Published: Nov 28, 2016
Last update: Jun 28, 2022
SMS Marketing

Make an transactional SMS more effective by including an hyperlink

SMSTRANS
Make an transactional SMS more effective by including an hyperlink
5 (100%) 7 votes

Transactional SMS are messages that provide a service to the recipient. In other words, the goal is not to send promotional material or publicity, but to inform or notify clients or customers of important information.

The main uses of transactional SMS are for reminders, messages, alarms, passwords, deliveries etc.

This type of notification utilizes the benefits of SMS (immediate, direct, cheap, and with a high open rate) for direct, relevant communication and ultimately, offer a better service.

Recently the spread of mobile devices with connection to the internet has added functions to SMS communication, for example, it is now possible to include hyperlinks to complete information which improves functionality considerably beyond a simple SMS message of 60 characters.

The goal of a transactional SMS message should always be to provide the best service possible to the client or user. The content should be up-to-date and relevant information which the user will appreciate. The intention is to increase customer loyalty, so that users develop a good relationship with the company or brand and are encouraged to purchase something else from the company in the future.

What else to consider

  • Converting an hyperlink to a shortlink

An SMS message has a limited capacity of 160 characters and for this reason it is recommended to use a shorter hyperlink (shortlink) so you can include more information in the text of your message. You can find services that create short links such as Google URL Shortener (https://goo.gl/), a service which also provide statistics on the numbers of visits and clicks to the website. LabsMobile also provides this service integrated within the WebSMS application.

  • Identify, program and personalize messages

Another of the advantages of SMS is that it is very easy to program and send messages using a platform such as LabsMobile. Using an API you can send transactional SMS automatically and with little effort.

As such an immediate form of communication, it’s important to program messages to arrive at the appropriate moment. In this way, the client or user will have the information or service available when it is really relevant to them.

We recommend clearly identifying who is sending the message (named as the SENDER or detailed as the first word inside the text of the message) and also to personalize the text with the recipient’s name or other information for a better user experience.

Below we will show you the most common examples of how to strengthen your SMS communication by adding a link.

Case 1. Link to a landing page to provide more information

The most widely used application of a link inside an SMS is to provide more information. You can include a link to a file or a website containing a more detailed description with images, videos or any other format of multimedia. In these cases the SMS message acts as an introduction that encourages the recipient to click on the link and find out more information.  

“Antony, as a PREMIUM client of our outlet we take pleasure in sending you the catalogue for our new shoe collection: https://acceso.premium/outlet-2016

“Your reservation for the party at Night City Lounge has been confirmed. Please present the following QR code at the entrance: https://nightcitylounge/hE62Dr

“Take a look at today’s lunch menu: https://rest.com/menu. Click on the link to get a 30% discount if you come with a friend.”

Case 2. Include a direct link to the user control panel

When notifying an existing client about updates to their order or service – such as changes in their order status, notifications that their credit has run out, or reminders or appointments – it’s very useful for the user if a link is included in the message which takes them to the user area where they can confirm, find out more information or make necessary changes.

“Your order S23192 has been successfully completed and will be sent today. Track your order here: https://dom.com/tupaneldeusuario.html

“Thanks for your purchasing a ticket to the U2 concert. You can download your tickets and find more information here: https://dom.com/tustickets.html

“Remember that tomorrow Tuesday 17th you have an appointment at our clinic at 18:30. If you are unable to attend, please change your appointment here: https://dom.com/tuscitas.html

Case 3. Call-to-action SMS

An hyperlink in an SMS can also be used as a call-to-action. This action can provide information or access to online resources. The high open rate of an SMS and its simple format (text containing a link) makes SMS messaging the ideal communication method for these types of actions.

“Download our application at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dev.gamesguns

“Tell us about your stay at the Hotel Grand Palace, Paris: https://review.com/id=32921. Your opinion is important to us!”

“The children of Nepal need you. Make a donation to Help in Action at https://savenepal.com

Case 4. Attach a map to an SMS

Send an SMS containing a link to a map app linked to a specific location. Clicking on the link will open the native map application installed (for example, Google maps) highlighting the place, route, or whatever else you want to draw the user’s attention to.

“Hi John, your order has arrived at the collection point: https://maps.google.com/maps?Muntaner,+32,+08011+Barcelona

“Your reservation at the Thai Garden Restaurant has been confirmed: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Maldonado+43+Madrid/Velazquez+23+Madrid