Many people wonder what bulk SMS is and why it leaves other communication methods in the dust with its impressive 99% open rate (comparable only to WhatsApp’s 98%). If that’s you, then you’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll explain how it works, why it ranks high up the list vs. channels like WhatsApp, phone calls, and email, and how to get started with your bulk SMS.
So, whether you’re a startup, small business, or big enterprise, stick with me while I walk you through bulk SMS.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
What is bulk SMS?
Bulk SMS is the process of sending many text messages to a group of recipients at once. These messages are often used for marketing, alerts, updates, reminders, or OTP. It’s one of the fastest means of reaching your audience, no matter their location.
See our guide on Transactional SMS.
How does bulk SMS work?
Let’s say you own a pizza shop and want to tell 500 customers about your “Buy 1 Get 1 Free Friday” deal. Here’s how it’ll play out behind the scenes:
- You type your message in a simple dashboard or system (like SMSCountry’s web portal).
- You upload your contact list—either by copy-paste, uploading a file, or connecting your CRM.
- You hit send, and your message is passed through an SMS Gateway.
- The gateway connects with mobile networks, which deliver your message straight to your customers’ phones.
No need to hit “send” 500 times. One click and it’s done.
What are the different elements of bulk SMS?
To effectively use bulk SMS, several components come into play:
- API integration: the code that enables you to use the SMS services provided by an SMS service provider.
- Web portal: User-friendly interface for managing campaigns, contacts, and message templates.
- Plugins: Extensions for platforms like WordPress or Excel, simplifying the sending process.
- Carrier networks: Mobile operators responsible for delivering messages to end-users.
- SMS gateway: the bridge that connects your system with the mobile networks to transmit your message.
Among these components, the SMS gateway plays a crucial role. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and how it works.
What is an SMS gateway?
An SMS Gateway is a tech system that allows you to send messages from software (like your bulk SMS platform or CRM) directly to your customers’ mobile phones across different networks, countries, and device types. It acts like the middleman between your message and the mobile network.
Imagine you’re having a baggage check at an airport, and you have a suitcase full of valuable items that you hand over at the check-in counter. So, the airline:
- Checks your passport (verify your sender ID)
- Scans your bag (make sure your message follows the rules)
- Picks the right flight (choose the right mobile carrier)
- Delivers it to the right aeroplane (your customer’s phone).
That’s exactly what an SMS Gateway does: it handles thousands of messages and delivers them to the right recipients in a few seconds.
What are the benefits of bulk SMS?
Bulk SMS isn’t just a tool—it’s your direct line to your customers’ pockets. Here’s why businesses across industries love it:
- Instant delivery
- Sky-high open rates
- Cost-effective at scale
- Recipients do not require the internet
- Easy to set up & use
- Personalised yet mass-sent
- Perfect for time-sensitive alerts
- Integrates easily with your tools
- High engagement, low effort
1. Instant delivery
When you hit “Send,” the message reaches your customer’s phone in seconds. There’s no waiting and no buffering. This is great for OTPs, alerts, or any message that just can’t wait.
It’s like texting your friend—they get it right away. Now imagine doing that with 10,000 people at once.
2. Sky-high open rates
Emails might go unread for days, but SMS? Over 90% of texts are opened within 3 minutes.
Why? Because people check their phones constantly, subject lines are not needed. Just a short, clear message that gets seen quickly is enough.
3. Cost-effective at scale
Sending thousands of messages sounds expensive—but it’s not. Bulk SMS rates are way lower than traditional marketing costs (like ads or print), and you can reach a massive audience for just a few cents per message.
More bang for your buck. And better ROI.
4. Works without internet
Your customer doesn’t need Wi-Fi, data, or a smartphone to receive your message.
They’re reachable as long as they’ve got a basic phone and network signal. That makes SMS unbeatable for rural, remote, or offline audiences.
5. Easy to set up and use
You don’t need to be a tech whiz. With bulk SMS platforms like SMSCountry, you can sign up, upload contacts, type your message, and hit send from a simple dashboard.
There’s also an API if you’re a developer. If not, just use the web portal.
