What Is Bulk SMS? Find Out How It Works And Why You Need It?

Bulk SMS is a term used to describe text messages that are sent out in large quantities. That’s the simplest way of defining it.

But to understand how bulk SMS works, its benefits, and uses, you need to read this article to the end.

By the time you are done, you’ll have answers to all your questions about bulk SMS, even those you didn’t know you had. 

Plus, as a bonus, we’ve included a step-by-step guide to help you send your first bulk text message.

So let’s get started

SMSCountry is the best bulk SMS service to serve your customers. Learn more about our SMS services.

Types of Bulk SMS messages

Bulk SMS messages are part of our daily lives more than we realise. Here are the various use cases:

• Service: When you sign up on a website and receive an OTP (One-time password), that is a service type of bulk SMS messaging. OTPs are used by a variety of enterprises to provide an extra layer of security for online users. They do this to verify that you are a real person and to provide an alternative if you forget your password. Birthday messages are also another type of service.
• Promotional: A text message telling you about a product or service is promotional. Businesses and individuals use this to get more customers or buyers.
• Transactional: This is the message you receive when you deposit or withdraw from your bank account. It is a transactional SMS preprogrammed by your bank to its customers. Banks and financial institutions use this.

These three uses mentioned above involve sending a large number of SMS messages to the mobile phones of a predetermined group of recipients. 

But how does it work?

How does bulk SMS messaging work?

Bulk SMS messaging is possible because of a series of factors:

A mobile phone application, a desktop software program, an SMS API, or a website.

You can send and receive bulk texts as long as you have any of these factors. These text message interfaces will first connect with an SMS service provider’s gateway. Then the SMS gateway will deliver the messages to mobile phone numbers anywhere in the world.

So you can say that the SMS gateway is the hub between the mobile network operators and the user/sender.

Please note that no matter how you send the bulk SMS messages, they have to go through an SMS provider’s gateway before getting to the recipients.

How to send different types of bulk SMS

Service and Transactional Bulk SMS messages are sent with an API – (Application Programming Interface). They programme the messages to send off once any customer takes an action on the app or website (or bank account). To get this running, you need a developer. You also need to own a website or an application where an SMS service provider can be added on.

In contrast, Promotional SMS messaging can be done from the website of an SMS service provider. You don’t need to own a website or application or be a developer.

To send bulk text messages on an SMS service website you need:

1. Phone numbers of your recipients
2. Bulk SMS service provider
3. SMS units

Once you have these three, you are almost ready to send your first bulk SMS campaign. But why do businesses still use text messages today? After all, there are more advanced ways of communicating with customers.

We will answer this question in the next section by looking at the benefits of bulk SMS messaging.

Benefits of Bulk SMS

There are several benefits of using SMS for marketing and customer support. We have mentioned a few of them below.

According to a 2019 report, only 2.71 billion people use smartphones. Meanwhile, 5.11 billion people use mobile phones of any type. This makes it easier to reach more people since any type of cellphone can receive SMS while you need a smartphone to receive emails. So with SMS, you get about 100% more reach.

High Open Rate

Text messages get over 98% open rates, whereas a 30% open rate for emails is considered to be exceptional. Not everybody opens emails, but because of the nature and length of SMS they get opened immediately

More targeting options

With bulk SMS marketing, you can target all your contacts or narrow it down to a smaller group. This makes personalisation easier and boosts the success of your campaign. It also encourages your recipients to respond more favourably because your message appeals specifically to them.

Higher response rates

Bulk SMS gets over 200% more response rates than any other form of communication. The reason is simple, SMS is simpler to read and respond to than emails. And they require lesser technical know-how and minimal effort. That is why businesses that market with SMS experience growth.

Short and Direct

The short nature of SMS means you can pass a powerful message quickly with just 160 characters. As opposed to emails that may be longer than some essays.

Affordability

The cost of sending bulk SMS is low in comparison to other forms of marketing communication. And when you consider the ROI that it brings, then that’s a double dose of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Suffice us to say that the benefits of bulk texting are endless, which is why we will stop with the points already given. Now that you know what bulk text messaging is and you know its effectiveness, we know what your next question is.

Who needs bulk SMS?

• Businesses: They have a large base of users and clients that need to be reached at once with certain information. This may be information about future events, new products, or transactional information.
• Enterprises: They send and receive bulk SMS to provide information to their customers. They also use bulk text messages to get feedback and notify their product users of transactions.
• Schools: Schools can use bulk SMS to inform parents of upcoming events or activities in the school. It can also be used to remind parents of fees and give updates to the staff.
• Individuals: Individuals use bulk text messaging for various things, like inviting guests to their events or marketing their products and services. 
• Marketers: Marketers use text messages to spread the word about their client’s products and services. 

