Sending SMS messages is an effective marketing tool that can be used to achieve a wide range of objectives. However, it’s important to understand the differences between the two main types of SMS: transactional SMS and promotional SMS.
What Is a Transactional SMS?
Transactional SMS are used to send important, specific information related to a customer’s transaction or interaction. These messages are usually automated and triggered by an action taken by the customer.
For example, transactional SMS can include:
- order confirmations,
- delivery alerts,
- appointment notifications,
- payment reminders
- …
These messages are characterised by their informative nature and their immediate relevance to the recipient. Transactional SMS are essential for providing high-quality customer service. They allow businesses to stay connected with their customers and deliver the information they need at the right time.
What Is a Promotional SMS?
Promotional SMS, on the other hand, are used in marketing campaigns aimed at promoting a product, service, or event.. These messages are designed to spark customer interest and encourage purchases or participation.
They are generally longer than transactional SMS and often include special offers, discounts, event invitations, or new product announcements.. Promotional SMS focus more on customer engagement and conversion.
Examples of promotional SMS include:
- a discount offer on a product or service
- a notification about a new product or service
- an invitation to an event or a promotional campaign
Promotional SMS are an excellent way to generate leads and increase sales. However, they must be used wisely, as customers may quickly unsubscribe if they receive too many promotional messages!
Key Differences Between Transactional and Promotional SMS
Objective: Transactional SMS have an informative purpose, while promotional SMS aim to encourage an action.
Personalisation:
Transactional SMS are highly personalised based on the customer’s action, whereas promotional SMS can be more generic and target a broader audience.
Frequency:
Transactional SMS are sent in response to specific customer actions, so their frequency depends entirely on customer interactions.
Promotional SMS follow marketing strategies and may be sent at regular intervals throughout the year. You can rely on key calendar dates to plan them effectively.
Regulations:
Transactional SMS are often exempt from certain regulations that apply to promotional SMS—especially regarding prior consent from the recipient.
No one is supposed to ignore the law! We invite you to read our article about French SMS regulations and data protection.
Importance in a Communication Strategy
An effective SMS communication strategy includes both transactional and promotional messages. Transactional SMS reinforce trust and reliability by providing useful, timely information. Promotional SMS, on the other hand, play a key role in boosting sales and driving customer engagement.
A well-balanced combination of the two can significantly increase the reach and effectiveness of your mobile communication. .
As you can see, distinguishing between transactional and promotional SMS is essential when building an SMS marketing strategy— each type has its own purpose and specific advantages.
How TextingHouse Helps You Send Both Types of SMS ?
As a professional SMS platform, we allow you to:
- send transactional SMS by automating your messages directly from your applications using our Zapier integration
- send promotional SMS by uploading your customer database or connecting your CRM
This ensures optimal communication with your customers!
Get 10 free SMS credits today to try our online Professional SMS sending platform!