6. Personalisable, even if sent in bulk
You can send one message to thousands, but still make each message feel personal.
Use merge tags to include names, order numbers, dates, etc., so every customer feels like you wrote the SMS just for them.
7. Perfect for time-sensitive alerts
Flash sale? Payment due? Appointment reminder?
SMS is the go-to channel when timing is everything. Customers are more likely to act when they get the information right now, not three hours later.
8. Integrates easily with your favourite tools
You can plug SMS into your CRM, e-commerce store, support system, or ERP tool.
That way, messages are sent automatically when customers take action, like placing an order, booking a service, or missing a payment.
9. High engagement, low effort
Unlike social media, there’s no algorithm to beat. No ad spend. No fancy creatives.
Just you and your message—straight to your customer’s inbox. And because it feels direct, people are likelier to engage, click, and convert.
Those are all the good sides of bulk SMS. But let’s see how it compares with email and WhatsApp.
What is the difference between bulk SMS, email and WhatsApp?
This table compares bulk SMS with email and WhatsApp, showing factors that make each one unique for various use cases.
| Metric | SMS | ||
| Message delivery speed | Instant (within seconds) | Varies; typically within minutes | Instant (within seconds) |
| Open rates | 98% | 20-25% | 99% |
| Click-Through Rates (CTR) | 19% | 2-5% | 25-40% |
| Read receipts & delivery reports | Delivery reports available; read receipts not standard | Limited; depends on email client | Both delivery and read receipts are available |
| Engagement rate | High; 90% read within 3 minutes | Moderate; varies by content and audience | Very high; interactive and conversational |
| Cost per Message | $0.25–$0.50 per message | $10–$50/month for thousands of emails | Free (app); $0.005–$0.05 per conversation via API |
| Reach & accessibility | Universal; works on all mobile phones without internet | Requires internet and an active email address | 2.7B users; requires internet and opt-in |
| Message length limitations | 160 characters per SMS; longer messages split | No strict limit; can be lengthy | Up to 65,536 characters |
| Multimedia support | Limited; MMS supports images/videos, but at a higher cost | Rich media support (images, videos, attachments) | Rich media support (images, videos, documents) |
| Personalisation capabilities | Basic, limited to text and merge tags | Advanced, dynamic content and segmentation | Advanced, personalised messages and chatbots |
| Automation & scheduling | Supported via APIs and platforms | Extensive automation tools are available | Supported via Business API and third-party tools |
| User opt-in/opt-out rules | Strict; requires explicit consent and easy opt-out | Regulated; must provide unsubscribe option | Strict; users must opt in and can block senders |
| Integration with tools/CRMs | Available; integrates with various systems via APIs | Extensive; integrates with most CRMs and marketing platforms | Available via Business API and third-party integrations |
| Reliability & deliverability | High; messages delivered directly to devices | Variable; subject to spam filters and deliverability issues | High; messages are delivered if the user is online and has the app |
| Use cases | OTPs, alerts, reminders, promotions, transactional messages | Newsletters, detailed updates, promotions | Customer support, personalised offers, and catalogues |
| Regulatory compliance | Subject to telecom regulations, requires consent | Subject to email marketing laws (e.g., CAN-SPAM, GDPR) | Subject to messaging app policies and data protection laws |
| Branding possibilities | Limited; sender ID and message content | Extensive templates, visuals, and formatting | Wide, Verified business profiles, rich media messages |
| Scalability | High; suitable for mass messaging | High; suitable for large campaigns | Moderate; depends on API usage and user opt-in |
| Customer expectations | Quick, concise messages | Detailed information, newsletters | Interactive, conversational engagement |
| Two-Way Communication | Limited; primarily one-way | Limited; replies are possible but not immediate | Yes; real-time chats and responses |
How to implement or use bulk SMS
There are three ways to implement or use bulk SMS. Whether you’re a marketer, a business owner, or a developer, there’s a way for you to get started.
Method #1: Via a web portal (NO-CODE)
A web portal is your best bet if you don’t want to deal with code or tech setups. Here’s how to use a web portal to send bulk SMS:
- Sign up with a bulk SMS service provider, such as SMSCountry, TextMagic, or any platform that suits your region and needs.
