How to Send Bulk SMS: Unlocking the Path to $10,000s in Revenue

Sending a message and having it actually seen is the holy grail of marketing. Yet, many businesses still pour resources into channels where their messages drown in a sea of noise. Imagine if 98% of your messages were opened almost instantly – that’s the power you might be overlooking.

This guide will show you how to effectively send bulk SMS messages. We’ll cover:

• Understanding bulk SMS and its powerful benefits.
• A step-by-step process from list building to campaign analysis.
• Navigating the crucial legal and compliance landscape.

Step-by-Step Process to Send Bulk SMS

Successfully sending bulk text messages involves more than just hitting “send.” It’s a systematic process that ensures your SMS communications are effective, compliant, and achieve your business goals. Let’s break it down.

1. Build Your SMS Subscriber List

The foundation of any successful bulk SMS campaign is a quality list of subscribers who have explicitly agreed to receive your text messages. Without consent, you risk hefty fines and damaging your brand reputation by being perceived as spam.

You can gather phone numbers through various opt-in methods:

• Keyword-Based Opt-Ins

Encourage users to text a specific keyword to a dedicated number to join your SMS list. This method works well because it ties the keyword directly to a specific campaign, making it easier for users to remember. For example, a user could text “SALE” to a number to sign up for a discount promotion, keeping the process quick and memorable.

• Interactive Pop-Up Forms

Pop-up forms on your website are a great way to capture SMS opt-ins at the right moment. Platforms like Alia can help you display attention-grabbing popups that invites users to sign up for exclusive offers, discounts, or content. These forms should be simple, relevant, and easy to dismiss for a seamless experience.

• Checkout Opt-Ins

Make it easy for customers to opt into SMS updates during the checkout process. You can offer incentives like free shipping or early access to sales for those who sign up. Keep the option clear and optional so customers can make an informed decision without feeling pressured.

• QR Code Sign-Ups

QR codes offer a quick and easy way for customers to opt-in via their smartphones. Place a QR code in stores, on print materials, or online that links to a subscription page. This method is convenient and lets users sign up in just a few clicks.

• Footer Opt-In Forms

Footer forms on your website provide a subtle but consistent opportunity for users to opt in for SMS updates. These forms are always accessible at the bottom of each page, ensuring that users can subscribe at any point without interrupting their browsing experience.

• Checkbox Opt-In During Account Creation or Checkout

At the checkout stage or when creating an account, include an opt-in checkbox for users to subscribe to SMS updates. Make it optional, ensuring that customers have full control over their decision. Provide clarity around the frequency of messages and any potential costs to maintain transparency.

Compliance is key. Always clearly state what users are signing up for, how often they can expect messages, and how they can opt-out. Vague language is a common mistake.

BTW, TxtCart ensures full compliance by seamlessly including clear opt-out instructions (e.g., “STOP to opt-out”) in every message. This not only meets legal requirements but also builds trust with your customers by respecting their preferences and making it easy to unsubscribe at any time.

Read Next:

• The Complete SMS Opt-in Playbook for 2025: Tips & Examples
• 15 Ways to Grow Your SMS List (No One Talks About #3)

2. Choose the Right SMS Marketing Platform

Not all bulk SMS service providers are created equal. The right SMS platform will simplify your workflow, offer robust features, and integrate seamlessly with your existing tools.

Here’s your evaluation framework with specific questions to ask:

Feature	What to Look For	Red Flags to Avoid
Ease of Use	Drag-and-drop campaign builder, template library, one-click automation setup	Complex setup requiring developer help, confusing interface, no tutorials
Segmentation	Dynamic segments that update automatically, behavioral triggers, purchase-based filters	Only basic demographic filters, manual list management, no real-time updates
Automation	Pre-built flows for cart abandonment, welcome series, win-back campaigns	Limited triggers, no conditional logic, requires manual campaign sends
Analytics	Revenue attribution, conversion tracking, A/B testing capabilities	Vanity metrics only, no ROI tracking, delayed reporting
Compliance	Automatic opt-out handling, consent management, audit trails	Manual compliance processes, unclear legal protections
Integration	Native e-commerce platform connection, real-time data sync	Basic API only, delayed data updates, limited platform support
Two-Way Messaging	Conversation management, automated responses	Can customers reply and get meaningful responses?

