If you’ve ever picked up your phone within minutes of getting a text from your favorite store, you’ve seen the power of bulk text message services in action.
When it comes to reaching customers quickly and effectively, bulk text messaging stands out as one of the most powerful tools in a marketer’s arsenal. With its unmatched reach and immediate impact, sending text messages enables companies to connect with customers directly and efficiently.
However, with so many options available, picking the right service can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best bulk text message services for 2024, highlighting their features, pricing, and what sets them apart so you can make an informed decision to elevate your marketing efforts.
Ready to get started with bulk text messaging right away? Try Omnisend’s bulk text message software now
Omisend is an ecommerce-focused bulk text message service that combines SMS marketing with email and push notifications. The tool comes with advanced segmentation, automation capabilities, and detailed reporting.
Main features and benefits
Here are Omnisend’s key features:
Omnichannel marketing: You can combine SMS, email, and web push notifications into a single workflow
Automation: Omnisend provides pre-built workflows that you can use out of the box to send automated SMS campaigns to your audience
Global reach: You get global text-only SMS reach to easily sell to international markets
Multiple list-building tools: Omnisend allows you to grow your contact list using signup forms, landing pages, popups, teasers, and more
Pricing information
Omnisend has a free plan with features that include:
500 emails and push notifications each month
Monthly SMS credits available
Pre-built automation and workflows
Popups and signup forms
Unlimited segmentation
Award-winning 24/7 email and live chat support on all plans
Paid plans start from $16/month. For 500 contacts:
Best for businesses focusing only on SMS marketing
Image via Attentive
Attentive is another great mass texting software choice for marketers looking to send personalized campaigns to their audiences. It’s best suited for businesses fully focused on SMS marketing.
Main features and benefits
Some of Attentive’s key features include:
Advanced personalization features: Attentive allows you to segment your audience and send tailored messages through dynamic content
Deliverability tools: Smart Sending and Quiet Hour help optimize your sending time and improve deliverability
Two-way texting: You can use keywords that trigger responses to engage with customers
Pricing information
You’d need to contact Attentive’s sales team for more information on the pricing plan that fits your business.
While discussing SMS marketing platforms, you also might want to consider other Attentive alternatives to make an informed choice.
SMSBump was a top bulk text message service for Shopify and BigCommerce ecommerce platforms. Yotpo acquired the platform and rolled it into its overall offerings.
Yotpo’s SMS marketing feature is more specialized for users who run ecommerce stores.
Main features and benefits
Here are some notable features of this mass texting app:
Dual opt-in options: You get list-building forms, links, keywords, QR codes, etc., for SMS and email marketing audiences
Real-time analytics: Yotpo provides valuable insights to help you track your most important metrics
Waste management engine: Yotpo gives you tools to help you manage your budget and eliminate campaigns that aren’t providing value
Audience manager: You can build segments to target your audience based on various aspects such as behavior, preferences, and demographics
Pricing information
Yotpo offers SMS at $0.0072/SMS billed monthly with a spending commitment. You must contact a sales representative to discuss utilizing the platform.
Textedly is a top bulk text message service for small to medium-sized businesses. It’s a simple, easy-to-use platform with a straightforward web-based interface, suitable for beginners.
Main features and benefits
Here are some of Textedly’s main features:
Custom keywords: You can customize your keywords for different groups to have them sign up for your text marketing campaigns
Scheduled SMS: Textedly has a planner that allows you to set up a single text or bulk text messages to go out at any time and date in the future
Long text messages: Textedly is one of the few mass texting services that allows you to send an SMS with over 455 characters and an MMS of up to 1,600 characters
Drip campaigns: You can turn on this feature and let Textedly send automated messages to your subscribers
Pricing information
Textedly provides a wide range of SMS pricing plans, giving you the flexibility to choose a plan within your budget.
While it doesn’t have a free plan, it does offer a 14-day free trial, during which time you can send up to 50 text messages at no cost.
It also has a number of paid plans available, including:
SendPulse is a bulk text marketing automation tool that allows you to send SMS and email newsletters to your contact list. The platform collaborates with over 1,000 mobile network providers in over 200 countries. It supports Unicode, which allows users to send messages in any language.
