Is mass texting expensive?

No, mass texting is not expensive. Typically, most services will charge just pennies per text. Additionally, the more you send, the cheaper your price per text will likely be. While text messaging is more expensive than sending email, the ROI you'll see will be much greater.

Are there free mass texting services?

You’ll have a hard time finding a completely free mass texting service. This is because of the ongoing cost associated with the messaging. Most services, including SlickText, offer a free trial that will allow you to get your hands on the software and make sure it fits your needs.

Can I send mass texts to anyone?

Yes, you can send mass text messages to anyone however they need to have previously opted in. This can be done by texting to join or filling out a web form that clearly states they are signing up to get your texts. Past business relationships do not count.

What are the best practices for mass texting?

There are several best practices for sending mass texts, however there’s a handful that are most important. Only send messages to people who’ve opted in. Be clear about why you’re texting them and make sure they know how to opt out if they choose to do so.

Can't I just send mass texts with my phone?

No, that will not work for several reasons. Firstly, most group text messages are capped at around ten recipients. This is a huge constraint. Secondly, all responses and mobile numbers are visible to the entire group, which really annoys people. Thirdly, people cannot opt out of group texts. If you want to reach large groups with SMS, a mass texting service is the only way to go.

Are there limits to how much I can send?

If you're using a mass texting service to send your messages, there shouldn't be much limitation on how many texts you can send especially if you're using a short code. Consult your service and ask them about any other constraints you may not be aware of.

What types of numbers can I use?

There are typically 3 different types of sending numbers available when using a mass texting service. There are short codes, toll-free numbers and 10DLC numbers. Each has their pros and cons depending on your messaging goals.

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15,000+ brands rely on SlickText to power their SMS marketing.

Reach Audiences of Any Size

Whether you’re sending 50 or 500,000 messages, our mass texting service has you covered. Our send speeds and delivery rates are the best in the industry.

Send Personalized Messages

Boost engagement and response rates by personalizing your text messages and segmenting your audiences based on their behavior.

Understand Messaging Performance

From campaign click rates and subscriber growth to inbox resolution times and revenue attribution, you’ll get the insights you need to optimize your strategy.

What is Mass Text Messaging?

Mass texting is a communication strategy that allows you to send SMS messages to large groups of people. You can choose to segment your audience based on real-time behavior and contact data or simply send to the whole group at once.

People across several industries are using mass texting services to send mobile coupons, emergency alerts, reminders, status updates and more. With our automated text message features, you can even schedule your texts in advance and put your SMS strategy on autopilot.

A young professional receives a mass text with a discount code for his next purchase

How to Send a Mass Text

Our service makes sending mass texts easy. It can be broken down into 3 simple steps. First you need to create an account. Then, import your contacts or grow a list organically. Lastly, you'll send or schedule your message. Let's look at how this works in a bit more detail.

Create an Account

Sign up for SlickText and get your texting number registered. You can choose between a toll-free number, a phone number with your local area code, and a short code. If you already have a phone number for your business, you may be able to activate it for texts. For help choosing the right SMS plan, feel free to reach out to our team.

Grow Your List

The second step is to grow your texting list. You can build it from scratch by having new people opt in, or you can import a list of contacts. It's important to note that you can only send mass text messages to people who have opted into receiving them from you. Not only is it best practice, it's also the law.

Send Your Mass Text

Once you have a list, you can start sending mass texts. This part is easy. Simply select which list or segment you want to send to, type out your content, and send immediately or schedule it to be sent at some point in the future.

The Difference Between Mass Texting Services and Texting Apps

There are a lot of messaging apps out there, but they aren't the same as a mass texting service.

First, texting apps have a limit to how many people you can reach in a single mass text. Typically, this limit is around 20 to 25 contacts. With a mass text messaging service, there's virtually no limit.

Secondly, with messaging apps, if someone replies to a mass text, everyone else sees it. This is arguably the most annoying thing about group texts. For texting services that offer inboxing functionality, people can reply, but all replies are private. Those inbound texts flow into an inbox where you can manage each conversation separately.

