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What is a Text Blast & How Do You Send an SMS Blast?
(Step By Step Guide)

What is a Text Blast & How Do You Send an SMS Blast.png

Have you ever wondered how political campaigns, sales news, and alerts in the wake of emergencies like a hurricane reach thousands to sometimes millions of people within seconds?

Well, the acting force behind this messaging phenomenon is called a text blast. And this is a very scalable and impact-worthy tactic for businesses and marketers who are out to create an impact in the market.

In the sections ahead, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, what text blasts are, why they’re so effective, and how to launch one with maximum impact and minimal effort. From proven best practices to essential compliance tips, this guide has you covered to help you send your first (or next) SMS blast like a pro marketer.

What is a Text Blast or SMS Blast?

A text blast, also known as SMS blast, bulk SMS, or mass texting, is a marketing strategy where you broadcast a single message to a large group of audiences at the same time.

You can use it for various purposes—whether promotional, such as announcing sales or events, or informational, like reaching out to leads or communicating with customers.

Text Blast Vs. Mass Texting: What’s the Difference?
Text blast, mass texting, SMS blast, bulk SMS, and mass text messaging all mean the same thing; they are the same sides of the same coin. It means broadcasting text messages to a large group of people at the same time. The words are used interchangeably, and there is no actual distinction between them.

How Does Text Blast Work?

Text blast works by using a specialized SMS/Text marketing tool (like TXTImpact) to send a single message to a large group of recipients at once.

Unlike digital group chats, mass texting sends each recipient their own message, adding a touch of personalization while ensuring compliance with telecom regulations like TCPA. All these features make Text Blast an excellent tool for organizations and unions of all sizes.

Just be mindful of best practices and laws related to text blasts to work within the legal framework.

Why Use Text Blast Software for Business Messaging?

  • Instant Communication – Reach thousands of customers within seconds.
  • Higher Open Rates – 98% of text messages get opened within 3 minutes.
  • Cost Efficient – Send messages at a low cost while generating a solid ROI (5–20x).
  • Better Engagement – Interaction via texts, polls, and bi-directional messages.
  • Increase Sales – Send offers and promos directly to customers to boost conversions.
  • Set Reminders – Auto send SMS for appointments, events, and service alerts.
  • Emergency Alerts – SMS is reliable for emergency warnings, unlike social media.
  • Scalable – Reach hundreds or thousands with just a few clicks.
  • Precise Target – Segment your lists to send the right message to the right audience.
  • Analytics – Track clicks and engagement using analytics right at the dashboard.
  • Automate – Save time through automation while staying compliant with regulations.

If the above-mentioned features feel like a deja vu, maybe it is a sign for you to experience TXTImpact!

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How to Send a Text Blast Message: A Step-by-Step Guide

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You can send a text blast to many people at once by following these easy steps:

Step 1: Choose a Text Blast Tool
Sign up with TXTImpact and utilise the bulk texting feature for your business purposes. It’s ideal for organizations and unions looking to reach a large audience with minimal effort.

Step 2: Upload Your Opt-In List to TXTImpact
Create a list of recipients who have permitted you to contact them. You can upload their phone numbers (like a CSV file) directly to TXTImpact. You can also share a link to a landing page where users can opt in by filling in their contact details.

Step 3: Write Your Message
Write a clear and crisp message. Keep it under 160 characters so it fits in one SMS. If you need some tips on writing greeting messages.

Step 4: Send Your Text Blast
Send your message right away or schedule an SMS blast for a later time using TXTImpact’s scheduling feature. The platform gives you full control over when your message goes out.

Step 5: Track the Results
Use TXTImpact’s analytics tools to monitor delivery, opens, clicks, and responses. This helps you understand what works and how to improve future campaigns.

Need more details?

Watch our quick tutorial on how to send a text blast/Mass Text with TXTImpact:

Some of the Key Metrics to Analyze are:

You need the right metrics to measure your outcomes, while TXTImpact’s dashboard does provide you with this information, however, understanding the maths behind these metrics is always a good option.

