Picture this: A retail store runs a weekend sale. It puts up posters, posts on social media, and emails loyal customers. But sales remain lukewarm. Then, they send a single bulk SMS to 5000 customers – “50% OFF only today. Show this text at checkout.” Within hours, footfall triples.
That’s the real power behind mass texting services. This article unpacks exactly how to send mass texts to customers effectively, explaining bulk SMS texting, USSD, SMPP, and why brands like SMSala and Africala remain top choices for global campaigns.
What is Mass Texting?
Mass texting is sending a single text message to thousands of recipients instantly through a mass texting service. Unlike group texting on personal phones, it uses dedicated SMS platforms connected via APIs or SMPP gateways to handle scale without delays or bans.
Benefits of Mass Texting Service
Direct Reach
Text messages land directly in the phone’s notification bar. Unlike emails that sit unread in spam folders, SMS has a 98% open rate (source: Gartner) within 3 minutes of delivery.
High Engagement
Bulk SMS texting yields click-through rates between 19%–30%, far higher than email marketing (source: SMS Comparison). This immediacy drives fast conversions.
Cost-Effective
Sending mass texts costs less than a few cents per message. Compared to paid ads, it’s cheaper with a better ROI, especially for local stores, clinics, religious organisations, and political campaigns.
Universal Compatibility
Whether it’s a feature phone in rural Ghana or an iPhone in Tokyo, SMS works everywhere without the need for internet or apps.
USSD and SMPP: The Backbone of Mass Texting
What is USSD?
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) enables instant, session-based communication between customers and networks. Dialing codes like *123# for checking balance are examples. Many brands use USSD alongside SMS for airtime recharge or interactive promotions.
Example: A betting company lets users top up accounts by dialing 456PIN#. It complements mass texting by giving recipients a direct action channel.
What is SMPP?
SMPP (Short Message Peer-to-Peer) is a protocol used by telecoms and SMS aggregators to exchange SMS messages at scale. If mass texting is a highway, SMPP is the paved tarmac that ensures smooth traffic flow for thousands of messages per second.
Brands like SMSala and Africala integrate SMPP to deliver millions of messages globally with high throughput and low latency.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Mass Texts to Customers
Step 1: Choose a Mass Texting Service
Select a provider with proven reliability. Look for features like API integration, delivery reports, contact management, and SMPP access. SMSala and Africala are leaders in this space, powering mass texting for banks, hospitals, and e-commerce platforms.
Step 2: Import Your Contact List
Upload your opt-in customer database in CSV or Excel format. Ensure data cleanliness to avoid failed deliveries or compliance issues.
Step 3: Draft Your Message
Keep it short (160 characters), actionable, and personalised if possible.
✅ Example:
“Hi James, your appointment is tomorrow at 10 AM. Reply YES to confirm.”
Step 4: Schedule or Send Instantly
Use the dashboard to schedule messages for optimal times (e.g., retail promos between 9 AM – 11 AM). For urgent alerts, send instantly.
Step 5: Analyse Reports
Review delivery rates, failures, and customer responses. Refine future campaigns based on these insights.
Key Features to Look for in a Mass Texting Service
- Delivery Reports: For transparency on message status.
- API & SMPP Integration: For developers needing automation at scale.
- Two-Way Messaging: To receive customer replies directly.
- Personalisation Tags: Insert customer names for higher engagement.
- Compliance Support: Automatic opt-out management to meet regulations.
Compliance and Opt-In Rules for SMS Campaigns
Globally, SMS marketing is regulated to protect customers from spam.
Key Rules:
✅ Always obtain explicit opt-in consent before adding contacts.
✅ Include clear opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
✅ Respect time restrictions – avoid sending promotional texts late at night.
✅ Store consent records securely to comply with GDPR or local data laws.
Failing compliance can result in heavy fines or carrier bans.
Real-World Case Studies
Retail: Boosting Sales in Nigeria
A supermarket chain in Lagos partnered with Africala to launch weekend flash sales via mass texting service. Over three weekends:
- Messages Sent: 120,000
- Open Rate: 99%
- Conversion Rate: 17% (customers showing SMS for discount)
- Revenue Increase: 24% compared to non-SMS weekends
Healthcare: Appointment Reminders in Kenya
A clinic integrated SMSala’s API to send automated appointment reminders. Missed appointments dropped by 40%, increasing operational efficiency.
Banking: USSD + SMS for Account Access in India
A rural bank offered USSD codes for balance checks and used mass texting to educate customers. This reduced branch queues by 33%, enhancing service delivery.
Why Brands Choose SMSala and Africala
Both SMSala and Africala have earned trust globally for:
- Robust Infrastructure: SMPP support for high-volume messaging.
- Global Reach: Connections with local operators across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates even for startups and NGOs.
- 24/7 Support: Teams assist with integration, campaigns, and compliance queries.
- Innovative Features: USSD menu setups, two-way SMS, and campaign analytics under one platform.
Their services simplify how brands connect with customers at scale, from OTPs and marketing campaigns to interactive USSD banking solutions.
Final Thoughts
Mass texting isn’t just another marketing tool; it’s a direct line into your customer’s everyday life. While ads can be skipped and emails ignored, a well-timed SMS cuts through digital noise with unmatched clarity.
By understanding USSD, SMPP, and bulk SMS texting, and partnering with trusted providers like SMSala and Africala, brands unlock faster sales, better engagement, and operational efficiency in any sector.
Ready to reach your customers today? Start by choosing a mass texting service that prioritises delivery, compliance, and customer support – because in business, seconds matter.
FAQs
Q1: How many SMS can I send per second using SMPP?
Top providers like SMSala and Africala handle thousands of SMS per second using SMPP connections, ideal for large enterprises and telecoms.
Q2: Can I use USSD for mass messaging?
No. USSD is session-based and interactive, while SMS is push-based for outbound notifications. However, combining both enhances customer journeys.
Q3: Is mass texting expensive?
Not compared to traditional ads. SMS costs as low as $0.01–$0.05 per message, depending on destination and volume.
Q4: Can we use Bulk SMS Texting in Kenya?
Yes, you can use Bulk SMS Kenya services to send promotional, transactional, and alert messages to your customers quickly and affordably.