Bulk SMS Best Practices

Bulk SMS is one of the fastest ways to reach your customers, but a well-written message is just as important as sending it. Following these best practices can improve customer trust and help your messages achieve better delivery and engagement.

Before You Send

Test your message first

Always send a test SMS to your own phone before sending it to customers.

This helps you confirm:

• The message looks exactly as expected.
• Personalisation fields (such as customer name or order number) display correctly.
• Links and phone numbers are correct.
• There are no spelling or formatting mistakes.

Testing a single message can prevent mistakes from being sent to hundreds or thousands of customers.

Keep Your Message Short

Customers are more likely to read short, clear messages.

Focus on one purpose per SMS.

Instead of trying to explain everything in one message, tell the customer exactly what they need to know.

Example:

Hi Sarah, your order #1045 has been dispatched and should arrive within 2–3 business days. Thank you for shopping with Bluit.

Identify Your Business

Customers should immediately know who the message is from.

Include your business name naturally in the message.

Good example:

Bluit: Your order has been confirmed.

Instead of:

Your order has been confirmed.

Messages that clearly identify your business are more likely to be trusted.

Personalise Where Possible

Using customer information makes messages feel more relevant.

Consider including:

• Customer name
• Order number
• Delivery status

Example:

Hi David, your order #1254 is ready for delivery.

Avoid Spam-Like Language

Messages that look like spam are more likely to be ignored by customers.

Avoid excessive use of words such as:

• FREE
• WIN NOW
• GUARANTEED
• ACT NOW
• LIMITED OFFER
• URGENT

Instead, write naturally and professionally.

Avoid Excessive Capital Letters and Punctuation

Instead of:

YOUR ORDER HAS ARRIVED!!!

Write:

Your order has arrived.

Simple formatting is easier to read and appears more trustworthy.

Be Careful With Links

If your SMS includes a website, use your own business domain whenever possible.

Avoid URL shorteners unless absolutely necessary, as some customers may hesitate to click unfamiliar links.

Don't Send Too Many Messages

Customers appreciate useful updates, but sending too many SMS messages can become frustrating.

Only send messages when they provide genuine value, such as:

• Order confirmation
• Dispatch notification
• Delivery updates
• Important announcements

Avoid sending repeated reminders for the same event.

SMS Credits and Delivery

SMS credits are deducted when your message is submitted to the mobile network.

Because delivery depends on the recipient's network provider and handset availability, submitted SMS credits cannot be refunded.

Nigerian Phone Numbers Only

SMS is currently supported for Nigerian phone numbers only.

Messages sent to unsupported numbers will not be delivered.

Need Help?

If your SMS is not delivered as expected, first verify:

• The phone number is correct.
• The recipient is using a Nigerian mobile number.
• Your SMS credit balance is sufficient.
• Your message does not contain obvious spam-like wording.

If the issue persists, please contact support with the affected phone number and the approximate time the message was sent.