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If you’re wondering how to send a link in a text, you’re not alone — it’s an essential tactic for businesses using SMS marketing. Including links in text messages is a simple and effective way to guide customers to relevant content, promotions, or landing pages, helping to boost engagement and drive results.
This article explains the differences between links and hyperlinks and provides step-by-step instructions on how to send a link in a text message using Omnisend. We will explain the importance of considering message length, using link-shortening techniques, and strategically placing links within the message body.
We will also discuss specific points in the customer journey to send messages with links, such as welcoming new customers, recovering abandoned carts, and sending promotional messages.
Start sending links in text messages with Omnisend’s free SMS plan
An SMS URL is a clickable web link that you can share via text message. When you send a link in a text, it becomes clickable, allowing recipients to easily access websites or resources directly from their mobile devices. This makes sharing online content through SMS quick and convenient.
Not every SMS campaign must include a link, however, text links will be useful if you want to increase engagement and encourage consumers to spend more time on your site or take specific actions.
You may want to put a link in a text message for:
Welcoming a new customer to your store: Welcome text messages provide links with personalized info that improves the customer experience
Abandoned cart messages: These can offer links to whatever item the customer left behind and are particularly useful for SMS marketing
Order confirmation details: Customers will have better peace of mind knowing their items are safe and on their way
Order delivery details: Your customers will feel more at ease when they have easy access to delivery tracking
Sending promotional messages: Whether your brand is starting a Black Friday sale or prepping for a discount run, text messages can help to generate interest quickly
Links vs. hyperlinks vs. short links
When it comes to including links in text messages, there are three main types to consider — links, hyperlinks, and short links. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding when to use each one can help you optimize your SMS marketing strategy.
Links are the standard URLs that you can copy and paste into a search bar. They contain the full website address and any additional characters that determine the specific page you’ll visit. For example: https://www.omnisend.com/blog/sms-marketing/. Links are straightforward and direct, but they can be long and may take up valuable character space in your SMS messages.
Hyperlinks are clickable text or images that direct users to a specific webpage or application. Instead of displaying the full URL, hyperlinks are embedded within the text, making them more visually appealing and user-friendly. However, it’s important to note that hyperlinks are not supported in SMS messages, as they rely on HTML formatting.
Short links are condensed versions of full URLs created using link-shortening services. They are particularly useful when you have a long URL with tracking codes or other parameters. Short links take up less character space in your SMS messages and can make your links look cleaner and more professional. For example, https://bit.ly/omnisend.
Condensed, saves character space, can include tracking codes
Requires a link-shortening service
When deciding which link to use in SMS messages, consider the limits of the SMS format. Since hyperlinks are not supported, you’ll need to choose between using full links or short links. A full link may be the best option if you have a short, straightforward URL. However, if you have a longer URL or want to include tracking codes, a short link can help you save space and maintain a clean appearance.
How to send a link in text messages with an iPhone
Sending a link in a text message on Android is an easy process. Follow these steps to easily share a URL:
Open your messaging app: Open the default messaging app (e.g., Messages or any other app you use for texting)
Create a new message: Tap the conversation of the recipient or start a new one by selecting the + icon or typing the contact’s name
Type your message: Compose the text you want to send along with the link
Insert the link: Type or paste the URL into the text field — ensure the link starts with “http://” or “https://” to ensure it is clickable
Send the message: Once you’re happy with the message, press the Send button — the link will be sent as part of the text message, and the recipient will be able to tap the link to open it in their browser
How to send automated messages with links using Omnisend
Omnisend makes it straightforward to send automated messages with links via SMS. Follow these steps to set up your campaign and start sharing links automatically:
By leveraging the power of link shortening, automation, and tracking, you can help your SMS channel become much more profitable in the long run.
Ideal message length for texts with links
When sending links via text, it’s important to keep message length in mind. The ideal message length for texts with links is less than 160 characters. Keep in mind that most links typically take up to 60 and 70 on average, reducing the space available for your message.
To avoid sending multiple texts, keep your messages short and direct. Longer texts may increase costs since each additional message can double your expenses.
Omnisend provides a character counter above each composed message, helping you stay within the limit. And an SMS length & pricing calculator allows you to estimate costs and preview your campaign on different devices before sending.