Lastly, it's important to make it easy for people to opt out of your messages. When using a texting app, there isn't always a great way for people to do that. They can fumble with settings or mute conversations, but that's a poor experience. All mass texting services are required to process special "opt out keywords" like STOP and CANCEL. People can simply reply with one of those words and be instantly opted out.

Mass Texting Services VS Texting Apps

	TEXTING APPS	MASS TEXTING SERVICES
Contact Limits	20 to 25	Unlimited
Proper Handling of Replies
Proper Handling of Opt Outs
Universal Device Support

If you want to manage things from a mobile device, you should use a mass text app offered by a mass texting service. SlickText has a great mobile app available for iOS and Android, and it's free to download.

Is Mass Texting Legal?

Yes, sending mass texts is perfectly legal. With that said, there are some specific guidelines that you must follow in order to remain on the right side of the law. The most important rule is that you can only send text messages to people who have opted in. This can be done via text to join, opt-in links, QR codes, website pop-ups, or paper forms. The key is to manage expectations by clearly communicating what people are signing up for.

In addition to obtaining consent, you must always provide a way for people to opt out. The standard protocol for opting out is to reply STOP, CANCEL, END, UNSUBSCRIBE or QUIT. All mass texting services are required to process these special keywords on your behalf. Make sure your service does!

While these two points are the two main legal rules governing mass SMS, there are several other best practices that everyone using SMS should follow.

Mass Texting Best Practices

All people must have previously opted in
Provide a way for people to opt out
Set expectations on message content
Don't send mass texts too often
Text during normal hours
Use common language in your text messages

View All The Best Practices

Choosing the Right Mass Texting Service

There are several mass texting services available, but finding the right one can be a challenge. From deliverability to texting compliance and features, we'll cover everything you should consider before choosing a service.

User-Friendly Interface

The first thing you should look for in a mass texting service is how easy it is to use. At the end of the day, if the interface is clunky or hard to work with, it's less likely that you'll use it. The interface for sending should be easily accessible and the process for sending and scheduling your texts should feel natural. Most reputable services will offer a free trial so you can vet the experience and all they have to offer.

Additionally, make sure they offer a mobile app to manage your mass texting. Some services refer to their software as an "app" even though they don't have a mobile app in the app store. If you're like most people, you'll want the option to manage your texting from a mobile device so make sure they have a legitimate app to do it with.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Is the interface easy to use?
Do they make sending & scheduling simple?
Is there a free trial to test with?
Do they have an Apple and Android App?

High Deliverability

Text message delivery is a huge factor in deciding on a mass texting service and one that's often overlooked. There's a large range in messaging quality that people don't realize. Some services use cheap quality "SMS routes" to send. Some don't maintain strong enough infrastructure to handle sending text broadcasts at a large scale. This can leave a lot of your messages going undelivered.

Know that sending messages to small groups is simple and easy for most texting services. That's not normally where texts begin to fail. Sending to hundreds or thousands gets more complex and where things can break down. Make sure that you choose a mass text messaging service that can prove their deliverability is high and that has a history of working with larger, more reputable companies that demand quality delivery.

Things to Remember

Not all services have great message delivery
Not all services are capable of sending scale
Ask to prove the messaging quality

Committed to Compliance

Compliance is critical. The laws that govern unwanted text messages are much stricter than email. Fines for spam texts can be as high as $1500 per text per person. This is why choosing a mass text service that follows SMS best practices is so important. What does this mean for you? Make sure that your text service provides a clear way for people to opt out. This means supporting key "stop words" that people can reply with to remove themselves. Some of these words include STOP, CANCEL and UNSUBSCRIBE.

Additionally, the texting service that you choose should have strict opt out management. If someone opts out of your list, the app should prevent them from being re-added via any other method besides a "text to join." Accidentally sending texts to people after they've opted out could be a costly mistake.

