SMS campaign sending times
Alexia Moustier
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Introduction
SMS is an essential means of communication. Sent at the right time, it can generate an open rate of 98%. Conversely, sending it at the wrong time can reduce this rate by a factor of three. The day and time of sending SMS important factors to consider for a successful campaign.
Key steps for a successful SMS campaign
Step 1: Define your goals
Clearly identify your objectives: increase your company's visibility, boost your sales, retain your existing customers, or increase customer engagement.
Step 2: Target your audience
Several criteria such as age, gender, geographic location, and interests will allow you to send relevant messages to your customers. A targeted message will be more relevant.
Step 3: Implement a strategy to increase customer engagement
The content of your SMS be clear, concise, and compelling. Use a tone that is appropriate for your target audience and include elements such as promotions, new products, exclusives, and CTAs (call-to-action buttons).
Please note that every SMS include an unsubscribe option and comply with the GDPR. This allows your customers to unsubscribe quickly. This option must be easily accessible to your customers.
Step 4: Optimize your SMS delivery
It is important to choose the right timing for sending your SMS. Choosing the right day and time will increase the open rate and read rate of your SMS.
Step 5: Analyze the results
Evaluate the effectiveness of your SMS campaign with performance indicators such as: open rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, and return on investment will allow you to optimize your future campaigns.
The best times to send your SMS
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.: lunch break!
Average open rate: 98.2%
From noon to 2 p.m. is when French people take their lunch break and check their phones the most. They are less rushed than in the early morning, more relaxed, and more available to pay attention to their notifications. The 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. slot is the ideal time slot for your SMS.
6pm-7pm: the end of the day!
Average open rate: 94.7%
French people check their notifications when they leave work. As with their lunch break, they will be less rushed and more attentive to their phones.
8:00–9:00 a.m.: Wake up time!
Average open rate: 91.3%
The time when French people check their notifications for the first time each day. Ideal for short SMS messages SMS appointment reminders, as people don't have much time for commercial offers.
In France, the law prohibits sending SMS 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. on weekdays.
Master all the important points before sending your campaign
The best days for your SMS campaigns
- Monday to Friday (weekdays): ideal for most campaigns
- Saturday & Sunday: effective for commercial messages
- Public holidays: it is prohibited to send SMS messages SMS public holidays in France except in cases of emergency or for essential services.
The best time to send your SMS your industry
E-commerce
MWednesday 10 a.m.
Many people place orders on Wednesdays for delivery over the weekend. To boost your sales, it is a good idea to send your SMS Wednesdays.
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Software/SaaS
 Wednesday 2:00–3:00 p.m.
This is the time when recipients check their SMS most frequently SMS the afternoon.
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Marketing and agencies
Wednesday 4:00 PM
SMS these SMS related to your customers' professional activities, it is advisable to send your SMS Wednesdays at 4 p.m., which is when your customers check their SMS again.
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Shop
Thursday 8-10 a.m.
This time slot corresponds to when customers plan their outings to go shopping on the weekend.  Â
Hotels
Thursday 8-10 a.m.
As with stores, customers plan to leave for the weekend at the end of the week.
Please note that in B2C, sending SMS is only permitted if the recipient has given their free, informed, and explicit consent in advance, in accordance with the GDPR.
How often should you send your SMS
- 1 to 2 marketing campaigns per month are recommended
- Increase the number of campaigns during sales periods, holidays, and Black Friday.
- Automate SMS : birthdays, appointment reminders that are well received by your customers
Conclusion
For your SMS campaigns SMS successful, it is important to define your objectives, know your target audience, write messages that encourage action, and, above all, choose the right timing for sending them. The right times also depend on your industry. Weekdays are the most recommended.
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