Bulk SMS messaging is also used by consumer brands, banks, media outlets, major airlines, travel agencies, healthcare providers, large consumer websites, retailers etc

This is not surprising because the benefits are endless. And anyone who has ever sent a bulk text message can testify to its effectiveness.

And when you are sending your bulk text messages from the SMSCountry website, the ease and the seamless process will keep you coming back.

SMSCountry is a pioneer bulk SMS platform that allows you to communicate with your audience or customers in a simple but reliable way.

You can send a bulk text message on SMSCountry within minutes of signing up, just follow the short guide below.

See the top bulk SMS service providers to send transactional and promotional SMS. See the top OTP service providers.

How to send bulk SMS with SMSCountry

Step 1 – On your browser, go to www.smscountry.com

Step 2 – Click on “Signup” and Register for free by filling in the required details.

Step 3 – Upload the list of mobile numbers to your SMS Web Panel on SMSCountry. You can upload a CSV file containing all the details.

Step 4 – Verify that users have opted in to receive communication or get users to opt in to receive communication from you.

Step 5 – Buy SMS Credits from SMSCountry Online or raise an invoice from your account. You can also try it out with free credits.

Step 6: Compose your message, choose the list of recipients, and send your first bulk SMS messages.

You will be able to see the report on your dashboard.

Grow Your Business With SMSCountry

Congratulations on sending your first bulk text message!

Now you know what a bulk SMS is, and you have seen how simple, fast, and reliable SMSCountry is.

Stick with us, and we’ll make your business a household name.

Speak to our support team to learn more about SMSCountry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send an SMS via the Internet?

Yes! You can easily send SMS via the Internet. Just log in to your secure SMSCountry web portal and upload your contact list to start delivering bulk SMS.

How do I send bulk SMS in Nigeria?

You can use SMSCountry.com to send bulk SMS in Nigeria. Just login to your portal, choose your contact list, type your 160-character SMS and hit deliver.

How to send 10,000 messages at once?

To send 10,000 SMS at once, you can use a bulk SMS provider like SMSCountry. The platform lets you upload your contact list and create a bulk SMS campaign that delivers your SMS to all your contacts. 

How can I send 10000 messages on WhatsApp?

To send 10,000 messages on WhatsApp, you need a WhatsApp business API of a bulk SMS provider like Telebu Social Connect.

How do I send bulk SMS with my phone?

You can send bulk SMS with your phone using a bulk SMS service provider’s mobile phone application. A good SMS provider’s mobile app is as good as their web and desktop platforms.

What is SMS called now?

SMS stands for Short Messaging Service, but people also refer to it as “texting’. 

What is the new type of SMS?

The new type of SMS is actually called Rich Communication Service (RCS). This new type of SMS ( or RCS) is capable of not just delivering texts but also high-resolution photos and files.

What are the four SMS?

The four most common types of bulk SMS are promotional, transactional, OTP and 2-way SMS. The most common type of SMS used is OTP, then the transactional and promotional SMS. 2-way SMS is mostly used by businesses for customer feedback.

How can I send cheap SMS in bulk?

You need a bulk SMS service or an SMS marketing platform to send cheap bulk SMS. Start by shortlisting the providers in your vicinity. Look for competitive pricing and reliable delivery. You can also have long-term contracts in place, which will give you a volume discount.

How many SMS can be sent at once?

There is no limit to the number of SMS you can send at once. However, consult local regulations before sending bulk promotional SMS. You may get blocked if you cross a threshold limit.

How do I get an SMS link?

SMS link gives your website visitors a chance to chat with you via SMS. Go to your website and create a button. Choose the type of SMS link you want to embed and add the HTML code related to it behind the button. Test your SMS link to see if it redirects to a default SMS application.

You can offer this SMS link on your social media pages too.

How do I start SMS services?

Here is what you need to do to start SMS marketing services:

• Choose a reliable SMS service provider.
• Figure out your target audience and create a relevant test SMS campaign with a test list of recipients. 
• Get explicit consent to receive SMS from your test list.
• Test the service by sending a few messages to your test list.
• Once your test period is complete, you can scale up your services while monitoring delivery and response rates.
• Now introduce your brand to the market.