  1. Delivery Rate
    Delivery rate shows how many of you sent messages that actually reached the recipients' phones. A high delivery rate means your contact list is valid and your messages are getting through.
    (Number of Delivered Texts ÷ Total Number of Texts Sent) × 100

  2. Click-Through Rate (CTR)
    CTR measures how many recipients clicked on a link within your text message. A high CTR tells you that your message was relevant and your link caught attention.
    (Total Clicks ÷ Total Impressions) × 100

  3. Conversion Rate
    Conversion rate tracks how many recipients took the desired action after clicking your link, like making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a form. A strong conversion rate means your messages are intriguing.
    (Total Conversions ÷ Total Clicks) × 100

  4. Unsubscribe Rate
    Unsubscribe rate reflects how many people opted out after receiving your messages. A high unsubscribe rate may signal that your messages aren't relevant or are too frequent, or maybe people are no longer interested.
    (Total Unsubscribes ÷ Total Messages Sent) × 100

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Group Texts vs. Text Blasts: Know the Difference

People often confuse group texts with text blasts, but actually, they both serve different purposes and work differently.

Group texts allow two-way communication and show all recipients in the conversation. While text blasts send one-way messages to many recipients at once, without revealing others’ contact information. The two are not interchangeable, so use them according to your communication goals.

Feature Group Text Text Blast (Mass Text)
Definition A text message sent to multiple people simultaneously A method of sending a large number of text messages to multiple recipients at once
Purpose Used for informal communication Used for business and marketing activities
Sending Method Sent via personal messaging apps Sent using specialized SMS platforms or bulk texting services
Interaction Allows for two-way communication Typically, it is one-way communication
Regulations Not subject to specific legal regulations Subject to laws like TCPA, GDPR, and CAN-SPAM
Use Cases Personal chats, event planning, and team coordination Marketing campaigns, alerts, and promos

What Types of Phone Numbers Are Used in Text Blast?

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If you are planning to send an SMS blast or text blasts, you are required to choose a number out of the following given below. Just remember that each one serves a different purpose.

  1. Short Code (e.g., 34343)
    A short code is a 5-6 digit number. Businesses typically use it for marketing campaigns, promos, and alerts because it can send a high volume of texts in a short time. Well, the system is pretty expensive and may not be suitable for someone looking for budget-friendly options. Moreover, they work best for high-volume and critical updates.

  2. 10DLC or Long Code (e.g., (201) 123-4567)
    Long codes or 10DLCs look like regular phone numbers. Businesses use them not only for personal or one-on-one communication but also for mass texting campaigns. These numbers support global messaging and help build brand recognition since businesses own them.
    That said, legal compliance is a key factor in the US markets, and businesses are now required to get their 10DLC number registered to work under the legal framework. So, if you haven’t yet, it is recommended as per federal laws to register as soon as possible (10 DLC Registration).

  3. Toll-Free Number (e.g., 800-123-4567)
    Toll-free numbers combine the benefits of long and short codes. Businesses use them to handle high-volume messaging like a short code, while also creating a personal and branded experience like a long code. They offer faster delivery and help reach customers globally.
    While unverified toll numbers are subject to high filtering and message blocking from carriers, it is advisable to get them verified to reduce spam, build trust, and improve deliverability. (Toll-Free Verification)

How to Grow Your Text Blast Contact List?

If you want to grow your SMS marketing contact list, keep in mind that buying contacts from third-party sources is illegal and will result in spam, which may get your phone number banned forever.

To prevent such situations, the best method is to use the "Text-to-Join" option. This technique enables people to sign up for your SMS marketing list by sending a keyword to a specific number, thus being in compliance and creating a genuine subscriber base ethically.

A few successful examples include:

  • A restaurant chain placed the keyword DINEIN on table tents and receipts, encouraging customers to join their SMS list for special meal offers and tips.
  • A high-street retail outlet displayed the keyword SHOPNOW at billing counters, inviting customers to subscribe for black friday sales and new arrival alerts.
  • A franchise gym featured the keyword FITNESS on its website and social media, allowing members to receive class schedules and health tips directly via SMS.

These text-to-join strategies played a huge role for these businesses and outlets to organically grow their customer base and even convert them directly into repeat customers through constant communication while being in the legal framework!

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What to Look for in the Best Text Blast Software?

