortunately, the short codes cannot be used to make and receive voice calls, so a business would have to operate two numbers with this option.

  • Shared Short Code

    Set to be phased out, these short codes are shared by multiple organizations. While this helps lower their cost, it also opens them up to potentially being shut down if one of the users sharing the code misuses it or is non-compliant with their messaging. Another drawback of shared shortcodes is that keywords are limited, meaning that a keyword can only be used by one organization per shared short code.

  • Dedicated Short Code

    These short codes operate exactly the same as their shared variant, shared short codes, but are only used by a single organization. This opens them up to a wider variety of campaigns including text-to-win and text-to-donate programs. You also get to choose any keyword, rather than worrying about whether or not someone else has already claimed it. The drawback of these is that they can cost a prohibitive amount for many organizations.

  • Long Codes

    Long Codes are the 10-digit phone numbers that we are all familiar with. Along with being more readily recognizable as a phone number than short codes, long codes offer the added benefit of being able to use the same number for both calls and texting. They are also sometimes referred to as 10DLC (10 digit long code).

  • Short (or shortened) Link

    A short link is a web link containing relatively few characters that redirects to a longer web link. These are helpful because they allow you to fit longer URLs into your text messages. Be careful though, because some providers' link shorteners get flagged by service providers, so it's important to choose the right partner.

  • Landline Texting

    Landline Texting (also known as text to landline) enables your organization's existing landline or toll-free number to send and receive text messages. This way, people can get immediate interaction with your business without interrupting their busy day by being stuck on a long phone call or playing email tag.

  • Toll Free

    Toll-free numbers are a great number option because they give you the same power and flexibility of dedicated short codes, but at a fraction of the cost. Toll-Free numbers are 10-digit numbers that begin with the prefix 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. Carriers allow these numbers to send bulk text messages for commercial use.

  • MMS

    Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages enable you to send pictures and videos, making them great for grabbing your audience's attention and keeping your marketing fun and engaging.

Common Use Cases

  • Broadcasts

    Broadcasts are messages organizations send to your entire (or large part of) customer base. They can be scheduled ahead of time so that all of your users get the message at the same time. Broadcasts are ideal for sending general messages about an upcoming event or promotion.

  • Appointment Reminders

    Appointment reminders are targeted messages for specific users or groups to remind them of an appointment they've scheduled or event they are interested in. Depending on the texting software you use, you can also prompt your contacts to confirm, reschedule, or cancel their appointments so you can get an accurate headcount.

  • Polls

    Polls are questions you send directly to your subscribers to receive feedback on a product, decision, question, or service. Common examples of user polls are surveys.

  • Text-to-Vote

    Text-to-vote campaigns allow your audience to text in to vote for things in order to determine a winner. This is perfect for things like mobile marketing campaigns or for fun things like live polls at sporting events.

  • Text-to-Win

    Text-to-win campaigns are when contacts text a mobile keyword into your dedicated short code in order to enter into a contest with a prize. Customers wouldn't normally expect to receive ongoing updates after enrolling in a contest, so be sure to include a disclaimer if you plan to contact them again.

  • Offers

    Because SMS messages have a high read-rate, mobile offers are some of the most effective SMS marketing campaigns. In order to drive sales to your stores or online, you need to send effective and targeted messages in order to entice customers to spend their money.

  • Mobile Coupons

    Text coupons are just like paper coupons, but they can be redeemed through a phone via QR or a traditional barcode. Text coupons are also simpler for customers to remember to bring than traditional printed coupons. In fact, SMS coupons are redeemed 10x more often than paper ones.

How To Send a Mass Text Message

Mass text messages need to be sent through an SMS service provider like Trumpia. SMS service providers are both cheaper and more effective than other forms of mass marketing, like email or radio ads. They are easy to use and more cost-effective per message than any other messaging channel.

Create a Way to Sign Up

The first step is to create a way for customers to opt in to receive your messages. There are 3 ways to do this.

  • 01

    Mobile keywords allow customers to opt themselves into your messaging campaigns by texting the keyword to your shortcode. Mobile keywords are great because they can go on your existing advertisements and give customers an easy way to sign up.

  • 02

    Online sign-up pages allow customers to opt in by filling out a form on your website, giving you consent to message them as well as their contact information.

  • 03

    Provided you have express written consent from your customers that they want to receive messages from you, you can import their contact information into your SMS software so that you can message them.

Messages selected in Trumpia's UI to show the latest text message ready to go out to the marketing distribution list

Send A Bulk Message

To send a message, you simply have to log in to your account and compose a message. You can do things like schedule the message to be sent at a later date, target your message to a specific subset of contacts, or attach links for your customers to follow. Once you've sent your message, your service provider should be able to provide you statistics so you can check how your messaging campaigns are doing.

Example Use Cases

In this section we want to cover how different types of businesses and organizations have used mass texting to further their goals. This is not an exhaustive list (this is!) but it will help businesses understand how it can help them meet their goals.