Main features and benefits
Some SendPulse key features include:
Multiple marketing channels: Besides SMS and email marketing, you can combine your campaigns with live chat, social media chat, transactional emails, and web push notifications
Scheduled SMS: You can still run your SMS marketing even when you’re not there by scheduling your SMS campaigns for later
Segmentation: With SendPulse, you can make more exciting offers by targeting specific demographic subsets of your audience, e.g., based on age, gender, and interests
Analytics: SendPulse lets you keep tabs on the open, clickthrough, and unsubscribe rates of your SMS messages
Pricing information
This platform does not offer separate pricing plans for SMS campaigns. If you want to send bulk text messages, you’ll need to pay a flat fee that varies by country. In the US, it’s $0.022/SMS.
Best for businesses that want flexible pricing(without a contract)
Image via BulkSMS
Another one of the best bulk text message services is BulkSMS, as the name suggests. It’s a cloud-based SMS gateway provider that allows you to send two-way text message campaigns to your global audience.
Main features and benefits
Some key features that SMSBulk provides include:
Mobile application: BulkSMS offers a mass text app for iOS users alongside the web-based application
Automated opt-out: The platform automatically blocks you from sending messages to customers who have opted out of your SMS list
Long SMS: Send long SMS messages of up to 918 characters (the equivalent of six SMS)
Unicode messages: Send messages in any language, including those requiring special characters, to expand into the global market
Pricing information
BulkSMS uses a pay-as-you-go pricing system. Here, users purchase blocks of message credits that they can use once or over time.
Unlike subscription-based pricing, there are no recurring costs, and your credits don’t expire.
The price of the credits is determined by the total number of SMS messages delivered in the bundle and the location of your recipients.
In the US, if you buy 1,000 credits, you’d be able to send about roughly 1,000 messages, and that would cost you $36.50. You can buy between 200 and 50,000 credits.
Best for businesses that want to start small and scale
Image via SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is a comprehensive text messaging service designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a user-friendly platform with a range of features for SMS marketing campaigns and customer engagement.
Main features and benefits
Autoresponders: Set up automated responses for incoming messages
Scheduled messages: Plan and schedule texts in advance to save time
Contact segmentation: Organize contacts into groups for targeted messaging
Analytics: Track campaign performance with detailed reporting
Pricing information
SimpleTexting offers flexible pricing plans that make it easy for businesses to scale up or down as needed. Users simply pay for the number of credits they anticipate using monthly, starting at $39/month for 500 messages. With that plan, users receive a variety of messaging features, contact management, three user accounts, and live support. If you need additional users or additional numbers, you can add-on these features.
Clickatell is a messaging platform that helps businesses stay connected with customers via SMS, chat, and other channels. It’s designed for high-volume messaging and integrates easily with various applications to streamline your communication efforts.
Main features and benefits
Multi-channel messaging: Supports SMS, chat, and other messaging channels like WhatsApp for versatile communication
Two-way messaging: Supports interactive conversations with customers
Automation: Provides tools for automated messaging and chatbots
Live agent support: Enables seamless handover from bots to human agents
Payment integration: Allows secure transactions within chat conversations
Pricing information
Clickatell offers customized pricing based on business needs and usage. You can try it for free and get access to SMS and WhatsApp messaging, where you pay as you go.
For pricing on its other plans, you’ll need to contact its sales team for a personalized quote. The platform’s flexible pricing structure aims to accommodate businesses of various sizes and industries, from startups to large enterprises.
ClickSend is a versatile communication platform that helps businesses manage SMS, email, voice, and fax messages all in one place. It’s built to increase customer engagement and simplify your communication processes, making it a great fit for businesses of any size.
Main features and benefits
Automated workflows: Create workflows to automate recurring messages
Two-way messaging: Offer two-way messaging to customers to improve customer support and win more loyal customers
API integration: ClickSend integrates with a wide number of apps that businesses use daily, making it easy to automate repetitive tasks
Analytics and reporting: Track campaign performance and message delivery
Pricing information
ClickSend offers a pay-as-you-go model with no contracts or setup fees. Pricing varies based on the service and volume. For accounts sending fewer than 5,000 messages/month, the cost is $0.0254/SMS sent.
Trumpia is a comprehensive text messaging and marketing automation platform designed for businesses of all sizes.
