SMS works when the list is clean and the offer is specific.
Start with consent
Know how each number was collected and how people can opt out.
One goal per send
Reminder, offer or update — not all three.
Next step
Build an expected-message list
Use the following worksheet to turn this article into an operating decision. It is a practical plan for a Bangladesh small business, not a claim about a particular client or an industry benchmark. Adapt it to your current workflow and constraints.
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Record how each number was collected and what communication the customer expected. A purchase alone does not justify every promotional campaign.
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Use one offer, a recognisable sender and a clear stop route. Check the provider’s current eligibility and delivery requirements before sending.
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Run a small controlled test first. Track opt-outs and genuine replies alongside delivery reports, and suppress numbers that asked to stop.
Write this before requesting proposals
Describe the current process, the failing step, the intended users and what a correct outcome looks like. Prepare representative test data so suppliers can demonstrate the same task. Ask separately about recurring costs, third-party dependencies and work excluded from support.
When to change the plan
Resolve missing access, failed acceptance checks or unclear team ownership before paying for the next stage. Use evidence from a small pilot. If scope grows, agree revised time and costs rather than relying on unsupported guarantees.