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Shortened URLs in SMS campaigns allow you to expand on the content in your message and track clicks.
Depending on who the message is from, few people like to receive long text messages. Keeping your text messages short and simple is key to maintaining an engaged audience.
However, not all the important information can be sent via text nor would it make sense to do so. When you need to send additional details or longer messages, a website link can route subscribers to a website, online questionnaire or a link to install an app, for example.
SMS messages that utilize URLs might look like this:
Example 1:
Thanks for signing up for text alerts from Age Texting! Visit www.age-texting.com for more information. Follow us: www.facebook.com/AgeTexting. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.
Example 2:
AGE Media just published a magazine celebrating a church’s 150th anniversary. We think you might enjoy it! Read the digital version here > https://issuu.com/agemedia/docs/nidaros_150_book_singles. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.
Tip:
SMS can include up to 304 characters in a message, and the entire digital publication link featured in example 2 would fit. However, I would choose to shorten the URL. Shorter links can have a higher click-through rates.
The Age Texting platform includes a built-in URL shortener on the campaign creation page, so you can conveniently copy and paste a URL when you’re creating a message or keyword reply.
So, a more efficient message using the shortened URL to replace the link to the digital publication could look like this:
AGE Media just published a magazine celebrating a church’s 150th anniversary. We think you might enjoy it! Read the digital version here > https://txhd.io/s/#7Xus Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.
Bonus: Age Texting can track the clicks on any URLs shortened using our built-in URL shortening tool.
Ways to use shortened URLs in your SMS campaigns
Link to a specific page on your website
Link to a blog post
Link to your latest podcast
Link to an online survey
Link to a specific social media post or story
Link to a video on your YouTube channel
Link to your Pinterest page. For example, if you are a boutique, create a "Lookbook" on your Pinterest page.
Link to a fun trivia game
Including URLs in your SMS messages gives you the opportunity to be creative. Grow your social media accounts. Build community through sharing your favorite music and/or podcasts. The possibilities are endless.
The Internet houses an infinite amount of information. Just be sure to keep those URLs short. Age Texting's platform's built-in URL shortening tool makes that easy for you!
Updated 11/25/23