
Optimize your SMS copy by reducing the number of characters
SMS are a tool with certain space limitations, but their uses and potential are endless if we discover the tricks that best suit our communication strategy. Discover how to save characters in your SMS Copy.
The main goal, whether for an individual or a company, when sending SMS is to capture the recipient's attention (and often, to also prompt an action). Achieving this goal is not easy, and you must use all available tools within the limited space you have.
In this article, we want to present the keys to saving characters in your SMS Copy so you can convey your message as efficiently as possible, making the most of every character.
Última modificación: 08.19.2024
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What types of text messages are there?
There are 3 types of SMS messages based on their capacity:
SMS prices according to the type of message
The types of SMS can have different costs. For example, Concatenated SMS are charged per segment sent. For more information, you can visit the pricing section at LabsMobile.
As we mentioned earlier, one of the main challenges with SMS campaigns is capturing the public's attention even with few characters available, especially in promotional communications aimed at increasing sales.
This is why one of the most effective options is Unicode SMS, as you can save characters in your SMS copy. Let’s see how.
Why use Unicode SMS?
With fewer characters available, the message is forced to be more direct and impactful, improving the effectiveness of the campaign. However, abbreviating traditional 160-character messages can be difficult.
Maximizing the space is crucial, knowing that you can also use symbols, emojis, and other types of characters.
One technique is to avoid concepts that are implied. Some words or concepts do not need to be fully written out, as users can visually identify them with international symbols or ones that nearly 100% of users recognize. Some examples include discounts, dates, codes, or links.
Tips to optimize your SMS
Let's look at some tips or tricks on how to replace and improve the text or copy of your text messages:
1. Use common abbreviations
Abbreviations can save space and time, especially in short messages. However, make sure the recipient understands the abbreviations.
Examples:
2. Remove unnecessary words
We often use words that are not essential to convey the message. Remove those that don't change the main meaning.
Examples:
3. Replace phrases with symbols or numbers
Some symbols or letters can replace common words or phrases, saving space.
Examples:
4. Use contractions
Contractions are useful for reducing the number of characters by colloquially shortening words.
Examples:
5. Omit articles and pronouns
Often, articles ("the", "a", "an") and pronouns ("I", "you") can be omitted without losing the message's meaning.
Examples:
6. Use the shortest verb tense
Using the shortest verb form or switching to another tense can reduce the number of characters without changing the meaning.
Examples:
7. Avoid repetitions
Removing repetitive words or phrases can help shorten the message without changing its meaning.
Examples:
8. Use numbers instead of words
Numbers are shorter than words, so you can use them to save space.
Examples:
9. Use acronyms and abbreviations
Acronyms and abbreviations can summarize common phrases or expressions.
Examples:
10. Use phonetic contractions
Phonetics can help you shorten words in a way that they sound the same but use fewer characters.
Examples:
11. Remove non-essential vowels
In some cases, you can remove certain vowels without losing the message's readability.
Examples:
12. Reduce spaces between words
Although not common in all languages, in some cases, you can remove or reduce spaces to compress the text.
Examples:
13. Use emojis instead of words
Emojis can replace words or express emotions, reducing the number of characters needed.
Examples:
14. Opt for infinitive verbs
In some cases, you can use the infinitive form of the verb to save space and make the message more direct.
Examples:
15. Omit implicit subjects
In many cases, the subject of the sentence can be omitted if it is implied or evident from the context.
Examples:
16. Merge words
Combining two words into one when possible can reduce the number of characters.
Examples:
17. Use short imperatives
Imperatives are short, direct forms of verbs, useful for commands or suggestions.
Examples:
18. Use monosyllabic words
Replacing long words with shorter synonyms can reduce the message length.
Examples:
Save characters in your SMS copy
As you can see, SMS are a tool with certain space limitations, but their uses and potential are endless if we discover the tricks that best suit our communication strategy.
At LabsMobile, we provide you with the keys to sending all kinds of messages with maximum comfort and ease to maximize their efficiency and have the greatest impact on recipients.

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