​Getting Started with SMS

SMS is a powerful channel to complement email outreach, driving immediate engagement and cutting through inbox clutter. This guide serves as your SMS marketing hub in Force24. You will get an overview of how to send single send SMS campaigns, embed SMS in Journeys, use the SMS editor, manage sender IDs, and handle international sending requirements.

1. Send a single send SMS campaign

Need to send a quick update, promotion, or alert to a list of contacts? Learn more in our How to send an SMS campaign article. In a single send campaign, you can:

• Set the sender name and enable replies.
• Write a message with merge fields, an opt-out link, and traceable URLs.
• Preview your message before sending immediately or scheduling.
• Track performance afterwards.

Use these features carefully to ensure UK GDPR compliance and click tracking.

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2. Add SMS to a journey

Want to integrate SMS into your automated flows? You can do that easily in Journey Manager using the purple Send SMS component. Drag it into your journey, write your message, configure opt-out settings, choose the audience type, and connect it visually. This lets you sequence SMS alongside email, app actions, or silence periods. For a full walkthrough, see our How to send SMS within a journey article.

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3. Use the SMS editor like a pro

Whether sending single send SMS campaigns or delivering messages via a journey, the SMS editor gives you complete control over character counts, formatting, link tracking, and costs. Learn about best practices for message length, Unicode usage, and link shortening in our SMS Practical Guidance article. If you need help with the editor or troubleshooting, check our SMS Technical Guidance article.

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4. Personalise your sender ID

To build trust, it is important your SMS comes from a recognisable sender. You can configure your sender name in settings so your brand or team name appears on the recipient's device. Get step-by-step instructions in our Customising my SMS sender ID article.

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5. Send SMS internationally with ease

If you need to reach contacts across the globe, Force24 supports international messaging. Just make sure country codes are correctly formatted and address fields are populated. Rates vary, and certain countries require special handling. For general rules, see our Sending SMS internationally article. For advice on sending to Australia following recent legal changes, see our Can I send SMS to Australia? article.

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SMS works best as part of a multi-channel marketing approach. Use it alongside email, app actions, and silence periods to reach your audience at the right time. Whether sending one-off campaigns or automating journeys, SMS adds immediacy and personal connection to your marketing mix.