📲 Best Practices for Sending Short Links via SMS | Optimize Your SMS Campaigns
Short links in SMS marketing can boost engagement, increase click-through rates (CTR), and track performance. But if not used correctly, they can trigger spam filters, reduce trust, and hurt conversions.
🚀 In this guide, you'll learn:
✔️ How to create effective SMS messages with short links
✔️ Best URL shorteners for SMS campaigns
✔️ How to avoid being flagged as spam
✔️ Tips to track and optimize SMS performance
✅ Why Use Short Links in SMS?
SMS messages have a 160-character limit, and long URLs can make them cluttered and less appealing. Short links:
✔️ Save space for more valuable text
✔️ Look cleaner and increase trust
✔️ Encourage clicks with branded URLs
✔️ Provide tracking data to measure performance
🔗 Choosing the Right URL Shortener for SMS
Not all shorteners work well for SMS. Some may get flagged by carriers as spam. Use a trusted shortener that offers analytics and branding options.
📌 Best URL Shorteners for SMS Marketing:
🔹 Bitly – Custom short links, analytics, and tracking
🔹 Rebrandly – Personalized branded links for higher trust
🔹 Short.io – Advanced tracking & retargeting
🔹 TinyURL – Simple, fast, and free
💡 Tip: Avoid generic shorteners like “bit.ly/xyz123” and use a branded short domain (e.g., yourbrand.link/deal) for better trust and click rates.
📩 Best Practices for Sending Short Links via SMS
1️⃣ Keep Messages Short & Actionable
Your SMS should be clear, concise, and compelling.
📌 Example of a Good SMS with a Short Link:
🚀 Flash Sale! Get 25% OFF today only! Click here: yourbrand.link/25off
🚫 Avoid:
"Hi, we have an exclusive deal on our website. Visit now: https://www.yourbrandwebsite.com/products/limited-time-sale-25-percent-off.html"
✅ Why?
✔️ Short and engaging
✔️ Includes a clear call-to-action (CTA)
✔️ Uses a clean, branded short link
2️⃣ Personalize the SMS for Higher Engagement
People are more likely to click when they feel the message is meant for them.
📌 Example of a Personalized SMS:
🔔 John, your exclusive 30% discount expires at midnight! Grab your deal now: yourbrand.link/save30
✅ Why?
✔️ Uses the recipient’s name
✔️ Creates urgency
✔️ Encourages immediate action
3️⃣ Use a Single Link Per SMS
Including multiple links in an SMS can:
❌ Look spammy
❌ Confuse the recipient
❌ Reduce CTR
📌 Keep it simple:
👉 One message = One clear CTA = One short link
4️⃣ Avoid Spam Triggers & Stay Compliant
SMS providers may block your message if it contains spammy elements.
🚫 Avoid spam triggers like:
- ALL CAPS TEXT (e.g., "GET FREE MONEY NOW!")
- Too many exclamation marks!!!!
- Unverified public shorteners (e.g., tiny.cc, cutt.ly)
- Words like "free," "win," "cash," "urgent" without proper context
✅ Ensure Compliance:
✔️ Get opt-in consent before sending messages
✔️ Include an opt-out option (e.g., "Reply STOP to unsubscribe")
✔️ Follow regulations like TCPA, GDPR, and DND
5️⃣ Track Clicks & Optimize Your Campaign
Why track your short links?
📊 Understand who clicked and when
📈 Improve SMS performance
🎯 Retarget engaged users
📌 How to Track Short Links?
- Use UTM parameters to analyze traffic
- Monitor click data in Bitly, Rebrandly, or Short.io
- Test different messages to optimize conversion rates
✅ Example of a UTM-tracked link:
👉 https://yourbrand.link/deal?utm_source=sms&utm_campaign=flash_sale
🚀 Final SMS Short Link Tips for Higher Engagement
✔️ Use a branded short domain (e.g., yourbrand.link/deal)
✔️ Keep SMS messages short and action-oriented
✔️ Use personalization to increase response rates
✔️ Track clicks & optimize messages based on engagement data
✔️ Follow compliance rules to avoid spam filters
📲 Now you’re ready to send high-converting SMS messages with short links! 🚀
Use these best practices in your next campaign and watch your engagement grow. 😊