HighLevel SMS Features: What Marketers Need to Know

SMS marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach customers, with a 98% open rate and 90% of texts read within 3 minutes. Platforms like HighLevel, Twilio, EZ Texting, and SMS Factor offer tools to help businesses leverage SMS for lead generation, customer engagement, and conversions. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know about these platforms:

• HighLevel: Combines SMS, email, and CRM tools in one platform. Ideal for agencies managing multiple clients with features like keyword opt-ins, missed-call text backs, and advanced automation. Starts at $97/month.
• Twilio: Developer-friendly with customizable APIs for advanced workflows. Great for businesses with technical teams. Pay-as-you-go pricing starts at $0.0075 per SMS.
• EZ Texting: Simple and user-friendly, perfect for small businesses. Offers keyword campaigns, QR codes, and basic automation. Competitive pricing for low-volume users.
• SMS Factor: Focuses on lead qualification and automation, with seamless integrations for mid-size businesses. Offers compliance tools and real-time analytics.

Quick Comparison:

Each platform has strengths depending on your needs. HighLevel is great for agencies, Twilio for custom solutions, EZ Texting for simplicity, and SMS Factor for lead-focused campaigns. Choose based on your goals, budget, and technical requirements.

How to Master SMS Marketing in GoHighLevel - Step by Step Guide

1. HighLevel

HighLevel brings together SMS marketing and a full-fledged CRM platform, eliminating the hassle of juggling multiple tools. With features that combine website building, email marketing, SMS, and lead capture forms, it offers a streamlined system for managing multi-channel campaigns. Let’s dive into its standout features across lead generation, automation, compliance, and analytics.

Lead Generation Features

HighLevel’s SMS tools are designed to capture leads across various touchpoints. One particularly useful feature is the keyword opt-in, where prospects can text specific keywords (e.g., "Text DEAL to 555-0123") to enter your marketing funnel. This makes it a powerful option for offline campaigns.

With 62% of calls to small businesses going unanswered, the Missed-Call Text Back feature ensures no lead is left behind. When a call is missed, the platform automatically sends a customizable text message, keeping the communication alive - even during high-traffic periods or after hours.

Another key feature is two-way conversations, allowing businesses to interact directly with prospects in real time. This ability to engage personally can significantly boost conversion rates, especially when paired with lead capture forms that seamlessly integrate into SMS workflows. Together, these tools create a strong foundation for automation.

Automation and Integration

HighLevel simplifies repetitive tasks like email follow-ups, appointment scheduling, and lead nurturing through its robust automation tools. For instance, automated drip campaigns allow businesses to send personalized messages based on specific triggers, such as form submissions or website visits.

The platform’s precise segmentation feature lets marketers categorize contacts based on demographics, purchase behavior, engagement levels, and other factors. This enables highly targeted and meaningful messaging campaigns.

HighLevel also integrates easily with external tools. For example, platforms like n8n can link HighLevel with SMS Magic to automate workflows and share data between systems. Additionally, A/B testing allows businesses to experiment with different SMS campaign versions to identify what resonates best with their audience. These features work together to enhance customer engagement and support compliance efforts.

Compliance and Deliverability

HighLevel ensures SMS campaigns meet A2P 10DLC standards for compliance in the United States. The platform automatically adds essential sender ID information and opt-out language to the first message in any SMS thread, ensuring legal requirements are met.

To maintain high deliverability rates, HighLevel monitors key metrics. For example, error rates of 8% trigger violation alerts, while a 12% error rate or a 2% opt-out rate results in a temporary 24-hour suspension of SMS capabilities. These measures protect campaign effectiveness and help sustain ROI.

The SMS Ramp-Up Model is another standout feature. New accounts start with a limit of 200 messages and can scale up to over 2,000 as they demonstrate good sending practices. Additionally, the Number Validation feature prevents messages from being sent to landlines or devices that can’t receive SMS, reducing errors and improving delivery rates.

Analytics and Optimization

HighLevel provides detailed analytics to track SMS campaign performance and overall marketing ROI. Marketers can monitor conversion rates, customer engagement, and campaign outcomes, giving them the data needed to fine-tune their strategies.

The analytics dashboard offers insights into delivery, open, and response rates, helping identify the most effective messages and audience segments. It also evaluates how SMS integrates with other channels, showing how each element contributes to the campaign’s success. These insights help refine strategies, ensuring businesses stay efficient in capturing leads and engaging clients.

2. Twilio

Unlike HighLevel's all-in-one platform, Twilio focuses on offering customizable, developer-friendly SMS workflows. By leveraging programmable APIs and messaging tools, Twilio allows businesses to build tailored communication systems that seamlessly integrate with their existing infrastructure.

Lead Generation Features

Twilio's lead generation tools are built around multi-channel messaging, enabling businesses to connect with prospects through SMS, WhatsApp, and RCS. This flexibility ensures marketers can engage leads on their preferred platforms.