What You Should Know

Sending spam text messages can get expensive
Your mass text service should support opt out keywords
A good service will not allow you to upload numbers without asking more questions first
A good service will have safeguards in place to prevent accidental opt ins

Proven Reputation

As with any purchase decision, it's important to understand the company's reputation. What are others saying about their mass texting service? What are people saying about their messaging quality? Are there real people behind the scenes? Do a little research to make yourself feel comfortable. What does their "About Us" page look like? What do 3rd party review sites say about their service? It's important to do your homework.

What to Look For

3rd party reviews on their service
What people are saying about their message quality
An about us page on their website

Flexible Pricing

Price is a very interesting topic when evaluating mass text services. As mentioned above, there are cheap ways and quality ways to send texts. There's also cheap software and quality software. It's important to understand the concept of "you get what you pay for". You should seek out a texting service with competitive pricing but also be wary of ones with abnormally low costs. Most who choose low cost texting services find that when they scale, need support, features or help, they made the wrong decision.

Also be weary of hidden fees. They can represent a large, unexpected component of what you’ll be paying. Ask specifically if carrier pass-through fees and taxes are included or in addition to advertised pricing.

Things to Remember

You get what you pay for
Seek competitive but not abnormally low pricing
Most cheap services provide no scale or support
Does the service have additional hidden fees?

NEEDED FEATURES

Features to Look for in a Mass Texting Service

All mass text services have different features, bells and whistles. While some may be "shinier" than others, we believe there is a core set of features that are table stakes for any solid service.

Text Message Scheduling

It's almost a guarantee that some of your messages will need to be sent at times when you're not available. That's why you should choose a mass text service that supports the ability to schedule your messages ahead of time. Any good service should support scheduling. Extra points for the ones that allow you to schedule recurring texts to put some of those regular messages on autopilot.

Multiple Opt-In Methods

There's no point in using a mass text messaging service if you've got no one to send to. Make sure the service you choose supports several different ways for people to subscribe. Some of the common ways include text to join, web-form options, and uploading of contacts. List growth tools are a big part of growing a mass texting list so make sure your service offers several.

Two-Way Texting

People are going to respond to your messages. You need to have a way to manage those responses. Your mass texting service must support the ability to have 2-way, private, text conversations with people that reply. Concerned about your capacity to respond? Use our automated texting service to set up auto-replies.

Clear Analytics

It's important to understand the performance of your texting efforts. The best text services have trustworthy analytics that give you a clear view into things like opt-ins, opt-outs, click-throughs in your messages etc. The app should present all of the data in an easy-to-understand format for quick reference.

SMS Automations

The best services for mass texting offer several different options for sending automated text messages. Automation is typically found with higher quality services, as the cheaper ones usually do the bare minimum. Look for features like drip messages, birthday messages, recurring texts, and automated workflows.

iOS & Android Support

As mentioned above, some text messaging services refer to themselves as apps, but they don't actually have a mobile app. This means you have to visit their website every time you want to send a message. Make sure the service you choose offers a mass texting app in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Common Mass Texting FAQs

Whether you're shopping around for a mass text messaging service or just here to learn, chances are you might have a question or two. While the world of mass texting is fairly simple and straightforward, some things aren't. Here, we'll answer the most common FAQs regarding sending SMS at scale. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Is mass texting expensive?: No, mass texting is not expensive. Typically, most services will charge just pennies per text. Additionally, the more you send, the cheaper your price per text will likely be. While text messaging is more expensive than sending email, the ROI you'll see will be much greater.

Can I send mass texts to anyone?: Yes, you can send mass text messages to anyone however they need to have previously opted in. This can be done by texting to join or filling out a web form that clearly states they are signing up to get your texts. Past business relationships do not count.

Can't I just send mass texts with my phone?: No, that will not work for several reasons. Firstly, most group text messages are capped at around twenty recipients. This is a huge constraint. Secondly, all responses and mobile numbers are visible to the entire group, which really annoys people. Thirdly, people cannot opt out of group texts. If you want to reach large groups with SMS, a mass texting service is the only way to go.

Are there limits to how much I can send?: If you're using a mass texting service to send your messages, there shouldn't be much limitation on how many texts you can send especially if you're using a short code. Consult your service and ask them about any other constraints you may not be aware of.

