Short Message Service (SMS) is a widely used channel that allows brands to send text messages directly to users' mobile devices. As a prevalent form of communication, SMS offers a unique way to reach users without requiring an internet connection or data consumption. This channel is particularly effective for reaching a large and engaged audience, as demonstrated by its high usage rates across the globe.

Types of SMS Messages

SMS messages can be categorized based on their purpose:

• Transactional: These are automated, non-marketing messages that are essential for the customer experience. Examples include:
  • Authentication messages (e.g., one-time passwords or OTPs)
  • Order confirmations and updates
  • Shipping and delivery notifications
• Promotional: These messages are sent to market products, services, or events. Examples include:
  • Information about flash sales and special offers
  • New product announcements
  • Event invitations
  • Essential Components and Regulations

Key Components and Compliance

To successfully implement an SMS strategy, it's crucial to understand the key components and compliance regulations. This guide will walk you through the following topics:

• SMS glossary and process: Understanding the terminology and workflow. For more information, refer to SMS Glossary and Process.
• Choose a phone number: Learn about the different types of numbers (for example, long codes, short codes) and which one is right for your brand. For more information, refer to How to choose a phone number?
• Compliance: An overview of global and regional regulations. For more information, refer to:
  • DLT Impact
  • Regulations for North America
• SMS partners: MoEngage natively integrates with connectors such as Twilio, ICS, Sinch, and many other SMS providers. For more information, refer to the SMS partners of MoEngage.

Next Steps

After you have understood the channel, you can begin setting up your SMS campaigns in MoEngage.

• To configure the SMS channel, refer to the following articles:
  • Configure SMS Connectors
  • Subscription Management and Keywords
• To create an SMS campaign, refer to the following articles:
  • Create an SMS Campaign
  • Send Transactional Messages
• To analyze SMS campaigns, refer to SMS Campaign Analytics.