A standout feature is Twilio's Customer Data Platform (CDP), Segment, which consolidates customer data into unified profiles. These profiles provide valuable insights into customer behavior, enabling marketers to deliver personalized, data-driven messages in real time.

Twilio also incorporates Conversational AI tools like ConversationRelay and Conversational Intelligence. These tools automate lead interactions while maintaining a human-like experience, cutting costs by 20% to 40% and boosting customer satisfaction by up to 15 points.

With Event-Triggered Journeys powered by Segment, businesses can respond instantly to actions like abandoned forms or website visits. This real-time engagement ensures leads are captured at peak interest moments, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

These lead generation features integrate seamlessly with Twilio's automation and integration tools, which are explored next.

Automation and Integration

At the heart of Twilio's automation capabilities is its Programmable Messaging API, designed for reliability and flexibility. Its pay-as-you-go pricing model starts at just $0.0075 per SMS message, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.

The Messaging Engagement Suite offers features like scheduled messaging, native link shortening with click tracking, and real-time dashboards. These tools help marketers fine-tune campaign timing and measure engagement effectively.

Twilio also provides list segmentation and chatbot capabilities, allowing businesses to send targeted messages based on location, demographics, or past interactions. Chatbots can handle customer queries and route qualified leads to sales teams, streamlining the process.

Real-world examples show the platform's impact. NextDoor saw a 56% boost in efficiency after switching to Twilio SendGrid Marketing Campaigns. Similarly, Callify.ai reduced cold calling efforts to just 20% by using Twilio Programmable Voice with pre-recorded messages, pre-qualifying prospects before connecting them with recruiters.

Compliance and Deliverability

Twilio's automation tools are backed by strong compliance and deliverability features. The MessagingX platform includes built-in compliance options, such as default opt-out and resubscribe keywords, helping businesses adhere to SMS regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

The Trust Hub simplifies navigating compliance across more than 180 countries, automatically adapting to regional requirements with localized senders and tools.

Twilio's Deliverability Score tracks five critical metrics - Sent Rate, Compliance, Fraud, Latency, and Engagement - in real time. This monitoring helps marketers quickly identify and resolve potential delivery issues.

The platform's deliverability results speak for themselves. An analysis of over 63 million messages revealed that those using Twilio's native link shortener had a filtering rate of just 0.07%, compared to 1.96% for third-party shorteners - a 28x improvement. Additionally, early adopters of Twilio's Customer Deliverability Engine reported an 80% drop in message failures.

"SMS is also a more intimate way to communicate with our consumers. Choosing Twilio's developer-centric SMS solution was a no-brainer. Twilio is the leader in the space, reliable and able to maneuver and grow with us." - Christine Li, Director of Marketing Technology, Allergan

Analytics and Optimization

Twilio provides in-depth analytics that go beyond basic metrics. Marketers can track delivery rates, open rates, response rates, and conversions, offering a complete picture of campaign performance.

With A/B testing, businesses can experiment with message templates, timing, and audience segments. Real-time dashboards make it easy to monitor results and quickly implement successful strategies.

The platform's Customer Engagement Platform (CEP) provides insights into cross-channel performance, showing how SMS integrates with email, voice, and other communication tools. This comprehensive view helps businesses fine-tune the entire customer journey rather than focusing on isolated interactions.

According to Forrester Consulting, Twilio Messaging improved message delivery rates by 3%. While this might seem small, it can lead to significant ROI gains when applied to large-scale campaigns.

These advanced analytics demonstrate Twilio's focus on helping businesses optimize their communication strategies while maintaining a developer-friendly approach.

3. EZ Texting

Lead Generation Features

EZ Texting makes growing your subscriber list simple with its intuitive interface and easy-to-use SMS tools. The platform leverages QR codes, keyword campaigns, and integrated signup forms to attract and retain subscribers. One standout feature is its AI-powered message creation tool, which helps marketers craft engaging content using pre-designed templates. Plus, EZ Texting takes the hassle out of audience segmentation by automatically sorting new subscribers based on the QR codes or keywords they used to opt in. This approach has delivered real results. Jared Deborer, Co-Owner of ATX Auctions, shared:

"We're getting more registrations and more bidders every time we send [a text] message out."

Let’s dive into how EZ Texting’s automation tools make managing campaigns even easier.

Automation and Integration

Managing SMS campaigns is a breeze with EZ Texting’s automation tools. The platform offers automated text sequences built with a drag-and-drop editor, available on its Boost, Scale, and Enterprise plans. It also integrates seamlessly with popular marketing platforms like HubSpot, Constant Contact, Squarespace, and Mailchimp, while offering access to over 5,962 additional integrations through Zapier [36,37]. For businesses with unique needs, EZ Texting provides contact synchronization and a REST API for custom integrations, allowing SMS campaigns to work in harmony with email, websites, and e-commerce platforms.

Compliance and Deliverability

Staying compliant with SMS marketing laws is a top priority for EZ Texting. A dedicated compliance team ensures the platform keeps up with changing regulations. Features like double opt-in, automated opt-out, and SafeSTOP functionality support permission-based marketing. Users can easily grow their subscriber base through keyword campaigns, signup forms, shareable links, and QR codes.