Remember, you need to comply with local regulations and data protection laws to stay in business and stop getting yourself banned. 

See our Complete Expert Guide on How to Start and Scale a Successful Bulk SMS Business

Why SMS is costly?

SMS may be costly based on where you live. Now you can purchase bulk SMS plans which cuts down per-SMS cost significantly. The costs pertaining to infrastructure maintenance and upgradation. But SMS is a highly reliable method to deliver time-sensitive bite-sized information almost instantly. This also contributes to the demand and cost.

What is better than SMS?

Messaging apps that use the internet, like WhatsApp and Signal, are comparable to SMS.

What is OTP on a website?

OTP stands for “One-Time Password.” A unique temporary code is sent to your registered mobile number or email address for authentication purposes on websites. You enter the OTP to confirm your identity and gain access to your accounts.

How do I get OTP online?

To get your OTP:

• Sign-up for a service that requires OTP authentication. Provide your mobile number or email address.
• Wait for the OTP to arrive at the provided contact information.
• Check your SMS or email inbox for the OTP.
• Enter the received OTP on the website to complete the verification. 

How can I create my OTP?

Here is what you need to do:

• Choose a secure but random algorithm to generate the OTP.
• Decide the length of the OTP. Choose between 4 and 6 digits.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, or special characters to enhance security.
• Ensure the OTP is unique for each session.
• Implement the OTP generation algorithm in your website’s code.

If you are not a tech person, you can use authenticator apps to generate the OTPs for your applications.

How is OTP verified?

Here is how your OTP is verified:

• You enter the OTP you received via SMS onto your website.
• The website compares the OTP with the one it generated for that session.
• If they match, verification is successful, and your OTP is verified. 

Can hackers intercept OTP?

Hackers can intercept SMS messages. If the messages contain OTPs, they are compromised in such an attempt. 

How do I send an OTP SMS?

Here is what you need to do:

• Choose a reliable SMS OTP service provider.
• Integrate the SMS provider’s API into your application or website.
• Generate a unique OTP.
• Use the SMS API to send the OTP to your customer’s registered mobile number.
• Include instructions for the customer on how to enter the OTP for verification.

How do I send OTP to a mobile number?

Here is what you need to do:

• Choose an SMS service provider and integrate their SMS API into your platform.
• Generate a unique OTP for the designated mobile number.
• Use the SMS API to send the OTP to that number.

How do I send OTP for mobile verification?

Here is what you need to do:

• Choose an SMS service provider and integrate their SMS API into your platform.
• Generate a unique OTP for mobile verification.
• Use the SMS API to send the OTP to your desired numbers.
• In the SMS text, add instructions on how to enter the OTP to complete verification.

How do I create an OTP?

Here is what you need to do:

• Choose a secure but random algorithm to generate the OTP.
• Decide the length of the OTP. Choose between 4 and 6 digits.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, or special characters to enhance security.
• Ensure the OTP is unique for each session.
• Implement the OTP generation algorithm in your website’s code.

If you are not a tech person, you can use authenticator apps to generate the OTPs for your applications.

Which app is used to send OTP?

There is no specific app to send OTPs. You can send OTP via SMS, emails, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Viber.

Can OTP be sent via WhatsApp?

Yes, OTP can be sent via WhatsApp.

How can I create OTP in WhatsApp?

After getting WhatsApp access from your SMS service provider, submit your WhatsApp OTP template for approval. Once approved, you can use the template to send OTPs to your customers.

Can bulk SMS be traced in Nigeria?

Yes, bulk SMS can be traced in Nigeria.

What apps send bulk SMS?

SMSCountry is an SMS platform that helps you send and receive bulk SMS. You can log in to SMSCountry through the web portal, schedule messages, and track the success of your campaigns in real-time.

How can I get bulk SMS service?

Here is what you need to do:

• Choose a reputable bulk SMS service provider.
• Select a suitable pricing plan based on your SMS needs.
• Sign up for an account with them.

You can sign-up for a free account to check out the services or go for a paid account directly.

How is SMS created?

It starts with you typing and sending the SMS from your phone. The message is encoded into binary data, transmitted over the cellular network, and delivered to the recipient’s phone. Here it is decoded back into a readable text message.

What are the three types of SMS?

The three main types of SMS are:

• Promotional SMS
• Transactional SMS
• OTP SMS

Does SMS use HTML?

You can add HTML addresses within the text, which will open in a default browser. SMS only supports texts and does not use HTML.  

How to create an SMS link in HTML?

