Short links for SMS are URLs that have been shortened for use in SMS conversations. Using a link shortening service (e.g., Bitly). They’re also known as “mobile links” and “mobile tracking links.”
When companies utilise short links for SMS. They generally produce a large number of unique links (hundreds, thousands, or even millions). By including unique links in each SMS communication. You can measure user engagement data such as who clicked on your message. And which channel or campaign drove your conversions.
Some SMS initiative URLs are particularly intended to be accessed using a mobile device. These are known as mobile deep links. And they guide mobile users who click on your short links to your content inside your app rather than a web browser. Or to the app store to download it. To that end, mobile deep links may help your brand’s audience have a more enjoyable mobile experience. Mobile deep connections, like other lengthy URLs, are often reduced in order to be shared over SMS.
Why use SMS short links?
Brand recognition
Some link shorteners allow customers to add their own domain to their account. This enables them to develop branded connections, such as the one seen below.
As you can see, by using bit.ly instead of the default domain, your links become more brand-recognizable. Businesses often utilise custom domains to generate branded connections. ESPN, for example, utilises es.pn, Nike, swoo.sh, and the New York Times, nyti.ms. Growing your brand is one of the advantages of employing branded links. Every time someone clicks on one of your links, you get a brand impression.
Deliverability
Branded links may assist enhance SMS deliverability since some SMS providers restrict SMS alerts that utilise generic short URLs (i.e. unbranded links).
Motivate people to act
Branded links can inform your readers that you are directing them to your site or another trustworthy site. It’s a simple approach to demonstrate to your audience and SMS provider that your brand stands behind the message and that they can rely on the link in the SMS.
Some URL shortening providers additionally enable you replace the random letters and numbers at the end of your short link with a specific call to action.
SMS short connections with custom branding
Showing your audience where you’re taking them increases their confidence that they’re going to the proper spot. When paired with the use of a custom domain, you may share completely personalised URLs in your SMS messaging.
the number of characters
When it comes to SMS Gateway, brevity is essential since you only have 160 characters to work with for a single message. This is one of the most crucial reasons why firms employ SMS short connections. Long links may be divided into two distinct SMS messages, breaking the connection and rendering your receiver unable to take action.
improved mobile experience
You may also utilise mobile deep links to direct mobile visitors to a particular area inside your app rather than a web browser. If someone hasn’t already downloaded your app, they’ll be encouraged to do so or sent to the mobile web experience. Mobile deep links are often utilised to drive key app metrics such as app installations.
More information
Short links might provide extra data points depending on your URL shortener. This contains organic sharing analytics, mobile deep link reporting, near-real time click statistics, and device-type and city-level data for Bitly. Having this extra data, in addition to SMS open rates, will help you better understand how your SMS efforts are functioning and how your audience is interacting.
How to Begin with Your SMS Program
To get started with SMS messaging, whether for marketing or service alerts. You’ll need the necessary tools and services. The procedure of getting started may vary based on the ones you choose. A example overview of the actions you’d need to follow to get started is provided below.
1 – Create a subscription list and get approval.
If you’re going to use SMS for marketing purposes, you’ll need to create a strong subscriber list. There are several approaches to this. If you need some ideas, check out this page. Keep in mind that your subscribers must have signed in to receive your SMS messages before you can send them anything.
2 – Choose an SMS service provider
There are several SMS providers with whom you may collaborate to deliver text messages. (We have several clients that utilise Salesforce MobileConnect or Twilio.) You should choose one within your budget that offers the capabilities and services required to support your SMS operations.
Most of our clients have a technical lead engaged in the process of picking an SMS provider since they can speak to their company’s technical demands. Make sure this individual is aware of how you want to utilise SMS, as well as your target audience, objectives, and other pertinent information.
The network coverage of the supplier is an essential consideration. Are they compatible with the main mobile phone carriers in the locations to which you want to send texts? Before committing to a service, it’s critical to know for certain. Other factors that may be relevant to you include choosing a supplier with excellent customer service or one that connects with technologies you currently use, such as your link shortener.
3 – Be aware of text messaging rules and restrictions.
You must also follow text message rules established by government and industry authorities (such as the FCC, FTC, and TCPA), mobile carriers (such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile), and your messaging provider (e.g., Salesforce MobileConnect or Twilio). Making sense of all of the laws and regulations might be intimidating if you’re new to corporate SMS messages, but it’s vital to understand to guarantee you’re in compliance. Your SMS provider will most likely assist you here, but at the end of the day, it is your company’s responsibility to ensure it is following the regulations.
4 – Decide on a URL shortening provider.
Like your SMS provider, you should choose a link shortening service that fits all of your features and functionality needs. Because each link in your communications will direct receivers to an essential location (for example, an appointment booking page), selecting a reliable provider is critical.
Some factors to examine are the service’s track record of dependability, security procedures, API speed, and support services. It is also important to find a solution that can work in tandem with your SMS provider. Click here to learn more about Bitly’s uptime record, link management security, and advanced link management capabilities like redirects and stats.
5 – To send SMS, follow the instructions provided by your service provider.
This step will almost certainly need the assistance of a developer or engineer, so be sure to contact with anyone on your team will be assisting with the technical setup. You may also wish to collaborate closely with your link shortening provider.
