Optimize your SMS copy by reducing the number of characters

What types of text messages are there?

There are 3 types of SMS messages based on their capacity:

• Standard SMS are simple, traditional messages. These have a capacity of 160 characters, using the GSM alphabet.
• Unicode SMS allow you to use all kinds of characters, such as symbols, accents, emojis, etc. However, their limit is reduced to a maximum of 70 characters.
• Concatenated SMS allow you to send messages that exceed the maximum characters. They can be combined with Standard SMS (exceeding 160 characters) or Unicode SMS (exceeding 70 characters). This option combines segments, allowing the recipient to see a single simple message.

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:

• Instead of "please", use "pls".
• Instead of "call you later", use "c u l8r".

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:

• Instead of "Could you please tell me if you're coming?", use "Are you coming?".
• Instead of "What I mean is I'm running late", use "Running late".

3. Replace phrases with symbols or numbers

Some symbols or letters can replace common words or phrases, saving space.

Examples:

• Instead of "for", use "4".
• Instead of "and", use "&".

4. Use contractions

Contractions are useful for reducing the number of characters by colloquially shortening words.

Examples:

• Instead of "I am at home", use "I'm home".
• Instead of "where are you", use "where r u".

5. Omit articles and pronouns

Often, articles ("the", "a", "an") and pronouns ("I", "you") can be omitted without losing the message's meaning.

Examples:

• Instead of "I am at the house", use "At house".
• Instead of "Are you coming to the movies?", use "Coming to movies?".

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:

• Instead of "I am arriving", use "Arriving".
• Instead of "I have finished", use "Finished".

7. Avoid repetitions

Removing repetitive words or phrases can help shorten the message without changing its meaning.

Examples:

• Instead of "I'll wait for you at the park, see you there", use "Waiting at park".
• Instead of "The work is good, the boss is happy", use "Work good, boss happy".

8. Use numbers instead of words

Numbers are shorter than words, so you can use them to save space.

Examples:

• Instead of "four hours", use "4 hrs".
• Instead of "See you at five", use "See you @ 5".

9. Use acronyms and abbreviations

Acronyms and abbreviations can summarize common phrases or expressions.

Examples:

• Instead of "Talk to you later", use "TTYL".
• Instead of "As soon as possible", use "ASAP".

10. Use phonetic contractions

Phonetics can help you shorten words in a way that they sound the same but use fewer characters.

Examples:

• Instead of "for me", use "4 me".
• Instead of "you", use "u".

11. Remove non-essential vowels

In some cases, you can remove certain vowels without losing the message's readability.

Examples:

• Instead of "thanks", use "thx".
• Instead of "tomorrow", use "tmrw".

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:

• Instead of "See you at home", use "Seeyouathome".
• Instead of "Going to the movies", use "Going2movies".

13. Use emojis instead of words

Emojis can replace words or express emotions, reducing the number of characters needed.

Examples:

• Instead of "at the scheduled time 12:45", use "⏰12:45".
• Instead of "Great offer", use "Offer".

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:

• Instead of "I am thinking of going", use "Think go".
• Instead of "I am going to eat", use "Eat".

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:

• Instead of "We are going to the park", use "Going to park".
• Instead of "I will call you later", use "Call you later".

16. Merge words

Combining two words into one when possible can reduce the number of characters.

Examples:

• Instead of "All right", use "Alright".
• Instead of "at the", use "atth" (in specific contexts where it won't cause confusion).

17. Use short imperatives

Imperatives are short, direct forms of verbs, useful for commands or suggestions.

Examples:

• Instead of "Can you come see me?", use "Come see me".
• Instead of "Please, tell me", use "Tell me".

18. Use monosyllabic words

Replacing long words with shorter synonyms can reduce the message length.

Examples:

• Instead of "immediately", use "now".
• Instead of "finish", use "end".

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.