# SMS Automation

## SMS Automation

**SMS Automation** enables you to send timely, personalized text messages to your contacts using **Broadcasts** and **Drip Campaigns**.\
It’s ideal for alerts, promotions, reminders, OTPs, and follow-ups—delivered directly to users’ mobile phones.

***

### Accessing SMS Automation

1. Log in to your **BotPenguin Dashboard**
2. Navigate to **SMS Bot**
3. Choose one of the available tabs from the expanded menu
   * **Broadcast**
   * **Drip Campaign**

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2F6n43CqsqdoM0mBcJqFKe%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=15970812-d243-47a7-ac8c-244590f86c03" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### SMS Automation – Overview

SMS Automation includes two core features:

* **Broadcasts** – Send one-time SMS messages to a group of contacts
* **Drip Campaigns** – Send automated SMS sequences over time

Both options help you engage users while maintaining compliance and delivery control.

***

### SMS Broadcasts

SMS Broadcasts allow you to send a **single SMS** to a selected audience immediately or at a scheduled time.

#### Common Use Cases

* Flash sales & promotions
* Service alerts
* Event reminders
* Announcements

#### How to Create an SMS Broadcast

1. Open SMS Bot
2. Click on Broadcast Tab.
3. Enter a Broadcast Name
4. Select Broadcast Using (contact group / CSV, if enabled)
5. Choose What to Send → *Message*
6. Enter the Message content
7. Select When to Send:
   * NOW (send instantly)
   * Schedule (send later)
8. Click Create Broadcast

> ⚠️ Completed broadcasts cannot be edited.

***

#### Broadcast Statuses

* **Scheduled** – Queued for future delivery
* **Completed** – Messages processed
* **Failed** – Delivery issues occurred

***

#### Viewing Failed Messages

* Click the **Failed** count to see delivery errors
* Common reasons:
  * Invalid phone numbers
  * Carrier restrictions
  * Network issues

{% content-ref url="sms-automation/sms-broadcast" %}
[sms-broadcast](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/sms-bot/sms-automation/sms-broadcast)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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### SMS Drip Campaigns

SMS Drip Campaigns send **a sequence of messages** automatically over time based on delays or triggers.

#### Common Use Cases

* User onboarding
* Appointment reminders
* Lead nurturing
* Subscription follow-ups

#### How to Create an SMS Drip Campaign

1. Open **SMS Bot → Drip Campaign**
2. Enter a **Campaign Name**
3. Add SMS steps with:
   * Message content
   * Delay (minutes, hours, days)
4. Define the target audience or trigger
5. Activate the campaign

Messages are sent automatically based on your configuration.

{% content-ref url="sms-automation/sms-drip-campaign" %}
[sms-drip-campaign](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/sms-bot/sms-automation/sms-drip-campaign)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

### Best Practices

* Ensure **user opt-in** before sending SMS
* Keep messages **short and clear**
* Avoid sending messages during late hours
* Test campaigns with a small audience first
* Include opt-out instructions where required

***

### Compliance & Limitations

* SMS delivery depends on mobile carriers
* Character limits apply (may split messages)
* Regional SMS regulations apply (opt-in/opt-out)
* Failed messages may still consume credits

### FAQ's

<details>

<summary>What is the difference between Broadcast and Drip Campaign?</summary>

1. **Broadcast**: One-time message to many users
2. **Drip Campaign**: Automated message sequence over time

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I schedule SMS messages?</summary>

Yes.\
Broadcasts can be scheduled, and Drip Campaigns run automatically based on delays.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I edit a message after it is sent?</summary>

No.\
Once an SMS is sent, it cannot be edited or recalled.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why did some SMS messages fail?</summary>

Failures can occur due to:

* Invalid phone numbers
* Carrier filtering
* Network or regional restrictions

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is there a limit on SMS usage?</summary>

Usage depends on your **SMS credits and plan**.

</details>