Are you Wasting Money on your SMS Campaigns? 😳 (Maximizing Throughput)

Frustrated by slow SMS delivery or hitting carrier limits that stifle your reach? 🤬 Most businesses don’t realize they’re leaving massive SMS potential on the table. But it’s not just about blasting out more messages—it’s about maximizing the impact of every single text you send. ✅

This post dives deep into the world of 10 DLC messaging throughput, revealing the secrets to sending more messages, faster, and with greater effectiveness. We’ll break down complex concepts like segments, campaign types, and vetting scores, empowering you 🫵 to take control of your SMS strategy. Want to check out the video that inspired this post? You can view it Here.

Decoding the Jargon: 10 DLC, A2P, and Throughput ☎️

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify some key terms:

• 10 DLC: Think of this as your business texting phone number. It’s a local 10-digit number used for sending SMS campaigns.
• A2P: This simply means sending messages from your application (like a CRM or marketing platform) to your customers’ phones.
• Throughput: This is where the magic happens. Throughput refers to how many message segments you can send per minute or per day.

The Segment Puzzle: Why Character Count Matters 🧩

SMS messages are measured in “segments,” which are chunks of data. Each segment typically holds 160 characters. But there’s a catch: using special characters or emojis shrinks that to 70 characters. This means a seemingly short message with a few emojis could eat up multiple segments; that said, emojis add personality to your messages, so they can be worth it

Choosing the Right Campaign Type 🔎

Not all 10 DLC campaigns are created equal. When it comes to throughput, for those looking at standard (i.e., not ‘special’ use case) campaigns there’s really two options:

• Standard: Like a high-speed train, these campaigns offer greater throughput, allowing you to send more messages faster. Ideal for high-volume senders or time-sensitive blasts.
• Low Volume Mixed: Think of this as a reliable commuter train. It has lower throughput but is perfect for businesses sending fewer than 6,000 segments per day. If you are adding less than 100 people per day: use an LV Mixed campaign— unless you need every message to deliver in under one minute; if you do, you’ll need a standard campaign 🤷

Regardless of your choice, consider a Mixed Use Campaigns if your number may be used for several different use cases (e.g., marketing and customer support). They come in both standard and low volume variations.

Unlocking Your Throughput Potential: Three Strategies 📋

1. Right-Size Your Campaign: Don’t pay for throughput you don’t need! If your volume is low, a low volume campaign will save you money.
2. Eliminate Bottlenecks: Ask your SMS provider about their API rate limits. These limits determine how many messages you can send per second. If their limits are lower than the carrier’s, you’re being artificially throttled.
3. Boost Your Vetting Score: For those who do need throughput, go standard campaigns: you can increase your throughput by undergoing additional vetting. This involves a third-party assessing your business risk. Factors like company age and employee count matter most—while legal history, BBB reports, and other factors play a role.

Don’t Just Send Messages, Ignite Action 🔥

Maximizing throughput isn’t just about sending more texts; it’s about making those texts count.

• Craft Compelling Content: Every message should have a clear purpose and a compelling call to action. Whether it’s encouraging a reply, driving traffic to a link, or promoting a sale, make sure your message inspires action.
• Personalization is Key: No one wants to feel like they’re receiving a generic mass text. Use your customer data to personalize messages and make them feel like a one-on-one conversation.
• Brevity Rules: Attention spans are short. Keep your messages concise and to the point.
• Strategic Visuals: Enhance your messages with GIFs, images, and emojis, but use them strategically. They should complement your message and drive engagement, not distract from it.

Key Takeaways from the Q&A 📝

The webinar wrapped up with a Q&A session. Here are some highlights:

• Q: How do I know what my campaign throughput is?

  • A: You can find this information in your TCR (The Campaign Registry) account if you have direct access. If not, your SMS provider should be able to tell you.

• Q: How can I improve my vetting score and how often should I try to get a new one?

  • A: Time and company growth are the biggest factors. As your company matures and adds employees, your score will likely improve. You should re-vet every 6-12 months; if you’re growing very quickly—90 days.

• Q: Is there a daily maximum for AT&T?

  • A: While AT&T expresses throughput as messages per minute, you can calculate a theoretical daily maximum by extrapolating the per-minute limit.

• Q: How do I know if my aggregator is throttling my messaging below my campaign throughput?

  • A: Examine your message logs for delays. If messages are queued for seconds or minutes, you’re likely being throttled. You can also ask your provider directly about their API rate limits.

• Q: I am a local florist and just really want to send out thank yous and seasonal marketing messages. What campaign should I use?

  • A: A low volume mixed-use campaign is likely the best fit for this scenario, allowing for both customer care (thank yous) and marketing messages.

• Q: Is there any way for me to know if someone clicked on the link I’m providing in my outreach?

  • A: Yes, use a verified link shortener. This not only saves characters but also provides click-tracking data. Avoid using Bitly links, as they are often filtered.

• Q: My score was really low for standard vetting. How can I improve this or know what the issue was?

  • A: Company age and employee count are primary factors. However, inaccuracies in your business information (address, EIN, etc.) can also negatively impact your score. You can appeal your score and provide supporting documentation.

• Q: What is a good cadence for delivering messages? Is daily too much? I’m wondering if I don’t need as much throughput as I thought.

  • A: The ideal cadence depends on your audience and industry. Consider how often you would want to receive messages from a similar business.

• Q: I need my messages to be delivered very quickly. I’m in a competitive industry. Would standard vetting be a way to ensure they do?

  • A: If you need to send a high volume of messages very quickly, a standard campaign with a high vetting score can help ensure fast delivery.

• Q: My provider was throttling my messages and wouldn’t increase how many I could send. Do you know a provider that doesn’t cap your limits?

  • A: Look for providers that don’t impose artificial caps below carrier limits. Signal House is one such provider 😉

• Q: How much should I worry about drift content? Is my campaign actually going to get shut down if I recommend one of my products just once on a customer care campaign?

  • A: While occasional “drift” might not cause immediate shutdown, repeated violations can lead to filtering or suspension. Using a mixed-use campaign can help avoid this issue.

Ready to Take Your SMS Game to the Next Level?

This guide provides a solid foundation for understanding and optimizing your SMS throughput, but the journey doesn’t end here. Find additional Signal House content on our YouTube channel Here.