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How to create a distribution list to send bulk SMS from email

Sending bulk SMS from your email is handy when you need to reach a group with the same message, for example an an event update, or a service alert. Instead of adding each mobile number one by one every time, you can save the numbers as a distribution list (some email apps call this a contact group). Once it is set up, you send a single email to the list and every number on it receives your SMS.

How a distribution list works for bulk SMS

Each member of your list is not a normal email contact. It is a specially formatted email address that maps to one mobile number. When you send one email to the whole list, Notifyre turns each address back into a mobile number and delivers your message text as an SMS to each one.

The address format is:

  • Australian SMS number: smsnumber@{accountid}.sms.notifyre.com
  • United States SMS number: smsnumber@{accountid}.sms.us.notifyre.com

💡 Always include the country code in the number. For example: 

Step 1: Build your list of SMS email addresses

For every recipient, write out their SMS email address using the format above. It can help to prepare these in a spreadsheet first, then copy them across. 

 Step 2: Create the distribution list in your email app 

  1. Open your email app's contacts or address book.

  2. Choose the option to create a new group or contact list. In Outlook this is New Contact Group. In Gmail you create a label, then apply it to your contacts. In Apple Mail you create a New Group in Contacts.

  3. Give the list a clear name, for example "August reminders" or "VIP customers", so you can find it later.

  4. Add each SMS email address

  5.  Save the list. 

Step 3: Send your bulk SMS

  1. Create a new email.

  2. In the To field, type the name of your distribution list. Your email app will fill in all the addresses for you.

  3. (Recomened) In the Subject field, enter a campaign name. This becomes the message ID you see when you review reports in the Notifyre App, which makes a bulk send easy to find later.

  4. In the body of the email, enter only the text you want to send as the SMS. Do not add anything else.

  5. Click Send.

You will receive a confirmation email once your SMS has been sent. To check delivery, open the Notifyre App and go to Send Activity.

 

Can I personalise each message in a bulk send?

Yes. Add merge fields (Notifyre calls these personalisation fields) in the email body, such as First Name or Last Name. When each SMS is delivered, Notifyre fills in that contact's details from your Notifyre address book. If a contact's details are blank in the address book, that space appears blank in their message, so make sure your contacts are filled in before you send.