Quick tips to improve the deliverability of texts
- We recommend NOT sending mass texts via your Text-to-Church (T2C) number on Sunday morning. This can slow down your people getting responses back using the keywords you have made available to them, including their giving by text. Sending the night before is a better option.
- When you send a text via your T2C number, the delivery rate is around 1000 per hour, so please plan accordingly based on the volume you are sending in terms of timing.
Six questions to ask before sending a mass text to help ensure deliverability
Developing the habit of thinking through your responses to these questions will help you ensure the effectiveness and deliverability of the texts.
- Who really needs to get it? You shouldn't text your entire database, which likely includes first-time or event-only guests. If you do, your message is typically not concise enough to meet the needs of the people who are getting them, and those for whom the message is not intended may be bothered. Target your texts.
- Where is it pointing to? Your website is your ministry hub, not their texting app. You could devalue your website if you rely on texts to give people all the necessary information - some will start relying on text messages rather than going to your website. You want people to get into the habit of going there for the latest updates and information. Texts should be a signpost, not a destination.
- Is it under 159 characters? If you are sending longer texts, consider sending an email by text. Not a good plan. A short sentence with a link to more information or a call to action should do it. Keep it short and sweet. (Hint: carriers don't like shortened links like bit.ly or tinyurl. Please don't use them so mobile carriers will not block your text as spam. We will alert you with a message if your text does contain one of these shortcodes.)
- Can I send it any other time than Sunday Morning? A short text with a link to your online worship service is okay. But please don't text announcements! (See #3.) Add a link on your online worship page, or create and publicize a Text-to-Church keyword to direct them to your website announcements page.
- Do you know if this text has already been sent? If it has, please don't send it again. If you do it will slow down the system's ability to get your text out. If you don't get the text right away, please be patient. It will come.
- Is this text worth their time? Will they see the content of this text as important? Or as intrusive? Don't bombard people with texts. They will start tuning them out or block them. Send only those things that add value for people. Use social media or email for other stuff.