Tips for Your Messages
Around 97% of SMS sent are opened and read within 5 seconds of being received, that's why it's one of the most powerful tools to target and reach your audience instantly.
Despite being such an old technology, SMS usage is still rising globally across a multitude of industries. To be successful with your SMS messaging, you need to be great at writing good content.
Here's some tips to help you get started.
Be Concise
A single SMS message is 160 characters in length (see What's an SMS Part? ). For the most effective campaign, you should strive to have your message effectively communicated with this limit. Whilst you can send longer messages, you're wasting the power of concise messaging and spending more money for the same thing.
Focus on getting to the point straight away, any benefit or reward to the recipient should be clear. DO NOT SHOUT AT YOUR RECIPIENTS, NOBODY LIKES RECEIVING ALL CAPS MESSAGES JUST AS MUCH AS YOU DO NOT ENJOY READING THIS. Stick to short, focused sentences.
Hello there Dave, this is AwesomeWorkspaces in London. We were wondering if you'd be interested in getting a 20% off voucher for your next visit with us? We'd really love to see you again soon.
193 characters, 2 messages.
Hey Dave - AwesomeWorkspaces will give you 20% off your next visit. See you soon!
81 characters, 1 message.
You can even throw in an emoji if you're really concise. This is because sending an emoji makes the message send a different way, so you get 70 characters instead of the usual 160.
Dave, AwesomeWorkspaces has 20% off your next visit. See you soon!
Dave, AwesomeWorkspaces has 20% off your next visit. See you soon!
70 characters, 1 UCS-2 message.
If you have an important / urgent message to convey, you can of course use CAPS, but use them sparingly.
HELLO DAVE. WE HAVE HAD TO CANCEL YOUR SESSION TOMORROW PLEASE DO NOT TURN UP!
IMPORTANT. Dave, we've had to cancel your session tomorrow. Please don't turn up, and get in touch if you have any questions.
Conveying information is easier to understand at a glance in list form, rather than a huge sentence.
Hi Dave, you've been paid £350 this week which after tax is £290.52. This will clear in your bank account no later than Friday 15th.
Payment Processed
Amount: £350
Net Payment: £290.52
Paid to your account by 15/02/2024
Proofread your messages
This one sounds simple, but unlike an email your window to proofread is somewhat limited. Make sure that you're checking them over because once they're sent - that's it. You need to get it right the first time.
dnt use txt spk
We know SMS is short form, but don't do this. Really. 
Emojis can be OK, but use them sparingly and be aware that it shortens your available characters per message.
Emojis can be OK, but use them sparingly and be aware that it shortens your available characters per message.
Include a clear CTA (Call to Action)
Typically your messages should include a CTA, something that the user should do to proceed. Make sure that the reason and your CTA is clear. Clear, action oriented language drives results in SMS marketing.
Personalise your messages
You can use our templating (
Hi {{ firstName }}) or simply tailor your messages up front before sending them through divergent Connect.