- Add your audience. Upload your contact list using a CSV or Excel file.
- Want to be extra efficient? You can even tag your contacts into “new customers” or “high spenders”, or other segments.
- Write your message. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Personalisation helps a lot here, so if your tool supports merge tags, use the customer’s name or last order number to add that human touch.
- Choose a sender ID (this is what your customers see as the message sender). And in many cases, you can customise it to show your brand name (though in some regions, like the DLT requirement in India, you might need to register it first).
- Hit send immediately, or schedule the message for later — super handy for campaigns and reminders.
- Finally, check your delivery reports. You’ll access useful data like delivery rates, failed numbers, and click-throughs if you send links. Based on that, tweak your next messages and keep improving.
Method #2: Using an API (For Developers)
Now, if you’re more technical and want complete control, here’s how you can use an SMS API:
- Sign up with an SMS provider that offers an API, like SMSCountry API.
- Once you’re in, generate your API credentials, usually an API key and secret. You might also need to define a sender ID here, like in the portal method.
- Next, integrate it with your tools and CRMs. You can use any programming language — Python, JavaScript, PHP, whatever you’re comfortable with.
- Write and send your message.
- After you send, ensure you capture the API response. It’ll tell you if the message was successfully sent or if something went wrong, like an invalid number or an expired token.
- Set up retries or logging failed attempts so you don’t miss out on anything critical.
Method #3: via a plugin (for WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, etc.)
If you run an online store or website, there’s a plugin you can use for bulk SMS, and setting it up is surprisingly easy.
- Go to your platform’s plugin store and search for SMS tools like “WP SMS” or “Twilio SMS Notifications.”
- Install one (you’ll just need to plug in your API key and choose your settings).
- These plugins usually come with ready-made triggers, so you can send SMS automatically when someone registers, places an order, or needs a shipping update.
- Customise the message templates using shortcodes like {{name}} or {{order_id}}, which makes your texts more personal and relevant.
- Now that you’re set up, do a few test runs. Send sample messages to yourself or your team and verify that everything works as expected.
- Once it’s tested, you’re ready to go live.
This works for e-commerce, big stores, websites, and other businesses that need bulk SMS marketing and promos.
We created multiple guides on how to install and activate different plugins:
- How to Use SMSCountry E-Commerce Plugin to Increase Cart Checkout Rates
- How to Set Up and Use SMSCountry Excel SMS Plugin to Send SMS
- How to integrate SMSCountry SMS plugin in Magento: A Step-by-step guide
- How To Set Up And Use SMSCountry Tally Accounting SMS Plugin: A Complete Guide
- How to Integrate SMSCountry WooCommerce SMS Plugin in WordPress: A Step-By-Step Guide
What is bulk SMS marketing?
Bulk SMS marketing is when you send promotional or informational text messages to a large group of people at once, usually your customers, leads, or subscribers.
The goal? To promote offers, drive engagement, boost sales, or simply update your audience.
Marketing messages are short (usually 160 characters), straight to the point, and can be personalised with the recipient’s name, location, or previous purchase.
Whether it’s a flash sale, a new launch, or a gentle reminder, bulk SMS marketing helps you reach your audience instantly, right where they are, on their phone screens.
Why is bulk SMS marketing effective?
Here are the key reasons why bulk SMS does well when used for marketing:
- Fast delivery and instant visibility
- Impressive high open rates (98%)
- Memorable and concise messaging
- Great for mobile-first audiences
- Highly targeted and personalised
- Cost-effective with big ROI
- Trackable and measurable results
- Supports automation and scheduling
- Facilitates two-way communication
1. Lightning-fast delivery and instant visibility
The moment you hit “Send,” your SMS starts zipping through the air — and within seconds, it lands on your customers’ phones. No email clutter, no promotions tab, no waiting for your recipient to log into an app. This speed makes SMS ideal for urgent alerts, flash sales, or time-sensitive offers.
2. Incredibly high open rates
Let’s face it — we all ignore a bunch of emails, right? But when your phone buzzes with a message, you almost always check it. SMS has a 98% open rate, usually within the first 3 minutes. In other words, an SMS is a sure shot if you want your message to be seen.