Main features and benefits
Multi-channel messaging: Reach customers across various channels like SMS, MMS, email, and social media for better engagement
Segmentation: Segment your audience based on demographics, behavior, and preferences to deliver targeted messaging
Mobile optimization: Create mobile-optimized messages and campaigns for better user experience and engagement on mobile devices
Real-time analytics: Access real-time analytics and reporting to measure campaign performance and optimize your messaging strategy
Pricing information
Trumpia offers flexible pricing plans based on the number of messages and features needed. You can try the platform out for free for 14 days, no credit card required, before committing to a plan.
Here are the plans it offers:
Lite: Starts at $49/month (1,000 SMS messages and 18,000 email messages)
Core: Starts at $118/month (3,000 SMS messages and 30,000 email messages)
Advanced: Starts at $199/month (5,000 SMS messages and 50,000 email messages) and goes up to $3,499/month for 225,000 SMS messages
How we test text message services
When evaluating text message services, we start by examining each platform’s core features, such as automation capabilities, list-building tools, and segmentation options. For instance, Omnisend provides users with advanced automation workflows, which allow businesses to effortlessly integrate SMS with email and push notifications for a cohesive marketing strategy. We assess how well these features work together to streamline your marketing efforts and ensure that even newcomers can easily navigate the platform.
It’s also important we look at pricing structures, comparing free plans, basic packages, and premium options to find the best value for various business needs. We also consider customer support quality and the flexibility of each service’s pricing, including any additional costs for international messaging or advanced features.
By analyzing these aspects, we do our best to recommend text messaging services that offer a combination of functionality, affordability, and support so you can make an informed decision for your marketing efforts.
Comparison of the best bulk SMS message tools
Here’s a quick overview of these mass text messaging tools side-by-side:
Tool
Free plan available?
Paid plan starts from
Best for
Omnisend
✅
$16/month for up to 500 emails
Omnichannel marketing (SMS combined with email and push messages)
Attentive
❌
Custom
Businesses focused on SMS marketing
Yotpo
❌
Custom
Ecommerce businesses focusing on SMS
Textedly
❌
$26/month for 500 text messages/month
Businesses looking for flexible plans
Sendpulse
❌
No pricing plans. Cost based on carrier fees
Sales
BulkSMS
❌
Pay-as-you-go pricing
Businesses that want flexible pricing
SimpleTexting
❌
$39/month for 500 text messages/month
Businesses that want to start small and grow
Clickatell
✅
Custom based on usage
Businesses with automated customer service needs
ClickSend
❌
$0.0254/message sent under 5,000 messages/month
Value
Trumpia
✅
$49/month for 1,000 SMS messages and 18,000 email messages/month
Marketing campaigns
What is bulk text messaging?
Bulk text messaging is the process of sending large volumes of SMS messages to a group of recipients simultaneously. It allows businesses to communicate quickly and efficiently with their customers, delivering important information, promotions, or updates to their mobile devices.
Learn key stats and tips
SMS is easier to use and more cost-effective than ever. Discover the real impact of SMS marketing and why you should incorporate this valuable channel.
Choosing the best text messaging service for your business is all about finding the right fit for your specific needs.
Start by considering the size of your audience and how often you’ll be sending text messages. Some services are better suited for large-scale campaigns, offering bulk pricing and automation tools that can handle high volumes easily. However, if you’re running a smaller business or just getting started, you might want to look for a service that offers flexible pricing plans. This makes it easy to scale as your business grows.
Next, think about the features that matter most to you. Do you need advanced segmentation to target specific groups within your audience? Or maybe you’re looking for integration with your existing CRM or ecommerce platform to streamline your workflow. Some services come with built-in analytics, giving you insights into your campaign’s performance, while others might offer more straightforward options for businesses that prefer to keep things simple.
Finally, don’t forget about customer support and ease of use. The best service is one that not only fits your budget and meets your needs but also provides the help you need when you need it. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support options, including tutorials, live chat, or a dedicated account manager, to ensure that your messaging campaigns run smoothly from day one.
How to send bulk text messages
If you’re wondering how to send bulk text messages, you’ve come to the right place. Sending bulk SMS is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few simple steps.
Using a powerful marketing automation platform like Omnisend, you can easily manage your contact list, craft engaging messages, and send bulk text messages to your audience.
