Spam SMS messages are often sent in bulk SMS sends, but not all bulk SMS sends are spam. Spam refers to texts that violate any current and prevailing regulations and guidelines, namely consent. Also known as text blasts or mass texting, bulk texting involves sending the same message to multiple recipients simultaneously, typically using bulk SMS software.
Text blasts can be an effective form of enterprise communication when implemented correctly. By understanding the difference between spam and mass texts, you will be better equipped to send texts that won’t be flagged and blocked by carriers. You can also take various measures to send bulk SMS messages without spamming your recipients.
What Are Bulk SMS Messages?
Bulk SMS messages are typically once-off texts that businesses send to larger mailing lists. This approach aims to reach a large number of recipients in a short amount of time. As a result, many companies use mass texting to inform their customers, patients, students or clients with pertinent information about offers, appointment reminders, late fee notices, order status, emergency alerts and any other business–related messages.
Due to their nature, text blasts are ideal for sending promotional content or ads separate from ongoing campaigns. They’re also great for sending updates, such as extended operating hours. Additionally, bulk texts are cost-effective to implement, as each SMS is mere pennies to send and there’s no need for special graphics or flashy images, since an SMS is text-only.
What Are Spam SMS Messages?
Spam SMS messages are texts that are unwanted as the recipients haven’t given their consent to be contacted. Legitimate businesses that haven’t received authorization might send spam SMS messages in an attempt to reach a large audience and market their product or service. These messages are a nuisance as receivers are inundated with unsolicited messages.
However, scammers also send spam SMS messages, often aiming to steal money or personal information.
Also known as phishing texts, these kinds of spam messages can have detrimental outcomes for recipients. For example, in 2022, text scams resulted in $330 million in losses in the United States. Organizations such as the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA) and regulations from the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the CAN-SPAM Act and Australia’s Spam Act 2003 protect recipients. With scam texts on the rise, regulations that crack down on illegal messaging tactics continue to evolve, such as the introduction of 10dlc.
A common tactic scammers use is to trick targets into clicking on a link and sharing personal information, including passwords, Social Security numbers and banking information. As spam messages often claim that recipients have won a prize to entice them to take action, carriers flag the following keywords:
- Free
- Winner
- Prize
- Click now
The Difference Between Spam SMS and Bulk SMS
Let’s take a closer look at the difference between spam SMS and bulk SMS messages.
|
|
Bulk SMS |
|
Spam SMS |
| Consent | The sender has acquired written consent from recipients. | The sender is texting unsolicited SMS messages to recipients. | |
| Sender ID | The “from” address points to an identifiable sender. | The “from” address features an unidentifiable sender or a misleading company name. | |
| Sender-recipient relationship |
The sender has a previous business or organizational relationship with the recipient. | The sender purchased a contact list. | |
| Opt-out instructions | Text messages include clear opt-out instructions. | Text messages include no opt-out instructions. | |
| Message content | Text messages feature reliable and relatable content for recipients. | Text messages request personal information from recipients or make claims about their personal information. Often has misspellings or sporadic special characters. | |
| Regulations | Carriers won’t block these messages if regulations are followed. | More and more regulations are being put into place that will block and fine senders. |
How to Send Bulk SMS Without Spamming
You should avoid sending messages that your customers could perceive as spam. Beyond being frustrating for those on the receiving end, unintentional spamming or scam-like messages will lead to carriers blocking your texts—even if you have good intentions. Along with understanding what constitutes spam and abiding by the relevant regulations, there are additional measures you can take to successfully use bulk SMS messages to quickly share valuable information with your entire contact list or a large number of your subscribers.
Here’s how to send bulk SMS to recipients:
- Consent: One of the most vital steps to take is gaining customers’ consent before you message them. Along with being essential to staying compliant, receiving permission from recipients may result in a lower unsubscribe rate—high rates can also lead to carriers blocking your texts. You should also always have an unsubscribe option.
- Personalization: Another potential reason for a blockage is repeatedly sending the same message without variation. Even if you are communicating with multiple recipients simultaneously, address them by name. You should also ensure the content is tailored to be relevant to as many recipients as possible. You can personalize messages even further by customizing your sender ID.
- Conversational ratio: Carriers view a ratio of incoming to outgoing texts higher than 1:3 as a red flag. To encourage responses, you can ask recipients for feedback or include questions.
- Links: Messages that feature unrecognizable, shortened links using shortening services like Bitly will likely be flagged. If you need to include a link, only use branded shortened URLs.
- Sending frequency: Sending too many messages in a short period could lead to a violation. Be cautious of your sending rate and space out your messages wisely.
Send Bulk SMS Messages With Red Oxygen
If you want to send mass texts without accidentally being flagged as spam, Red Oxygen is here to help. Our bulk SMS software is convenient to set up and use, with ways to personalize for even better delivery results. You can also upload data from a .csv spreadsheet, store templates for messages you regularly send out, and schedule text sends for future dates.
To experience mass texting made easy, request a demo today!