Are there free mass texting services?: You’ll have a hard time finding a completely free mass texting service. This is because of the ongoing cost associated with the messaging. Most services, including SlickText, offer a free trial that will allow you to get your hands on the software and make sure it fits your needs.

What are the best practices for mass texting?: There are several best practices for sending mass texts, however there’s a handful that are most important. Only send messages to people who’ve opted in. Be clear about why you’re texting them and make sure they know how to opt out if they choose to do so.

Is mass texting legal?: Yes, mass texting is totally legal as long as the people you're messaging have clearly opted in. If that's the case, you're in the clear. There are hefty legal penalties for unsolicited text messages so make sure you're playing by the rules.

What types of numbers can I use?: There are typically 3 different types of sending numbers available when using a mass texting service. There are short codes, toll-free numbers and 10DLC numbers. Each has their pros and cons depending on your messaging goals.

WHY CHOOSE US

Why should you choose SlickText as your mass text messaging service?

There are several mass texting services out there, but we’re the #1 rated SMS marketing service. Here are just a handful of reasons why our service is the best for you...

Get Started For Free

Interested in testing the waters? You can try our mass texting service for free with no strings attached. Our trial gives you 50 free texts which is more than enough to get a feel for everything.

Mobile-Friendly Platform

Not only is our software great on desktop, it's just as awesome on mobile. Download our free mobile app to manage 100% of your mass texting efforts on the go. You might never use the desktop version again.

Comprehensive Contact Management

Create as many lists and segments as you'd like. Our contact management tools are outstanding. You can even give account access to colleagues so they can manage and message the lists they have permission to view.

Industry-Leading Automation

Put some or all of your messaging on autopilot so that you can get back to focusing on what's most important. Our automated texting service makes automating your SMS messages extremely simple and straightforward.

Private Two-Way Texting

People can respond privately to your mass texts without the rest of the group being involved. All responses funnel into an easy-to-manage, threaded inbox where you can manage your chat messages and text back and forth individually.

Effortless Message Scheduling

You can use our mass texting service to schedule your messages ahead of time. Sometimes the right time to send isn't when you're available. Simply provide a date and time when creating your group text message and we'll handle the rest!

Top-Tier Deliverability

If your messages aren't getting delivered, it can seriously harm the effectiveness of your strategy. We're committed to using the best messaging routes so that you can trust what you send gets delivered.

Friendly Customer Support

We're always here for one-on-one support if you need it. Schedule a call with us at any time, or send us a message and we can walk you through any questions that arise. Our top priority is making sure you find success with SMS marketing.

200+ Other Features

Our mass text messaging service has been developed and refined for more than a decade. We offer so many helpful tools and features it would be almost impossible to list them all here. With SlickText, you have everything you need.

Drive more
revenue today.

Choose Your Plan

The Industry Leading Mass Texting Service

Reach Audiences of Any Size

Send Personalized Messages

Understand Messaging Performance

What is Mass Text Messaging?

How to Send a Mass Text

Create an Account

Grow Your List

Send Your Mass Text

The Difference Between Mass Texting Services and Texting Apps

Mass Texting Services VS Texting Apps

Is Mass Texting Legal?

Mass Texting Best Practices

Choosing the Right Mass Texting Service

User-Friendly Interface

Questions to Ask Yourself

High Deliverability

Things to Remember

Committed to Compliance

What You Should Know

Proven Reputation

What to Look For

Flexible Pricing

Things to Remember

Features to Look for in a Mass Texting Service

Text Message Scheduling

Multiple Opt-In Methods

Two-Way Texting

Clear Analytics

SMS Automations

iOS & Android Support

Common Mass Texting FAQs

Why should you choose SlickText as your mass text messaging service?

Get Started For Free

Mobile-Friendly Platform

Comprehensive Contact Management

Industry-Leading Automation

Private Two-Way Texting

Effortless Message Scheduling

Top-Tier Deliverability

Friendly Customer Support

200+ Other Features

Drive more revenue today.

15,000+ brands rely on SlickText to power their SMS marketing.

The Industry Leading
Mass Texting Service

Drive more
revenue today.