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SMS Campaign Setup Guide

This guide walks you through the process of setting up SMS campaigns in SendSquared, from choosing phone numbers to implementing opt-in strategies.

Step 1: Select Your SMS Numbers​

Before launching SMS campaigns, you need to determine which phone numbers to use:

  • Decide which number(s) you want to use for sending and receiving SMS messages
  • Consider whether you'll use existing numbers or set up new ones
  • SendSquared will enable texting capabilities for your selected numbers
tip

Using local area codes that match your business location can improve response rates.

Step 2: Register Your Brand and Campaign​

To ensure high deliverability rates and prevent your messages from being flagged as spam, you'll need to register a brand and campaign with mobile carriers:

Registration Requirements​

You'll need to provide the following information:

  • Legal Business Name
  • Legal Business Address
  • EIN or registered tax ID
  • Type of Incorporation:
    • Private Company
    • Non-Profit
    • Government
    • Sole Proprietorship
    • Other (specify)
  • Contact information for the registered entity (email, phone, etc.)

Registration Costs​

  • One-time setup fee: $100 for brand registration
  • Monthly fee: $10/month to keep the campaign active

Campaign Volume​

The standard campaign supports sending up to 2,000 messages per day. If you anticipate higher volume, you'll need to upgrade to a higher-level campaign.

Step 3: Plan Your SMS Workflow​

Before launching, establish your operational SMS strategy:

  • Determine who will be responsible for answering incoming texts
  • Establish business hours for SMS communications
  • Set target response time expectations
  • Decide which platforms will be used for managing SMS:
    • Desktop version of SendSquared
    • SendSquared Inbox mobile app (available for Android and iOS)

SMS Pricing​

  • Inbound & outbound SMS: $0.024 per message
  • MMS (multimedia messages): $0.045 per message

Step 4: Implement Opt-In Strategies​

Each contact must message your number first to opt in before you can send them marketing messages. SendSquared provides an automatic response template for opt-ins.

Consider the following approaches to encourage opt-ins:

  • Email Integration: Include opt-in instructions in all emails, such as: "If you would like to receive text messages about your upcoming stay, please text START to [your number]."

  • On-Property Materials: Place collateral in units or common areas with opt-in information, such as framed instructions at the front desk or in each rental unit.

  • Website Integration: Work with your web developer to add messaging on your website, such as: "Please text [your number] if you have any questions or to receive updates about your upcoming stay."

note

The automatic opt-in response message can be customized under Templates → SMS Templates. You can add to the existing message, but do not remove the required compliance language.

Step 5: Create Web Forms with SMS Opt-In​

Enhance your opt-in collection by adding SMS consent to your web forms:

  • Work with your web team and SendSquared to add forms with an opt-in checkbox
  • Include clear messaging such as: "If you would like to start receiving text messages, please enter your number and select the box to subscribe to SMS."
  • Ensure the form data syncs properly with SendSquared

Step 6: Consider SMS Website Chat​

For additional SMS functionality, consider implementing SMS website chat:

  • This feature allows website visitors to initiate text conversations directly from your website
  • If this feature is not included in your current contract, contact your SendSquared customer success representative and sales representative

Best Practices for SMS Campaigns​

Compliance​

  • Always honor opt-out requests immediately
  • Include clear instructions for opting out in your messages
  • Keep records of opt-ins and opt-outs

Content​

  • Keep messages concise and valuable
  • Personalize messages when possible
  • Be mindful of timing and frequency
  • Avoid sending messages during early morning or late evening hours

Response Management​

  • Set up auto-responses for after-hours inquiries
  • Train all staff who will be responding to SMS messages
  • Establish consistent tone and voice guidelines