How to Optimize SMS Credit Usage and Avoid Errors in Aloha Bulk Messaging
Sending bulk SMS messages efficiently in Aloha requires understanding how message length, formatting, and special characters impact credit usage and delivery. This guide provides best practices to help you optimize your SMS campaigns and avoid common errors.
Overview of SMS Credit Usage
A single SMS credit covers up to 160 characters.
Messages exceeding 160 characters are split into multiple SMS, with each segment consuming an additional credit.
The maximum character count for a single bulk message is 1,050 characters, which uses approximately 7 SMS credits per recipient (1,050 ÷ 160 ≈ 6.56, rounded up to 7).
Impact of Message Length and Formatting
Longer messages consume more credits as they are split into multiple SMS.
Copy-pasting text into the Aloha interface can introduce hidden formatting issues, such as extra characters, which increase credit usage. To minimize this, manually type your message and only paste links.
Special Characters and Emojis
Special characters, including emojis and non-ASCII characters (e.g., Chinese or Korean text), reduce the effective character limit of a message. For example, the limit may drop to around 288 characters when such characters are included.
Emojis consume significantly more credits than standard characters. To reduce credit usage, limit or remove emojis in your templates.
Common Errors and Their Causes
Error: "Please edit your message to make it shorter" - Cause: Hidden special characters from copy-pasting text can switch the message encoding, reducing the character limit and triggering this error. - Solution: Create messages directly in the Aloha interface and avoid using special characters.
Best Practices for Optimizing SMS Campaigns
Keep Messages Concise: Aim to stay within 160 characters to use only one SMS credit per recipient.
Avoid Copy-Pasting: Manually type your message to prevent hidden formatting issues.
Limit Special Characters: Use plain text whenever possible to maximize the character limit.
Test Your Message: Preview your message in the Aloha interface to check for errors or unexpected credit usage.
Monitor Credit Usage: Regularly review your SMS credit consumption to identify areas for optimization.
By following these guidelines, you can reduce costs, improve message delivery, and ensure a smoother experience when managing bulk SMS campaigns in Aloha.