3. Memorable and concise messaging
There’s beauty in keeping it short. You’re limited to 160 characters with SMS, so you’re forced to cut the fluff. That means your message gets to the point faster and sticks better. It’s perfect for offers, discounts, and quick updates without a novel explanation.
4. Great for mobile-first audiences
In a world where most people live on their phones — from scrolling reels to booking cabs — SMS feels native. Installing apps, updating software, or having Wi-Fi is unnecessary. If someone has a phone, they can get your message. Simple as that.
5. Highly targeted and personalised
Modern SMS tools let you segment your audience and personalise your messages. So instead of blasting the same thing to everyone, you can say: “Hey, Alex, here’s 20% off your favourite sneakers!” That relevancy leads to higher response rates and a better customer experience.
6. Cost-effective with big ROI
Bulk SMS is surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to traditional or paid digital ads. You’re paying pennies per message, but reaching people directly and instantly. That combination makes it one of the best-performing channels in terms of ROI.
7. Trackable and measurable results
Most SMS platforms, like SMSCountry, give you delivery reports, link click data, opt-outs, and more. So you can see what’s working and what’s not, in real-time. That’s gold when you want to optimise campaigns or A/B test different messages.
8. Supports automation and scheduling
Want to send a birthday wish with a discount at midnight? Or remind users of an upcoming appointment without lifting a finger? Bulk SMS API allows for automation, triggers, and scheduling, making it easy to run personalised campaigns without manual work.
9. Facilitates two-way communication
With 2-way SMS, you can converse with your customers. You can ask customers for feedback, confirmations, or even run quick polls. It’s a great way to keep your communication human and engaging.
Let’s compare SMS marketing with Email and WhatsApp marketing.
| Feature | SMS Marketing | Email Marketing | WhatsApp Marketing |
| Message delivery speed | Instant delivery; messages are typically read within 90 seconds. | Varies; emails may be read within hours or days. | Instant delivery; messages are usually read promptly. |
| Open rates | Approximately 98% open rate. | Around 20% open rate. | Approximately 98% open rate. |
| Click-Through Rates (CTR) | Approximately 29% conversion rate. | Around 15.2% conversion rate. | 25–40% click-through rate. |
| Cost | $0.01–$0.05 per message. | $10–$50/month for thousands of emails. | Free for basic use; $0.005–$0.05 per 24-hour conversation via Business API. |
| Message length | Limited to 160 characters. | No strict limit; allows for detailed content. | Supports longer messages. |
| Multimedia support | Limited; MMS allows images/videos but at a higher cost. | Full support for images, videos, and attachments. | Full support for images, videos, and documents. |
| User engagement | High engagement due to immediacy. | Moderate engagement; depends on content quality. | High engagement with interactive features. |
| Personalisation | Basic personalisation (e.g., name insertion). | Advanced personalisation with dynamic content. | Advanced personalisation with conversational context. |
| Automation & scheduling | Supports automation and scheduling. | Extensive automation and scheduling capabilities. | Supports automation via chatbots and scheduling. |
| Opt-in/opt-out rules | It requires explicit opt-in; it must provide an opt-out option. | Requires opt-in; must provide unsubscribe option. | Requires opt-in; users can block or report messages. |
| Deliverability | High deliverability; minimal spam filtering. | Subject to spam filters; deliverability can vary. | High deliverability; messages sent to active users. |
| Regulatory compliance | Governed by laws like GDPR and CAN-SPAM, strict compliance is required. | Governed by laws like GDPR and CAN-SPAM, compliance is necessary. | Governed by privacy laws, compliance with platform policies is required. |
| Trust Factor | High trust; messages come from recognised numbers. | Variable trust; emails can be perceived as spam. | High trust; messages come from known contacts. |
| Reach | Universal reach; works on all mobile phones. | Broad reach; depends on email access and internet connectivity. | Limited to WhatsApp users; requires internet access. |
| Two-Way communication | Limited; primarily one-way communication. | Limited responses may not be immediate. | Strong two-way communication with real-time chats. |
| Best for | Urgent alerts, reminders, and time-sensitive promotions. | Newsletters, detailed updates, and formal communications. | Customer support, interactive promotions, and conversational marketing. |
Now, you know why bulk wins. Let’s now talk about what you’ll gain when you use bulk SMS for marketing.