Here’s how:
1. Build your contact list
The first step in sending bulk text messages is to build a list of contacts who have opted in to receive your messages.
With Omnisend, you can create signup forms and popups to collect contact information from your website visitors. You can also import existing contacts from other sources, such as a CSV file or your ecommerce platform.
2. Segment your audience
Once you have a list of contacts, it’s important to segment them based on their interests, behavior, or demographics.
Omnisend allows you to create custom segments based on various criteria, such as purchase history, email engagement, or signup source. By segmenting your audience, you can ensure that your bulk text messages are targeted and relevant to each recipient.
3. Craft your message
Next, it’s time to create your bulk text message.
Omnisend provides a user-friendly editor that allows you to compose your message, add images or links, and personalize the content for each recipient. Keep your message concise, engaging, and focused on a single call to action to maximize its impact.
4. Set up your campaign
With your message crafted, you can now set up your bulk SMS campaign in Omnisend.
Choose the segment you want to target, select the sending time and date, and configure any additional settings, such as a custom sender name or opt-out instructions. Omnisend also allows you to preview your message before sending it to ensure it looks perfect.
5. Send and monitor your campaign
Once your campaign is set up, it’s time to hit send!
Omnisend will deliver your bulk text messages to your selected audience, and you can monitor the performance of your campaign in real time. Track metrics such as delivery rates, open rates, and click-through rates to assess the success of your campaign and make data-driven decisions for future sends.
By following these steps and leveraging the power of Omnisend, you can easily send bulk text messages that engage your audience and drive results for your business.
Remember to always maintain a permission-based contact list, provide value to your recipients, and continually optimize your campaigns based on performance data.
How do I write a bulk SMS message?
Writing an effective bulk SMS message is crucial for engaging your audience and achieving your marketing goals. When crafting your message, it’s essential to keep it concise, clear, and compelling.
Here are some tips on how to write a bulk SMS message that resonates with your recipients:
1. Keep it short and sweet
SMS messages have a limited character count, so it’s important to get your point across quickly.
Aim for a message that’s around 160 characters or less, and focus on a single call to action. If you need to include more information, consider using a shortened URL or linking to a mobile-friendly landing page.
2. Personalize your message
Personalization can go a long way in making your bulk SMS messages more engaging.
With Omnisend, you can easily include personalization tags in your SMS automations, such as the recipient’s name or other custom properties. This helps to create a more tailored experience for each recipient.
3. Provide value
Your bulk SMS message should offer your recipients something of value, whether it’s a special promotion, an exclusive offer, or a helpful tip. Make sure your message is relevant to your audience and aligns with their interests and preferences.
4. Include a clear call to action
Your SMS message should have a clear purpose and a specific action you want your recipients to take. Whether it’s to make a purchase, visit your website, or sign up for an event, make sure your call to action is prominent and easy to follow.
5. Test and optimize
Before sending your bulk SMS message, test it on different devices to ensure it displays correctly and that any links work as intended. Once your campaign is sent, monitor its performance and analyze the results. Use this data to optimize future campaigns and continually improve your messaging strategy.
When you’re ready to send your bulk SMS message, Omnisend makes it easy with its SMS campaign tool. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Go to Campaigns → New campaign → SMS campaign → Create SMS
In the SMS campaign editor, set the message, add the campaign name, sender’s name, the text of your SMS, and opt-out instructions
Add an unsubscribe link to the SMS, as it’s mandatory for US/CA customers
Test the SMS by sending it to any mobile phone number (priced like a regular SMS message)
Select the recipients — you can send to all SMS subscribers or subscribers of a particular segment
Review the price estimation for the total SMS campaign
Exclude countries you don’t want to send SMS to and reduce the total price
Review your SMS campaign and send it out immediately, or schedule it for later
Check the reports for your SMS campaign, including SMS sent, revenue, click rate, unsubscribe rate, and campaign cost
By following these tips and using Omnisend’s powerful SMS marketing tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating effective bulk SMS messages that drive engagement and revenue for your business.
Upgrade your SMS marketing with email and push alerts. Try Omnisend today
Bernard is the Sr. Director of Communications & Creative at Omnisend, with a passion for good research, helping ecommerce businesses with their marketing automation needs, and beating absolutely everyone in Mario Kart 64.
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