How to Send a Mass Text: A Beginner's Guide

Over the past decade, mass texting has become wildly popular due to its high read rates and reachability. When you text your subscribers, they see the message pop up right away on their phone with a preview of its content. 

In most cases, 98% of the people you send a text message to will read it, giving you incredible power. To help you on your journey, we've put together this guide with valuable information and guidance to make texting a standout channel for your organization.

Table of Contents

• What is Mass Texting?

• Mass Texting vs Group Texting

• Benefits of Mass Texting

• How to Send a Mass Text

• Best Practices for Sending Mass Text Messages
  
  

What is Mass Texting?

Mass texting, also known as bulk texting or SMS broadcasting, is a service that allows businesses or individuals to send text messages to a large number of recipients at once. Common use cases for bulk texting include sending alerts, reminders, marketing campaigns, and notifications. 

Businesses and organizations will collect a list of opted-in contacts and use a text marketing platform like Mozeo to distribute messages quickly and easily. 

Mass Texting vs Group Texting

Mass texting and group texting are both ways to send messages to multiple people at once, but they have some key differences.

Mass texting allows you to send one text message to many individuals at once, with each recipient seeing only their own conversation with the sender and not the responses of others.

Group texting allows a group of people to participate in a multi-way conversation where everyone in the group can see and reply to each other's messages.

Mass texting is best for broadcasting information, while group texting is best for interactive communication with a defined group of people.

Benefits of Mass Texting

Mass texting isn't just about blasting messages into the ether; it's a strategic tool that offers numerous advantages for those looking to make real connections with their audience. Whether you're a business, a non-profit, or any organization with a message to share, here's how mass texting can turbocharge your communication efforts.

Instant Communication

• In a fast-moving world, text messaging helps you keep pace. Mass texting allows for immediate communication, ensuring that important information reaches your audience quickly. 

High Open Rates

• SMS messages generally have high open rates compared to other communication channels. People tend to check their text messages promptly, increasing the likelihood that the message will be read.

Widespread Reach

• Mass texting enables businesses to reach a broad audience, making it an effective tool for promotional campaigns, announcements, and important alerts.

Higher Response Rates

• SMS messages often have higher response rates compared to other communication channels. People are more likely to engage with short and concise text messages.

Personalization

• Mass texting platforms often allow for a level of personalization, such as addressing recipients by name. Personalized messages can enhance engagement and connection with the audience.

Time-Sensitive Messaging

• Mass texting is effective for delivering time-sensitive information, such as flash sales, limited-time offers, or emergency alerts, where immediate attention is crucial.

Event Promotion

• Mass texting is commonly used to promote events, sending attendees invitations, reminders, and updates.
  
  

How to Send a Mass Text

Sending a mass text message might seem like a daunting task at first, but with a reliable service provider, it's easy. 

Here's a clear breakdown of the process to get your message soaring to the masses without a hitch. 

1. Create an Account and Log In

• Visit a mass texting website and sign up for an account. You will need to provide some basic information about your organization and agree to the terms of service. You'll also have to register your phone number with the mobile carriers. Once you've created an account, log in to the platform using your credentials.

2. Build a Contact List

• Building a contact list the right way is a crucial part of mass texting. Just because you have someone's phone number does not mean you can text them. 

3. Compose Your Message

• After managing your contacts, navigate to the section for composing messages. Create the content of your mass text, keeping it concise, relevant, and engaging. With Mozeo, you will have options for personalization, such as including the recipient's name.

4. Choose Recipients

• Select the group of recipients or contacts to whom you want to send the mass text. This could be your entire contact list or a specific segment.

5. Send Immediately or Schedule for a Later Time

• Decide whether you want to send the mass text immediately or schedule it for a later time. This can be useful for timing your messages to coincide with specific events or promotions.

6. Review and Send

• Review the details of your mass text, including the message content, recipients, and delivery settings. Consider keeping an SMS best practices checklist handy to confirm that everything is accurate before proceeding. Once you're satisfied with the setup, initiate the sending process. 

7. Monitor Analytics and Responses

• Mozeo’s analytics and reporting features allow you to monitor the performance of your mass text campaign, including opt-out rates and any responses. Use this data to assess the effectiveness of your messaging strategy.
  
  

Best Practices for Sending Mass Text Messages

To hit the sweet spot with mass text messaging, it's crucial to blend strategy, regulation compliance, and a touch of finesse. Doing it right means your messages are not just sent but welcomed.

Let's dive into the best practices that will elevate your mass texting game:

Always Obtain Consent

• Ensure that you have explicit consent from recipients before sending them mass text messages. This is crucial for compliance with privacy regulations.

Provide Opt-Out Options

• Include clear instructions on how recipients can opt out of receiving future messages. This is a legal requirement and helps build trust with your audience. For example, you can say Reply STOP to Opt-Out.

Segment Your Audience

• Segment your contact list based on relevant criteria (e.g., preferences, location, demographics). This allows you to send more targeted and personalized messages to specific groups.

Personalize Messages

• Whenever possible, personalize your messages by including the recipient's name or other relevant information.

Keep Messages Concise

• Mass text messages should be short, direct, and to the point. Most people prefer concise messages, so focus on delivering your key information efficiently.

Timing Matters

• Be mindful of the timing of your messages. Avoid sending messages too early in the morning or too late at night. Also, consider the time zones of your recipients.

Avoid Spam-Like Content

• Avoid using all caps, excessive exclamation points, emojis, or language that may be perceived as spam. Craft messages that are professional and respectful.

Include a Call to Action (CTA)

• Clearly state the purpose of your message and include a call to action. Whether it's a link to a website, a coupon code, or a reply prompt, it makes it easy for recipients to take the desired action.

Comply with Regulations

• Familiarize yourself with and adhere to relevant regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the United States. Failure to comply with regulations can result in legal consequences.

Use a Reliable Mass Texting Platform

• Choose a reputable and reliable mass texting platform, like Mozeo,  to leverage helpful features such as contact management, opt-out mechanisms, and analytics.
  
  

Send Your First Mass Text with Mozeo

With this knowledge, you’re ready to send your first mass text. Remember always to obtain consent, plan and prepare what you're going to send, and continuously monitor your results. 

Get started today with a free trial at Mozeo.