  • Recruiting
  • Marketing
  • Car Dealerships
  • Churches
  • Hotels
  • Political Campaigns
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Universities

  • Recruiting - Increase the Number of Candidates

    For the same reasons you prefer texting with your friends over calling them, mass SMS is the most effective communication channel for recruiting.

    • Market your business to recruits and send new job openings to interested candidates.
    • Cut down on no-shows for job fairs and interviews with automated mass reminders.

  • Marketing - Boost Revenue

    With a 98% read rate vs email's 22%, texting is the perfect tool to increase customer interest and maximize your ROI.

    • Increase in-store traffic and revenue by sending mobile coupons and promotions.
    • Automatically send a reminder if a coupon is about to expire or when a sale is ending in order to get the most out of your marketing campaigns.

  • Car Dealerships - Market Your Cars

    Getting the message out about new models or an upcoming sale can be a tall order. Luckily, texting allows you to better reach your customers through:

    • Send mass promotions about upcoming holiday sales or new models coming into stock.
    • Send automated mass reminders to interested customers when a model they are interested in is on sale or available for test drive.

  • Churches - Engage Your Congregation

    Texting allows for a more convenient way for members to take part in your cause.

    • When a new member texts your keyword, you can forward them a link to your website to learn more or to sign up for your newsletter.
    • Through mass SMS you can invite members to participate in ministries, donate to your church, and send event reminders.

  • Hotels - Boost Revenue Year Round

    Bulk texting is the ideal solution for hotels and the hospitality industry to have their messages seen and keep their reservations booked year round.

    • Increase reservations and sales during the off-season by sending text promotions like discounts or spa packages.
    • Promote your mobile app by sending them a text link to download. With a nearly 6x higher click-through rate than email, you'll see a large boost in app downloads.

  • Political Campaigns - Rally Your Supporters

    Maximize engagement and donations, as mass SMS has a better response rate than phone or email outreach.

    • Boost attendance at campaign events with invites to your rallies.
    • Send mass messages to your subscribers in order to leverage your base and gather more donations.

  • Real Estate - Market Your Listings

    SMS is a simple and cost effective way to advertise your openings and quickly find interested buyers.

    • Send property listings to different groups of interested buyers based off of what they are looking for.
    • Generate interest and send interested buyers updates or MMS pictures of your properties.

  • Restaurants - Send Promotions to Customers

    98% of text messages are read, making it the most effective way to reach your patrons.

    • Send mobile coupons to attract the 77% that are more likely to go to a restaurant during off-peak times if they received a discount.
    • Announce upcoming specials through SMS or picture messaging. Send MMS pictures of your menu items to entice customers.

  • Retail - Get The Word Out

    Because 98% of texts get read, it is the most effective way to promote your upcoming sales and increase in-store traffic.

    • Use mass SMS to make new product announcements to your customers.
    • Send more information about upcoming items to your customers in order to drive interest to your online or in-store offerings.

  • Universities - Reach Prospective Students

    Reach prospective students to better market your university to them and increase your attendance.

    • During critical situations, mass message all students, staff, and faculty to the danger.
    • Send automated mass reminders for approaching application and financial aid deadlines.

Trumpia Customer Case Study

A disaster can leave customers and staff full of questions and concerns about their current safety, evacuation procedures, and well-being. Being able to address these concerns as soon as possible will allow your guests to feel safe. Time is of the essence during a disaster, so the quicker you get responses, the better you can provide assistance.

Omni Hotels & Resorts logo

Here's a real world use case with a Trumpia client. Omni Dallas Hotel is a 1001 room luxury hotel, located in downtown Dallas, Texas. They typically used Trumpia for employee communication, coordinating their employees and boosting attendance at company events. But, when crisis struck following a shooting at the Dallas Police Department, the priority immediately became notifying all employees of the situation and the security of the hotel. Fortunately, Omni Dallas was able to use the very same mass communication system they regularly utilized, Trumpia, for this special case. The Omni Dallas Hotel was able to immediately notify all employees of the event, keeping them and their guests safe as the crisis progressed.

Mass Texting FAQs

Is Mass Texting legal?

Yes, mass texting is legal. The government requires that anyone you message has to opt themselves in to receive these messages. This can be done in a variety of ways, including posting mobile keywords that customers text in to opt-in, as well as online signup pages that allow contacts to opt-in voluntarily. In addition, if you have written consent from contacts to receive SMS messages, you can import their information into your marketing software.

Do people want to receive mass texts?

Yes! In fact, 89% of consumers say they want to send and receive mass text messages to communicate with a business. Of course you have to have the contact's permission to send them these texts, but opting contacts in to receive your messages can be quick and easy.

Is Mass Texting expensive?

No, in fact Mass Texting is one of the most cost effective communication channels! When you have an SMS software, every text message you send to a customer costs fractions of a cent. When you compare SMS messaging to radio, paper, or TV ads, the return on your investment is extensive. Text messaging companies typically sell "credits" that translate to a certain number of text messages. Text credit costs can vary by company and country due to service fees, and MMS messages typically cost more because more data is sent.

Is mass texting common?

Mass Texting is not only common, it's becoming one of the most popular ways to market to customers as certain industries realize the power and reach of text message marketing.