Platform Evaluation Checklist:

• Can you set up a cart abandonment flow in under 10 minutes?
• Does it show revenue attribution for each campaign?
• Can you segment customers who bought Product A but not Product B?
• Does it handle opt-outs automatically within 60 seconds?

If you’re running a Shopify store, TxtCart checks all these boxes with native Shopify integration, Conversational AI, advanced segmentation, and built-in compliance tools. Our platform is specifically designed for e-commerce, making it easy to set up cart recovery flows and promotional campaigns that actually convert—without the technical headaches of generic bulk SMS software!

Read Next:

• Why TxtCart Is the Best Shopify SMS Marketing App for Your Store
• How to Get the Most Out of TxtCart for SMS Marketing

3. Segment Your Audience

Sending the same message to everyone on your list is a recipe for low engagement and high opt-out rates. Smart segmentation transforms generic bulk texts into precision-targeted communications that actually convert.

The Strategic Segmentation Framework

Effective segmentation goes beyond basic demographics. Here’s how to build segments that drive measurable results:

Customer Value-Based Segmentation:

Segment	Criteria	Message Strategy
High-Value Customers	5+ purchases, $1000+ LTV, recent activity	Exclusive previews, VIP access, premium offers
Repeat Customers	3-4 purchases, $500+ LTV, consistent engagement	New product launches, loyalty rewards
Growth Prospects	2-3 purchases, high AOV, moderate engagement	Upsell campaigns, educational content
First-Time Buyers	1 purchase, recent acquisition	Welcome series, second purchase incentives
Inactive Customers	Previous customers, 60+ days inactive	Win-back campaigns, special offers

Engagement-Based Segmentation:

Engagement Level	Behavior Pattern	Message Frequency	Content Strategy
Highly Engaged	Opens 80%+ of messages, frequent clicks	3-4x per week	Exclusive content, first access to sales
Moderately Engaged	Opens 40-80% of messages	2x per week	Mix of promotions and value-add content
Low Engagement	Opens 10-40% of messages	1x per week	High-value offers, re-engagement campaigns
Dormant	Opens <10% or no recent activity	1x per month	Win-back campaigns, preference center

Location-Based Segmentation:

• Local Weather Integration: “Perfect weather for outdoor gear this weekend!”
• Regional Events: “Get ready for [local festival] with our summer collection”
• Shipping Optimization: “Free same-day delivery in [city]”
• Time Zone Optimization: Automatic sending based on recipient’s local time

BTW, TxtCart’s smart customer segmentation allows you to filter audiences by purchase behavior, engagement levels, cart status, and contact history—showing exact subscriber counts for each segment. You can combine multiple criteria (like “abandoned cart + texted more than once + high-value customer”) to create hyper-targeted campaigns with consistently higher engagement rates.

Read Next: What is SMS Segmentation, Best Practices & Examples

4. Craft Compelling SMS Messages

With SMS, brevity is key. You have a limited message length (typically 160 characters for a standard SMS, though some platforms allow more by splitting messages) to grab attention and inspire action.

Your message content determines whether subscribers take action or hit delete. Here’s how to write SMS messages that consistently drive results.

The Psychology-Driven Message Framework

The AIDA-SMS Formula:

• Attention: Hook them in the first 10 characters
• Interest: Present clear value proposition
• Desire: Create emotional connection or urgency
• Action: Specific, compelling call-to-action

Example Breakdown: “🔥 FLASH SALE: 50% off bestsellers! Only 6 hours left. Shop now: [link] Reply STOP to opt-out”

• Attention: Fire emoji + “FLASH SALE”
• Interest: “50% off bestsellers”
• Desire: “Only 6 hours left” (urgency)
• Action: “Shop now: [link]”

Character Count Optimization:

• Ideal Length: 120-140 characters (leaves room for personalization)
• Critical Information: Front-load the most important details. For example, if you’re offering a discount, you should lead with the offer, like “Get 30% off today!”
• Link Placement: Always at the end to prevent truncation
• Emoji Usage: 1-2 relevant emojis maximum for visual appeal

Emotional Triggers in SMS:

• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): “Sale ends at midnight – don’t miss out!”
• Social Validation: “Join 10,000+ happy customers who love [product]”
• Personal Achievement: “You’ve earned VIP status! Enjoy exclusive perks”
• Problem-Solution: “Tired of [problem]? Our [product] is the solution”

Example: Cart Abandonment Recovery:

Message #	Timing	Template
Message 1	1 hour	“Hi [Name], you left [Product] in your cart. Complete your order: [link]”
Message 2	24 hours	“Still thinking about [Product]? Get 10% off if you order today: [link]”
Message 3	72 hours	“Last chance! Your [Product] + 15% off expires in 2 hours: [link]”

P.S. TxtCart’s AI copy assistant helps you write high-converting SMS marketing messages in minutes. But TxtCart’s conversational AI makes it even better. When customers reply to your bulk messages with questions, our conversational AI responds instantly with human-like answers drawn from your custom knowledge base.

You can feed our AI information about your products, shipping policies, return procedures, and more. This transforms every bulk SMS into a potential sales conversation—all while being 32x cheaper than human agents.

5. Scheduling and Sending Your Campaigns

Timing can make or break your bulk SMS campaigns. Here’s how to schedule for maximum impact.

Optimal Timing Considerations

Day	Best Times	Avoid These Times	Message Types
Monday	10 AM – 12 PM	6-9 AM, 6-8 PM	Welcome messages, weekly deals
Tuesday-Thursday	12-2 PM, 5-6 PM	9-11 AM	Promotional campaigns, product launches
Friday	11 AM – 1 PM	After 3 PM	Weekend sale announcements
Saturday	10 AM – 2 PM	Before 9 AM, after 8 PM	Flash sales, event reminders
Sunday	12-4 PM	Before 10 AM, after 7 PM	Appointment reminders, week prep

Frequency Best Practices

Too little = missed opportunities. Too much = subscriber fatigue. Just right = consistent engagement.

Frequency Guidelines by Subscriber Type:

Subscriber Segment	Recommended Frequency	Message Types
New Subscribers	2-3x first week, then 1-2x weekly	Welcome series, education, welcome offers
Active Customers	1-2x per week	Promotions, new products, loyal program promotion
VIP Customers	Up to 3x per week	Exclusive offers, previews, updates on loyalty program
Inactive Subscribers	1x per month maximum	Win-back campaigns for customers inactive for 30-45 days

Warning Signs of Subscriber Fatigue:

• Opt-out rates above 2% per campaign
• Declining click-through rates over time
• Increased “STOP” replies or complaints
• Reduced conversion rates despite consistent offers

Looking to optimize your send times? TxtCart’s scheduler lets you set campaigns according to each subscriber’s timezone, ensuring messages arrive at the perfect moment and doesn’t bother customers at inconvenient hours.

Read Next: The Best Time to Send SMS Marketing Messages

Step 6: Ensuring Compliance and Managing Opt-outs

SMS compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting your business and maintaining customer trust.

United States Regulations (TCPA and CTIA)

In the U.S., the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and guidelines from the CTIA (The Wireless Association) are paramount.

• Explicit Consent: You must have express written consent before sending marketing texts. This means the person knowingly agreed to receive messages from you. Records of this consent are essential.
• Opt-Out Mechanisms: Provide a clear and easy way for users to opt-out (e.g., texting “STOP”). This must be processed immediately.
• Timing Restrictions: Generally, avoid sending messages before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in the recipient’s local time.
• Clear Identification: Your business name must be clearly identified in the initial message.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Fines can range from $500 to $1,500 per message sent in violation.

European Union Regulations (GDPR)

For recipients in the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict rules for data privacy and consent.

• Lawful Basis for Processing: Consent is a common lawful basis, and it must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. For example, when a user subscribes to your SMS list, you should ask them to explicitly opt-in by ticking a box that says “I agree to receive marketing messages” (without pre-ticking the box). This ensures the consent is clear and valid under GDPR regulations.
• Right to Access and Erasure: Individuals have the right to access their data and request its deletion.
• Documentation Needs: Maintain records of consent and data processing activities.
• Penalties for Violations: Can be up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher.