Here is what you need to do:

• Open your HTML file in a text editor.
• Use the <a> tag to create a link.
• Set the href attribute to “sms:” followed by the number you want your customers to connect you at.
• Save the HTML file and test the SMS link in a web browser.

How do I send WhatsApp messages to 10000 contacts?

You can use WhatsApp Business API to send WhatsApp messages to 10000 contacts.

Is it possible to send bulk WhatsApp messages?

Yes, you need the WhatsApp Business API and templates to send bulk messages with WhatsApp.

How can I send 1000 messages on WhatsApp without broadcasting?

Consider using WhatsApp Business API or an authorised third-party messaging service for this purpose. Both these options adhere to WhatsApp’s guidelines and ensure you have the necessary consent from 1000 customers beforehand.

How can I send a message to 2000 contacts on WhatsApp?

Use the WhatsApp API and templates to send a message to 2000 contacts on WhatsApp.

How can I send 2000 messages on WhatsApp?

Use the WhatsApp API and templates to send a message to 2000 contacts on WhatsApp.

How can I send bulk SMS from my computer?

Log in to your account with SMSCountry by clicking here. The web portal allows you to manage all your SMS communication directly from your computer. You do not need to install any software to send and receive SMS.

How can I use WhatsApp in bulk?

You can send bulk messages using WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp API.

How do I send WhatsApp messages to 10000 contacts?

You can use WhatsApp Business API to send WhatsApp messages to 10000 contacts.

How can I send bulk WhatsApp without getting banned?

Here are a few things you need to be mindful of:

• Avoid unofficial tools to send bulk messages with WhatsApp.
• Use WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp API with templates to automate the process.
• Obtain explicit consent from your contact list.
• Follow WhatsApp’s guidelines.
• Keep an eye on the response rate. If your customers aren’t responding, stop sending them messages.

Is WhatsApp bulk sender legal?

If you are using a WhatsApp Business API via a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, then the bulk sender is completely legal. The WhatsApp Business Solution Provider ensures all customers follow WhatsApp guidelines.

How many bulk messages can you send on WhatsApp per day?

You can send 1000 unique messages per day on WhatsApp.

How can I send 1000 WhatsApp messages at a time?

You can send 1000 WhatsApp messages using the WhatsApp API and templates. Sign up with Telebu Social Connect to get access to the API and get your templates verified quickly.

How can I send bulk messages on WhatsApp without a ban?

Here are a few things you need to be mindful of:

• Avoid unofficial tools to send bulk messages with WhatsApp.
• Use WhatsApp Business or WhatsApp API with templates to automate the process.
• Obtain explicit consent from your contact list.
• Follow WhatsApp’s guidelines.
• Keep an eye on the response rate. If your customers aren’t responding, stop sending them messages.

How to send WhatsApp messages to all contacts at once without broadcasting?

Consider using WhatsApp Business API or an authorised third-party messaging service for this purpose. Both these options adhere to WhatsApp’s guidelines and ensure you have the necessary consent from your entire list beforehand.

How can I earn money by bulk SMS?

Here are a few things you can do:

• Provide bulk SMS marketing services to businesses for marketing purposes. You can charge them based on a subscription basis.
• Resell bulk SMS services by partnering with businesses already running. You can sell their SMS credits at a markup, earning a profit.
• Offer SMS API integration services to businesses. 
• Create a platform where businesses can offer exclusive deals and coupons via SMS. You can charge businesses for featuring their offers.

Read the Complete Expert Guide on How to Start and Scale a Successful Bulk SMS Business

Can we send bulk SMS in WhatsApp?

Yes, you can. You will need the WhatsApp API and pre-approved templates to do so.

How do I start a text message business?

Here is what you need to do to start a text message business:

• Research the market to understand the demand, competition, and potential target audience.
• Register your business, get the necessary licences, and set up a reliable SMS gateway. Alternatively, you can partner with a bulk SMS service provider.
• Create pricing plans to suit different customer needs.
• Develop a user-friendly website to showcase your services. Your website should also allow customers to sign up and manage their SMS campaigns.
• Promote your services through online and offline marketing channels.

Offer excellent support to build trust and retain clients. You will also need to know local regulations and anti-spam laws to keep your clients and grow your business.

Read the Complete Expert Guide on How to Start and Scale a Successful Bulk SMS Business

How to send 1,000 SMS at one time?

To send 1000 SMS at one time, use a bulk SMS provider like SMSCountry. The platform lets you upload your contact list and create a bulk SMS campaign that delivers all