Image via Omnisend
How to shorten links for text messages
To optimize space in your text messages, using a link-shortening tool is essential. Omnisend automatically shortens links, ensuring you save valuable characters. Here’s how it works:
Shortening domain: The link starts with otxt1.com
Link type: Depending on your message, it can be ‘la’ for automated SMS or ‘lc’ for promotional SMS
Unique ID: A unique 5-digit number is appended to the link
This results in links like otxt1.com/la/XXXXX or otxt1.com/lc/XXXXX.
Omnisend handles this automatically, allowing you to focus on crafting the rest of your message without worrying about link length.
Tracking links in text messages
Shortened links in your text messages not only help save space but also enable you to track their performance. With Omnisend, you can gather valuable insights from your messages, such as UTM parameters for detailed reporting. Here’s what you can track:
Source traffic: Identify where your traffic is coming from
Marketing channels: See which marketing channels drive the most engagement
User behavior: Track how recipients interact with your links
If you prefer not to use shortened or tracked links, you can disable this option in the compose window.
Image via Omnisend
Best practices for link placement
When adding links to your text messages, placement is key. Avoid putting links at the beginning, as this can discourage recipients from reading the full message.
Instead, position them towards the end, allowing your message to flow naturally and leading to a clear call to action. To encourage clicks, include a compelling CTA before the link.
If you have multiple links, arrange them by importance, helping recipients focus on the most critical actions first. This strategic placement boosts engagement and conversion rates.
3 examples of how to send a link in a text
Although text messages are much more basic than emails, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any options for what they say.
Let’s look at a few examples of how your text messages can stand out:
Lunar — Link to a new collection
This example from Lunar provides excellent context for the link, telling recipients where it takes them and why it’s of interest to them. The message is also personalized with the recipient’s name.
Runway Rogue — Link with a discount code
This example from Runway Rouge goes the extra mile by including a long-form call to action. This encourages the reader to proceed with the next steps and place an order.
Baking Steel — How to send multiple links in one text message
Finally, Baking Steel demonstrates how to include multiple SMS links in a single message, placing them in order of importance.
Recipients are encouraged to check their full order details using the first link in the message, with the ability to unsubscribe from messages if they don’t want further texts from Baking Steel.
When Baking Steel were using Omnisend for their email and SMS marketing, they launched two successful welcome series that generated a revenue-per-email of over $10 and $15, respectively.
Wondering how Omnisend could pull this off? Here’s Baking Steel’s success story from when they were Omnisend users.
Summary
In this guide, we’ve explored the effectiveness of adding links to SMS marketing. We covered how to send a link in a text and how to use links strategically to drive customer engagement, save character space with link shortening, and track performance through Omnisend’s link-tracking features.
By placing links strategically and using compelling CTAs, you can increase click-through rates and conversions. We also walked through how Omnisend’s powerful and intuitive platform allows you to automate campaigns, track link performance, and optimize your text messages for better results.
Whether you’re looking to drive traffic, recover abandoned carts, or promote your business, incorporating links in your SMS messages can significantly enhance your marketing strategy. With Omnisend’s powerful tools, you can streamline your SMS marketing and improve campaign performance.
Ready to take your SMS marketing to the next level?
Yes, it is legal to send links in text messages as long as you comply with applicable regulations, such as obtaining consent from recipients and adhering to opt-in requirements under laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Are there costs for sending links in SMS?
There are no additional costs for including links in SMS messages. However, standard SMS fees apply based on your service plan or platform. If you’re using SMS marketing services, check with your provider for any charges.
Why isn’t my link clickable?
A link may not be clickable if it’s not formatted correctly or if the recipient’s messaging app doesn’t support clickable links. Ensure the hyperlink in SMS starts with http:// or https:// for proper link functionality.
Why can’t I send links in text messages?
There are a few reasons you may be struggling to send SMS URL links in text messages. It may be an invalid URL, blocked by the spam filter, too long for the character limit, or unclickable when it comes from an unknown contact.
Richard is a Content Marketing Manager at Omnisend. An avid writer, he's said to have been born holding a pencil. Fascinated by all things handmade, if he's not reading or writing he can often be found practicing leathercraft.
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