Why Campaign Scheduling Matters: Best Hours for Optimal Open Rates in SMS Marketing

Effective SMS marketing hinges not just on what you send, but when you send it. Timing is key to making sure that your messages reach your audience at the right moment. Campaign scheduling plays a major role in this, as it directly influences open rates and overall engagement. Here’s why you need to master it and how you can achieve optimal results.

Timing Matters

Timing is everything in SMS marketing. Unlike emails, SMS texts are often read immediately after they are received. This immediacy means that sending a message at the wrong time could result in it being ignored or—worse—deleted.?

Research shows that SMS open rates are highest during specific hours of the day. Missing this window could mean missing out on key engagement opportunities.

When is the Best Time to Send SMS Texts for Optimal Open Rates?

Studies suggest that the best time to send SMS messages is typically between 9 AM and 12 PM and from 5 PM to 9 PM. During these periods, people are more likely to check their phones and engage with content. The midday window aligns with lunch breaks, while the evening slot captures attention after work when people are more relaxed and receptive.

You also have to consider time zones. Scheduling your campaigns according to your audience's local time guarantees that your messages arrive at the ideal moment, no matter where they are.

How to Perfect Your Timing with Dexatel's Campaign Scheduling Feature

The Dexatel platform offers a robust campaign scheduling feature designed to help you reach your audience at the optimal time. Here’s how it works:

• Click on "SMS" from the navigation bar

• Click on "Create a Campaign"

• Name the campaign or let the system automatically assign it a sequential number.?Enter the campaign text up to 1000 characters.

• Select a default or your own template from the dropdown

• Choose your sender name, number, or short code

• Select your recipients:

Select "Manually Add Number" if you want to send to a few recipients. Add numbers manually from the "Personalized" tab by entering each recipients’ phone number with associated information such as first name, last name, time, and date

• Copy and paste up to 100 contacts on the "Comma-separated" tab to send campaigns to recipients without personalization.

If you have a present audience for your campaign, select "Add From Audience." You may use contacts from your audience as recipients. Select the contact from the list and click on "Add." If you have assigned tags to your contact, click on the checkmark next to the tag name to select all contacts with this tag

• Select "Upload File" to import your recipients' list directly from the "Campaign" section to send to a large number of contacts

• Click on "Download the Sample" to create a file with the sample

• Click on "Choose file" to upload your created file

• Click on "Add"

Once your campaign summary is ready:

• Select "Add Recipients to Audience" (check)

Name your audience to create a new one (check)

Click on "Send Now" or "Schedule" to send it later

Final Thoughts

When it comes to SMS marketing, the right timing can make all the difference between a message that is opened and acted upon and one that is ignored. Understanding the best hours for optimal open rates and using advanced scheduling tools allows you to maximize your campaign’s effectiveness. Start taking control of your timing today, and watch your engagement rates soar.