There are many factors that contribute to your success with text messaging. Follow these simple guidelines for better deliverability of messages. 

  • Keep your messages under 160 characters

  • Create at least 10 different messages in a template so messages are alternating

  • Pay close attention to delivery rate. If it goes below 85%, change your numbers or throttle your messages

  • Create your own unique messages - don’t copy others

  • Avoid using keywords such as purchasing, random, consider, selling in your first message

  • Change your templates weekly

  • Merge “First Name” and “Address” in messages whenever possible

  • Respond to messages within 3 min

  • Don’t send links


Limit your send rate


Mobile operators generally only accept up to 10 messages per minute from any long code number (that's no more than a message every 6 seconds). The rule of thumb is that the rate shouldn't exceed what a human could reasonably do if they were using a phone. If you attempt to send more quickly than the desired rate, we will throttle your deliverability so as not to exceed the maximum recommended rate.


Keys To Success


  • Be personal - An approachable, casual tone works best. People don't respond well to formal messages that sound like they are from a robot. 
  •  Use Local Phones - People don't respond very well to out-of-area numbers. Utilize the Market feature, which allows you to set up campaigns in multiple markets with local phone numbers.
  • Short messages - No one has time for a long text message from you. Get to the point in a couple of sentences. 
  • End Message with a Question - This is the most likely to trigger a response. 
  • Respond Fast - Prompt customer service is always important, especially when it comes to text conversations. When you see a prospect has written back, try to respond within minutes. To achieve this, make sure you plan ahead of time so that your team has availability for follow-up communication. 
  • Don't Text Links - These messages can be flagged as spam, preventing your contacts from receiving your messages, especially the first time you reach out. 
  • Use emojis - That smiley face may catch someone's attention and prompt a response. 
  • Don't go for a hard ask right out of the gate - your initial communication with a contact serves as a first impression - use it to strike up a conversation. Eventually, once you've built a relationship, you can consider more directly asking for what you ultimately need. 
  • Save your scripts - Your team will spend less time drafting responses if they have access to a script library. 
  • Do be nice - You can't underestimate the value of friendly communication. If someone says "no", always respond politely- the gesture may just turn a "no" into a "yes"!
  • Expect negativity - it comes with the territory. If someone is very hostile, just opt them out so they won't receive your texts. 
  • Don't spend too much energy on the negative contacts - focus your time on building rapport with contacts most interested in engaging with you - this will pay off!