Insight Marketers Tips to Improve SMS Deliverability for Higher ROAS

July 24, 2024

Over the last few years, SMS marketing has become a critical instrument for businesses looking to engage their customers directly and at once. 

However, a major issue that continues to be a serious concern for many marketers is the low deliverability rate for SMS. 

Results of internal surveying conducted by Supercharged SMS show that many businesses cannot deliver their messages to the target audience, thus wasting a significant portion of their marketing efforts and reducing their ROAS. 

Therefore, our team has put effort into presenting our guide to SMS deliverability penned in light of the first-hand solutions we developed and the expert opinions in the field. 

This guide enables you to tackle the common barriers and improve your SMS deliverability dramatically, allowing you to reach the full capacity of your marketing efforts and improve your return on ad spend.

What is SMS Deliverability?

SMS deliverability is called the ability of your text messages to arrive on the mobile phones of recipients without being blocked or filtered by mobile carriers. 

It takes on some factors, such as the quality of your contact list, message content, sender reputation, as well as compliance with text messaging regulations. 

Furthermore, Twilio’s report states that the global SMS delivery rates average about 85% and businesses that utilize best practices reach about 98% deliverability rates.

8 Tips to Improve SMS Deliverability

Improving SMS deliverability is not just about sending messages but ensuring they reach the right audience at the right time without being filtered as spam.

Implementing best practices can significantly enhance your delivery rates, making sure your marketing efforts translate into tangible results.

Here are some essential tips that marketers can follow to optimize SMS deliverability and maximize their ROAS.

1. Clean and Segment Your Contact List

A high-quality contact list is the foundation of effective SMS marketing. Regularly clean your list to remove invalid numbers, duplicates, and inactive contacts.

Marketers who segment their contact lists see a 760% increase in revenue, according to Campaign Monitor.

Segmenting your list based on customer preferences, behavior, and demographics can also enhance deliverability.

By sending targeted messages to specific segments, you reduce the likelihood of recipients marking your messages as spam.

2. Obtain Explicit Consent

Obtaining explicit consent from recipients is not only a legal requirement but also a best practice for maintaining high deliverability.

Businesses that use double opt-in methods have a 20% higher delivery rate, as per a report by OptinMonster.

Ensure that customers opt-in to receive your SMS messages through clear and transparent sign-up processes.

Double opt-in methods, where customers confirm their subscription, can further enhance list quality and deliverability.

3. Use a Recognizable Sender ID

Using a recognizable sender ID helps build trust with your recipients and reduces the chances of your messages being marked as spam.

According to Mobilesquared, 70% of consumers are more likely to open an SMS if they recognize the sender.

Avoid using generic or random sender IDs, as they can be flagged by carriers. Consistency in your sender ID across all messages also helps establish brand recognition and credibility.

4. Optimize Message Content

The content of your SMS messages plays a crucial role in deliverability. Avoid using spammy language, excessive capitalization, and too many special characters, as these can trigger carrier filters.

Personalized SMS messages improve engagement rates by 56%, according to Mobile Marketing Watch.

Keep your messages concise, relevant, and personalized to resonate with your audience. Including a clear call-to-action (CTA) also encourages engagement and reduces opt-outs.

5. Monitor Sender Reputation

Your sender reputation is a critical factor that affects SMS deliverability. Carriers monitor sender behavior and filter messages based on past performance.

A study by Validity found that maintaining a positive sender reputation can improve deliverability rates by up to 30%.

Maintain a positive sender reputation by adhering to best practices, such as sending relevant content, obtaining consent, and managing opt-outs effectively.

Regularly monitor your sender’s reputation and address any issues promptly.

Read More: Improve Open Rate in SMS Marketing

6. Comply with Regulations

Compliance with regulations such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is essential for high deliverability.

According to Forrester Research, 80% of companies that comply with data protection regulations experience higher trust and engagement from their customers.

Ensure that your SMS marketing practices adhere to legal requirements, including obtaining consent, providing opt-out options, and protecting customer data.

Non-compliance can lead to penalties and damage your sender’s reputation.

7. Leverage Carrier Relationships

Building strong relationships with carriers can enhance your SMS deliverability.

Work with reputable SMS providers who have established connections with carriers and can ensure priority delivery of your messages.

Businesses that use reputable SMS providers see a 25% improvement in deliverability rates, as reported by GSMA.

These providers often have the expertise to navigate carrier guidelines and optimize message routing for maximum deliverability.

8. Utilize SMS Analytics

Leveraging SMS analytics allows you to track the performance of your campaigns and identify areas for improvement. Monitor key metrics such as delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and opt-out rates to gain insights into your campaign effectiveness. Use this data to refine your strategies and enhance future deliverability.

Statistic: According to Mobile Marketing Association, marketers who use SMS analytics see a 40% increase in campaign performance.

Get High ROAS with Supercharged SMS

Supercharged SMS offers a comprehensive platform designed to maximize your SMS marketing deliverability and drive higher ROAS. With advanced tools and features, Supercharged SMS enables businesses to:

• Maintain High-Quality Contact Lists: Regularly clean and segment your contact list to ensure your messages reach the right audience.
• Optimize Message Content: Craft compelling and compliant messages that resonate with your recipients and avoid carrier filters.
• Monitor Sender Reputation: Track and manage your sender reputation to maintain high deliverability rates.
• Leverage Real-Time Analytics: Utilize detailed reporting and analytics to refine your SMS marketing strategies and improve performance.

By leveraging Supercharged SMS, businesses can achieve a remarkable 5x ROI on their SMS marketing efforts. This powerful platform ensures your messages are delivered promptly and effectively, enhancing engagement and driving superior results.

Visit Supercharged SMS to learn more and get started today.

Elevate your Shopify SMS marketing campaigns and experience the benefits of higher deliverability and increased ROAS with Supercharged SMS.