What are the benefits of bulk SMS marketing?
Here are the perks of bulk SMS marketing:
- Fast message delivery
- Exceptionally high open rates
- Wide audience reach (no internet needed)
- Cost-effective for all business sizes
- Easy to personalise messages
- Supports automation and scheduling
- High engagement and response rates
- Works well with other marketing channels
- Instant performance tracking
- Simple opt-in/opt-out compliance
1. Lightning-fast message delivery
Bulk SMS gets your message across in seconds. Unlike emails that may sit unread or push notifications that get ignored, SMS is direct and usually lands instantly in your customer’s pocket.
2. Exceptionally high open rates
SMS boasts an open rate of around 98%. That means your audience reads your messages 98 times out of every 100 messages you send. Compared to email’s average of 20%, it’s clear why marketers are shifting their focus to SMS.
3. Wide audience reach (no internet needed)
One of the biggest perks? It works on any phone—smartphone or not—and doesn’t need internet access. Perfect for reaching users in low-connectivity areas or those who don’t use smartphones frequently.
4. Cost-effective for all business sizes
Bulk SMS is incredibly budget-friendly. You can reach thousands of users for the cost of a coffee. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, you can scale your campaigns without burning a hole in your pocket.
5. Easy to personalise messages
Even though SMS has a 160-character limit, you can still personalise each message with names, locations, or custom fields. That little touch of personalisation increases trust and response.
6. Supports automation and scheduling
You can schedule messages to go out at the perfect time and even automate recurring messages—like appointment reminders, payment alerts, or promotional blasts.
7. High engagement and response rates
Since messages are short, timely, and personal, users are more likely to engage—whether it’s clicking a link, replying, or redeeming an offer. The simplicity of SMS keeps users focused.
8. Works well with other marketing channels
SMS plays well with others. You can use it to remind users to check an email, confirm a purchase, or follow up on a WhatsApp conversation. It’s a strong sidekick to your overall marketing strategy.
9. Instant performance tracking
Most bulk SMS platforms give you real-time stats, like delivery reports, open rates, and link clicks. This means you can tweak campaigns on the fly and get better results.
10. Simple opt-in/opt-out compliance
Staying compliant is easy. Users can subscribe or unsubscribe with just one word, and you can manage consent without juggling complex privacy policies.
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.
Congratulations on sending your first bulk SMS!
Now you know what a bulk SMS is and you have seen how simple, fast, and reliable SMSCountry is. You can speak to our support team to learn more.
You can also read about the best bulk SMS providers or about the best OTP SMS providers on our blog.
If you want to request a demo, feel free to contact us, and we’d be happy to help.
Is bulk SMS still worth it in 2025?
The answer is “Yes”.
If you want your message seen fast, opened almost every time, and acted on without distractions, bulk SMS is the channel that gets you straight to your customer’s hand.
It’s affordable. It works without the internet. And it doesn’t care if your customer uses the latest iPhone or a decade-old Nokia 3310. Everyone gets your SMS. Everyone reads your SMS.
That’s why smart businesses—from local salons to global brands—keep coming back to SMS. Because when it comes to real-time reach, nothing else comes close.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to start. Bulk SMS fits right into your flow, whether you’re using a web portal, plugging it into your CRM, or using an API to run things on autopilot.
And, in a world full of noise, you will be heard, loud and clear.
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.
Can I send bulk SMS for free?
Yes. There are ways you can send bulk SMS for free, but there’s going to be a limit on it. For instance, with SMSCountry, you can only send free bulk SMS worth 10 credits.
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 SMSCountry.
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.
Is there an app to send free SMS?
You can use SMSCountry’s mobile app to send free SMS worth 10 SMS credits. To get these free credits, all you have to do is start your free trial and request the free credits.
What is SMS called now?
SMS stands for Short Messaging Service, but people also refer to it as “texting’ or “chatting”.
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.