When it comes to mass texting or SMS marketing, not every platform is created equal or offers the same value. Therefore, selecting the right text blast service is important to make the most out of it. TXTImpact is North America’s top bulk SMS provider because it provides the most in-demand features in today’s market, like text blast campaigns, compliance with federal laws, and data security.

The following points will help you understand better the features of this software, and with your checklists too.

  1. Fast and Simple Phone Number Registration
    TXTImpact makes it easy to get your business phone number up and running for SMS marketing. Our dedicated customer support team helps you register your number fast, so you can start your text blast campaigns on time.

  2. Multimedia Messaging (MMS)
    While SMS is limited to text, MMS enables you to send images, video, and audio. TXTImpact accommodates rich media messaging to improve engagement and response rates as central objectives in any SMS marketing campaign.

  3. Integration with Top Tools
    When selecting a text blast provider, third-party integrations are an important aspect to consider.TXTImpact partners with top integration tools and CRMs, providing you with greater flexibility when running your SMS marketing campaigns. These integrations bring automation, workflow simplification, and improved data syncing between software.

  4. Contact Segmentation for Targeted Messaging
    Targeted messaging is essential in today's cluttered market. TXTImpact allows you to segment your contact list based on demographics, behavior, or previous purchases. This ensures that your bulk SMS messages hit the right target at the right time, enhancing conversion rates.

  5. Personalization to Boost Engagement
    TXTImpact enables you to customize messages with recipient names, interests, or historical data. Customized mass texting makes your approach more relevant and less automated, resulting in more clicks, responses, and conversions.

  6. Branded Custom Tiny URLs
    With TXTImpact, you can generate Branded Short Links for your campaigns. Branded URLs build brand trust and recognition, in contrast to generic URL shorteners. You can track click-through rates (CTR), conversions, and user activity as well. This capability ensures that your SMS marketing campaigns yield measurable results that are to be optimized for future campaigns.

  7. Compliance and Opt-In Management
    Compliance is paramount in bulk SMS marketing. TXTImpact follows TCPA, GDPR, and CAN-SPAM laws to ensure you only send messages to users who have opted in. This keeps your business safe legally, builds trust, and improves outcomes.

  8. Real-Time Reporting and Analytics
    TXTImpact provides you with a comprehensive performance dashboard for each SMS campaign, such as open rates, click-through rates, and engagement levels. These statistics enable you to refine your strategy and increase return on investment (ROI).

  9. Automation and Scheduling
    Automating your text blasts will save time and make you consistent. TXTImpact permits you to plan SMS campaigns, automate drip sequences, and automate replies. This supports continuous customer interactions without human intervention.

Not all SMS platforms are created equal.

See why businesses choose TXTImpact over the rest in our head-to-head comparison.

Compare TXTImpact vs Other Platforms

How Do Companies Use Text Blast? (Use Cases Explained)

Companies across industries rely heavily on text blast services to communicate quickly and effectively. With mobile usage at an all-time high, SMS marketing has become a scalable channel. In fact, text messages with links and rich media get 10 times more clicks than emails containing the same content. Here are the top ways companies apply text blast services in real-world scenarios:

  1. Polls Through Text Blasts
    Companies use bulk SMS polls to increase customer engagement, gather feedback, and build brand awareness. By sending SMS-based surveys or polls, marketers gain quick insights into customer preferences, helping refine their products and messaging.
    Learn: How to create SMS polls?

  2. Text Blasts for Nonprofits
    Nonprofits can use SMS to connect with donors and volunteers more easily. They send donation requests, share updates about volunteer events, and even launch awareness campaigns for political or humanitarian causes. SMS messaging ensures timely delivery and a high open rate, essential for critical appeals.

  3. Emergency Alerts via SMS
    Organizations use text messaging for emergency alerts when internet services become unreliable or slow. Schools, employers, and emergency services use SMS alerts to deliver urgent safety information, cancellations, or last-minute updates.
    Leading SMS software platforms (TXTImpact) also track message delivery and read status, allowing organizations to follow up with those who haven’t opened the alert.

  4. Marketing and Notifications Through SMS
    Businesses use SMS marketing for promotions, appointment reminders, and product announcements. Retailers announce flash sales, job portals notify candidates, and even event organizers send weather updates via text blasts during live matches or concerts.

