Overview

This guide walks you through creating and sending a bulk SMS campaign in Business Marketing Messaging: select a Sender ID, add recipients, compose content (templates/personalisation/AI), then send now or schedule for later.

Step 1: Start a New Message and Choose a Sender ID

1. In the left menu, go to Messaging > SMS messaging > New message.
2. In Sender and recipients, open the Sender ID dropdown and select the sender you want to use.

Step 2: Add Recipients

You can add recipients in several ways. Use the method that best matches your workflow.

Option A: Copy & Paste Numbers (Fastest)

1. Copy your mobile numbers from a spreadsheet (one per line is best).
2. Paste them into the Numbers and contacts field.
3. Use this option if you don’t want to save recipients to contact lists.

Option B: Search Contacts, Lists, or Segments

1. Next to Numbers and contacts, click:
   • Search contacts OR
   • Search contact lists OR
   • Search contact segments
2. Select one or more contacts/lists/segments in the modal.
3. Click Add Recipients to confirm.

Tip: You can also send a message directly from the Contacts page:

1. Go to Contacts > Lists (or Segments).
2. Find the list/segment, click the ⋮ (more options), then choose Send message.
3. You’ll be redirected to New message with the list/segment pre-filled as recipients.

Option C: Import Recipients from File (CSV/XLSX)

1. Click the Import from file tab.
2. Click Import file (or drag-and-drop your file).
3. Confirm recipients load successfully.

File tips:

• Ensure each mobile number is formatted correctly (including any required leading zero).
• Extra columns (e.g., first name, appointment time) can be used later for personalization tags.

Step 3: Write Message Content

1. In Message content, type your SMS in the message composer.
2. Optionally use the content tools to:
   • Templates (reuse common messages)
   • File columns / contact fields (personalise using uploaded recipient data)
   • Landing Pages
   • Translate
   • Opt-out management options (where applicable)
3. Review the character counter and SMS segment estimate.
4. Use the live preview to confirm how the message displays on a handset.
5. Click Send test to send the composed message to yourself/colleagues before launching.

Step 4 (Optional): Use the AI Assistant to Draft Your Message

1. In the composer, click AI assistant.
2. Enter a short description of what you want to send.
3. Select language and message tone (formal/informal) if desired.
4. (Optional) Allow emojis — note this may increase the number of SMS segments/charges.
5. Click Create message, then review and edit before sending.

Step 5: Send Now or Schedule Your Campaign

In Message details, confirm the campaign settings:

• Message name (rename the default if needed)
• Send period (send all at once or spread delivery over time)
• Schedule (send now or schedule for later)
• Message recurrence (available when scheduling for later, for recurring sends to the same recipients)

Send Immediately

1. Set Schedule to Send now.
2. Click Send now in the bottom-right corner.

Not ready yet? Click Save as draft. Drafts are stored under Messaging > SMS messaging > Drafts.

Troubleshooting

I can’t find the Sender ID I need

• Confirm you’re in Messaging > New message and opening the Sender ID dropdown.
• If it’s still missing, verify the Sender ID is provisioned/approved on the account.

My import file fails or numbers look wrong

• Use accepted formats (CSV/XLSX).
• Ensure mobile numbers are formatted correctly (including any required leading zero).
• If using personalisation, ensure column headers and rows are aligned (no shifted columns).

The character counter says I’m using multiple SMS segments

• Emojis and special characters can increase segments and cost.
• Remove emojis/special characters and re-check the segment estimate.

I scheduled a campaign but it didn’t send

• Double-check Schedule is set to Schedule for later with the correct date/time.
• Confirm the campaign was saved/scheduled successfully (not left as a draft).

FAQ

Need More Help?

If you need additional assistance, please contact Crexendo Support at 855-211-2255 or email us at support@crexendo.com — our team is happy to help!