Global Best Practices for Compliance

• Transparency: Include your business name in initial messages and clearly state the purpose of communication (promotional offers, order updates, appointment reminders, etc.).
• Purpose Limitation: Only use phone numbers for the purpose for which consent was given. If customers opted in for order notifications, don’t send them promotional messages without separate consent for marketing communications.
• Data Minimization: Collect only the necessary data. For SMS marketing, this typically means phone numbers, names (optional), and consent timestamps. Avoid collecting sensitive information like birthdates, income levels, or personal preferences unless directly relevant to your messaging strategy.
• Record-Keeping: Maintain thorough records of consent and opt-out requests. Document the exact time, date, and method of consent collection, store screenshots of opt-in forms and language used, keep IP addresses and browser information for online opt-ins, and maintain detailed logs of all opt-out requests and processing times.

BTW, TxtCart ensures full compliance by seamlessly including clear opt-out instructions (e.g., “STOP to opt-out”) in every message. This not only meets legal requirements but also builds trust with your customers by respecting their preferences and making it easy to unsubscribe at any time.

Read Next:

• SMS Marketing Compliance 101: A Guide For Shopify Businesses
• TCPA Compliance Guide for SMS Marketing [+ Checklist]

7. Analyze Results and Optimize

The work isn’t over once the SMS is sent. Analyzing campaign performance is crucial for understanding what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve future SMS marketing campaigns.

Key metrics to track:

Metric	Calculation	Specific Improvement Strategies
Delivery Rate	(Total Delivered / Total Sent) × 100	Clean your subscriber list monthly and implement A2P 10DLC registration for better carrier reputation. Use double opt-in processes and partner with SMS providers that have established carrier relationships.
Open Rate	Inferred from CTR and engagement	Optimize send timing based on audience behavior and personalize sender names. Use compelling preview text in the first 20 characters and avoid sending during low-engagement periods.
Click-Through Rate (CTR)	(Total Clicks / Total Delivered) × 100	Use action-oriented language like “Get,” “Claim,” or “Shop” and create urgency with time-sensitive offers. Personalize CTAs based on customer behavior and A/B test placement variations.
Conversion Rate	(Total Conversions / Total Delivered) × 100	Reduce checkout friction with guest options and implement exit-intent popups. Use social proof on landing pages and A/B test different offer types like percentage versus dollar discounts.
ROI Calculation	(Revenue – Campaign Cost) / Campaign Cost	Focus on high-value segments first and implement lifecycle messaging. Use dynamic pricing based on customer lifetime value and automate high-performing campaigns to reduce costs.
List Growth Rate	(New Subscribers / Total Subscribers) × 100 monthly	Offer compelling lead magnets ($15 off) and implement exit-intent popups with SMS opt-ins. Use QR codes in physical locations and create referral programs for existing subscribers.
Opt-Out Rate	(Total Opt-Outs / Total Delivered) × 100	Implement preference centers for frequency control and segment audiences for relevance. Survey departing subscribers and reduce frequency for low-engagement segments while providing

This is where comprehensive analytics become essential for bulk SMS success. TxtCart’s Campaign & Revenue Analytics doesn’t just show you vanity metrics; it helps you quickly identify which message types drive the highest conversions, which customer segments respond best to specific offers, and where you can refine your bulk SMS strategy for even better results.

Pair this with TxtCart’s A/B testing feature that allows you to test messages, CTAs, and offers. You can choose the percentage of audience that receives the test and also choose a winning metric like CTR, conversion rate, unsubscribe rate, etc.

Read Next: SMS Marketing Analytics: 10 SMS Metrics You Cannot Ignore

Ready to Turn Bulk SMS Into Revenue with TxtCart?

You’ve now seen how sending bulk SMS messages effectively is a powerful way to communicate directly with your audience, drive sales, and enhance customer engagement. From building a compliant contact list to crafting compelling copy and analyzing results, each step is crucial.

Here’s what to remember:

• Always prioritize consent and adhere to legal regulations like TCPA and GDPR.
• Segment your audience and personalize your messages for maximum impact.
• Choose the right SMS platform with features that support your goals.
• Continuously track, analyze, and optimize your campaigns for better performance.

Now that you understand the ins and outs of how to send bulk SMS, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. TxtCart offers a seamless solution for Shopify stores, simplifying everything from list growth and segmentation to automation and analytics, ensuring your text messages not only get delivered but also convert.