Text Blast Samples and Guidelines for Successful Campaigns

Use these text blast samples to create short, engaging, and SMS-compliant messages (under 160 characters) across industries. Each message aims to capture attention and prompt quick action.

  1. Retail Promotion
    Promote your flash sale with urgency.
    Example: Flash Sale! Take 30% OFF all summer styles—today only! Use code SUN30 at checkout. Shop now: [shortened URL]. Ends tonight!

  2. Service Reminder
    Remind customers before their service deadline.
    Example: Hi [First Name], your [Vehicle Model] is due for an oil change! Schedule now: [link] or call [phone number]. Offer expires in 7 days.

  3. Event Invitation
    Invite customers to exclusive events.
    Example: You’re Invited! [Company]’s Grand Opening: Sat, 10 AM–2 PM. Free gifts for the first 50 guests! RSVP now: [link]

  4. Appointment Confirmation
    Confirm appointments instantly via SMS.
    Example: Hi [Name], your dental appointment is confirmed for [Date] at [Time]. Reply YES to confirm or RESCHEDULE to adjust.

  5. Non-Profit Fundraising
    Encourage donors with matching gifts.
    Example: Double Your Impact! Donate to [Cause]—every $1 becomes $2 until [Date]. Give now: [link]. The matching deadline is approaching!

  6. Real Estate Update
    Notify prospects of new listings fast.
    Example: New Listing! 3BR/2BA home in [Neighborhood] just hit the market. Schedule a tour: [link]. Listed at $XXX, XXX.

  7. Travel Deal
    Highlight limited-time travel promotions.
    Example: Fly to Miami round-trip for $99—book before midnight! Travel valid from [Month] to [Month]. Reserve now: [link]

  8. Healthcare Reminder
    Prompt patients for important health appointments.
    Example: Time for your flu shot, [First Name]! Book your visit at [Clinic Name]: [link] or walk in M–F, 9 AM–5 PM.

  9. Educational Alert
    Send quick updates about school status.
    Example: School Closure: [School Name] will remain closed tomorrow, [Date], due to weather. Check your email for updates.

  10. Urgent Notification
    Alert users of critical service issues.
    Example: Action Required: Your payment for [Service] failed. Avoid service disruption—update info here: [link]. Need help? Call [number].

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Is Text Blasting Legal? Understanding Compliance Rules

Yes, text blasting is legal when done in line with the policies and regulations of your nation. In the USA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversee text blasts.

The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) and the Do Not Call Registry pertain to text blasts that are utilized for purposes of marketing or sales.
The TSR calls on companies to first get consumers' written approval to send them text blasts and give consumers a prominent and convenient opportunity to opt out of receiving additional texts.

The FCC's TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) is also used to regulate text blasts and mandates that companies first get the prior express written consent of consumers before they can send them text messages.

Common Issues and Solutions When Sending a Text Blast

Issues

  • Spam complaints from recipients who didn’t opt in
  • Lack of personalization leading to poor engagement
  • Off-topic or irrelevant content leading to an unsubscribe
  • Technical issues like failed or delayed message delivery
  • Character limits restrict complete message delivery

Solutions

  • Use a compliant and reliable mass texting platform like TXTImpact
  • Access user-friendly tools and responsive customer support
  • Ensure messages are delivered legally and successfully
  • Send personalized, relevant content only to opt-in subscribers
  • Follow SMS marketing best practices and maintain frequency

Stay Legal. Stay Trusted. Start Messaging Right.

TXTImpact helps you follow SMS regulations effortlessly—with opt-in tools,
unsubscribe automation, and message filtering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author

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Rahul Kumar

Digital Marketing Specialist - TXTImpact

Rahul Kumar is a seasoned Digital Marketer, SEO Specialist, and Content Strategist with over 8 years of experience in SaaS, SMS marketing, web hosting, WordPress, and digital marketing. He develops result-driven strategies that boost traffic, engagement, and conversions. His sharp editorial skills and strategic mindset make him a key contributor to any brand’s online success. "When not working, Rahul enjoys analyzing Google algorithm updates and sipping cold brew."

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