Alert Cascade Bulk SMS

Overview


Bulk SMS allows for users to send large or small amounts of text messages through via the internet for quick delivery, and allows for replies to be returned to a place of your choosing, such as an email address, a database you host online, or back to your own mobile.

Sending out bulk messages is easy through the use of aql account features such as distribution lists and file import facilities, and you can create and send out a bulk messaging campaign in no time at all.

Sending methods

"If you do need help with any aspect of our sms services, or want to discuss how we can help with your bulk text-outs, please feel free to call our friendly account management team on 01133 20 30 32."

There are two types of bulk mailout you can use; 'standard' and 'personalized'. The 'standard' mail out allows you to send a single message to a distribution list of up to 1 million mobile numbers, where as the 'personalized' option allows you to provide a list of numbers, unique corresponding messages, and if you require, scheduled delievry times.

Standard

This is typically accessed via email or our website, and allows you to create multiple distribution lists of recipients that can be saved for future use, before composing a message either on site or simply by sending an email.

Personalized

For the personal touch when you want to send a custom message relevant to each recipient, and the numbers and pertinent data are available to you in a spreadsheet or database, we can help you to prepare that data for a bulk send.

Using an app like Microsoft Excel and a little scripting, you can easily address the recipient by name, provide them with a specific reference, or send to them at a certain time, such as 12pm the day before the appointment you have scheduled.

This preparation can then be automated, and with a few clicks can become an invaluable tool in cutting costs while regularly and efficiently connecting with your clients


Send Online


Preparing and sending bulk SMS online

Distribution List Preparation

Sending SMS text messages to large numbers of employees, customers or friends can be done quickly and easily from our website. Simply sign up for a free trial account and you could be sending in minutes.

How to do it...

You can copy your mobile numbers into a distribution list - The format of the list is either one mobile number per line with no commas or: mobilenumber1,mobilenumber2,mobilenumber3, ñ ie separated by commas with no spaces.

Paste this list of numbers into the "mobile number list" box on site, enter a name for the list, and press 'validate'. You will be presented with the imported data and asked to confirm it appears as expected. When this is ok, the distribution list will be saved for use.

How to send a larger bulk SMS distribution list.

Prepare your data

If you want to send personalised data (ie a different message to each number) or you want to send to tens of thousands of recipeints, you can prepare a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file of mobile numbers. Most databases and spreadsheets are capable of exporting data in this format (eg in Excel, you would click "save as" then select ".csv"). The format of the list is either one mobile number per line with no commas or: mobilenumber1,mobilenumber2,mobilenumber3, mobilenumber4 etc.

Setup a distribution list

Select the option to import a list, and enter its name. Select the CSV file prepared earlier and press 'validate'. You will be presented with the imported data and asked to confirm it has imported as expected. When you confirm this, the distribution list will be saved to your account.

Prepare your message

Once a distribution list is saved to your account you can send mailouts to these prepared lists. To prepare a message for a mail out, select the 'distribution list' link from the send menu in your customer account. Select the distribution list you wish to send to from the dropdown menu, enter the message you which to send to each of these numbers, and if you wish specify the originator id and time for sending.

Send your message

Check your message and sending options carefully and once you are happy these are correct press the send messages button. Your messages will then be queued for sending, either at the time you specified, or immediately if you have not specified a time.

How to send a personalized bulk send

As above, you will want to create a CSV file of your data, but additional data can be referenced using an app like Microsoft Excel. With a little scripting, you can easily address the recipient by name, provide them with a specific reference, or alert them at a certain time, such as 12pm the day before the appointment you have scheduled.

If you would like any more information on this, please do get in touch.


Pricing


No Setup fees

aql have a simple pricing model for all of our outbound SMS text messaging services. We simply charge you per-message for the messages you send. Price promise - We will match or beat, like for like, any genuine mobile messaging quotation - contact us to discuss

aql are direct-connected to the UK mobile networks. This means there's no "middle men" - If you have a genuine quote from another messaging provider, we'll be pleased to beat it! If you are looking to purchase larger or more regular amounts of messages, please let us know. We can help integrate our sms service into your CRM system, web application or monitoring system. We can even bill you by direct debit, so once it's set up, you don't have to do anything.

PrePay Message Prices

Prepay messages allow you to credit your account as a when required. Messages will remain on your account up to a maximum period of up to 12 months, longer by specific contract - contact us for details.


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