Let’s face it, today there are more mobile phones than people in Australia so it’s no surprise that mobile communication is an effective way to keep in touch. The most efficient delivery of mobile communication is through text messages, with 98% read within two minutes. Here, we have five smart ways you can use SMS for personal use or business.
1) SMS Alerts
The best use of SMS is to alert people when you need to share time-sensitive information. For example, if you have an upcoming event (such as a birthday party) cancelled at the last minute, text messages are the fastest way to alert a group of people. Alternatively, you could call individuals (which is time consuming) or use a web-based based service such as WhatsApp, which won’t work if the users don’t have internet active on their mobile.
The effectiveness of SMS Alerts is why governments use this channel for events such as fires and blackouts through Emergency Alert.
2) SMS Reminders
Nothing is more frustrating than forgetting an appointment. This is also costly for many professions, from personal trainers to doctors and mechanics. SMS reminders can be a great way to either remind yourself or others of upcoming appointments. You can set-and-forget this functionality, and it can be integrated into Microsoft Outlook, your calendar or companies’ CRM systems.
An added benefit of appointment reminders is that they can be two-way, where the recipient confirms their attendance at an appointment. To set up this activity, you will need to purchase a package from an SMS reminder provider.

3) E-mail to SMS
There are services that send SMS through e-mail providers such as Outlook and Gmail. One e-mail can send text messages to multiple contacts and these individuals can reply back to your e-mail. This makes SMS an extension of your e-mails, to ensure fast response and open rates of priority information.
One added benefit of e-mail to SMS services is scheduling. Messages can be sent to mobile phones immediately or at a later time or date.
4) Two-Factor Authorisation
With security becoming a premium, SMS is a great way to service a platform. For example, when logging into a sensitive account, Two-Factor Authorisation can send a text to ensure the right user is accessing the information. This can also be used for personal information, such as sending a password reminder.

5) SMS Gateway
The final way is via an SMS Gateway (mainly used by businesses). This is a plug-in to a company’s CRM that automatically sends messages to the database, segment or individual(s) when needed. This provides automation and can personalise mass communication to customers.
Make sure you comply with the Spam Act.
It’s important to understand Spam rules set by the ACMA. If you choose a text message service such as bulk SMS, SMS Marketing or E-Mail to SMS the two important guidelines to adhere to are:
- Get permission from the individual
- Offer an opt-out service
You can learn more about the Spam Act by visiting the ACMA Website.