EZ Texting also delivers impressive results when it comes to message delivery, achieving a 95% deliverability rate, well above the industry average of 85%. For added security, advanced A2P protocols help restrict access to age-sensitive content.

Analytics and Optimization

EZ Texting offers powerful analytics tools to help marketers fine-tune their campaigns. Features like a built-in link shortener allow users to track SMS click engagement. The platform’s analytics dashboard provides detailed insights into campaign performance. Brad McCoy, Principal at Lee & Associates, highlighted the value of these tools:

"The data we get from our text messages is as valuable as the leads themselves".

AI technology further enhances campaign performance by suggesting improvements to opt-in and opt-out messaging. Visual content also plays a key role - texts with images are 61% more likely to drive purchases, emphasizing the importance of including visuals. To maximize engagement and comply with TCPA regulations, automated messages are scheduled to go out only during approved hours, typically between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

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4. SMS Factor

Lead Generation Features

SMS Factor takes a straightforward yet effective approach to lead generation by using exclusive content offers to drive sign-ups. With SMS boasting a conversion rate 2.3 times higher than email campaigns, and 90% of consumers responding to texts within 30 minutes, it's a powerful tool for engaging potential customers. Businesses can use features like keyword campaigns, QR codes, and website integrations to make joining an SMS list quick and effortless.

For example, a fitness apparel brand might promote a deal like: "Text FIT to 56789 for 15% off your first order and exclusive updates!" This simple call-to-action not only captures leads but also encourages immediate interaction. Beyond sign-ups, SMS Factor helps businesses qualify leads by collecting valuable information through interactive text conversations. This ensures that only the most promising prospects move further into the sales funnel. Combined with its automation tools, SMS Factor sets businesses up for success from the very start.

Automation and Integration

With SMS Factor, automation becomes a marketer's best friend. The platform allows businesses to set up workflows that respond to customer actions in real time. For instance, an online home goods store could create a sequence where a welcome message is sent immediately after a customer signs up: "Welcome! Get 10% off your first order. Shop now!" If no purchase is made, a follow-up message might arrive two days later: "Still thinking it over? Here's 15% off your first order.".

Integration is another standout feature. SMS Factor works seamlessly with tools businesses already use - like email platforms, CRM systems, and e-commerce software. This ensures that SMS campaigns align with broader marketing efforts, creating a cohesive customer experience. By leveraging customer data, businesses can send highly personalized messages, which can drive conversion rates up to 45%. Together, automation and integration make SMS Factor a powerful tool for boosting engagement and sales.

Compliance and Deliverability

Staying compliant with industry regulations is a top priority for SMS Factor. The platform ensures businesses follow all the necessary rules, like obtaining explicit consent through opt-in processes and including clear opt-out instructions in every message. It also helps prevent the distribution of restricted content, such as those falling under the SHAFT categories (sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, and tobacco), and ensures proper brand identification.

To avoid disrupting customers, SMS Factor enforces quiet hours, limiting message delivery to between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The platform also adheres to A2P 10DLC standards, which not only improve message deliverability but also protect businesses from penalties. This focus on compliance and deliverability ensures that businesses can confidently run their campaigns without risking legal or reputational issues.

Analytics and Optimization

SMS Factor equips marketers with a robust analytics dashboard to track and fine-tune their campaigns. Key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, conversion tracking, and response times are all available, offering valuable insights into campaign performance. Since most SMS messages are read within three minutes of being received, businesses can make near real-time adjustments to their strategies.

The platform also includes link tracking to measure the direct impact of SMS campaigns on website traffic and sales. Marketers can use these insights to segment audiences and tailor messages for maximum impact. For instance, an online clothing store could send targeted offers like: "Thanks for being a loyal customer! Enjoy 25% off your next order" to frequent buyers or "Welcome back! Get 15% off your next purchase, just for you" to occasional shoppers. By using data to guide personalization, SMS Factor helps businesses get the most out of their campaigns and maximize ROI.

Platform Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

Choosing the right SMS marketing platform can feel overwhelming, but understanding how each one stacks up can make the decision a lot easier. Every platform brings its own strengths and trade-offs to the table, catering to different marketing needs.

Let’s dive into the key differences among the platforms:

HighLevel is a powerhouse for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution. It combines SMS, email, and voice channels into seamless workflows, simplifying operations by cutting out the need for multiple third-party tools. At $97 per month, it’s a cost-effective choice for agencies managing multiple clients, especially with its unlimited sub-account feature. That said, its extensive feature set comes with a learning curve, and some users might find the interface less modern compared to other platforms.

Twilio shines in flexibility and customization. It’s built for businesses with technical teams that need custom integrations. Its robust API allows for advanced automation workflows, but unlocking its full potential generally requires some developer expertise.

EZ Texting is all about simplicity. It’s perfect for small businesses that want to launch SMS campaigns quickly and without hassle. With easy-to-use automation tools and competitive pricing, it’s a great fit for basic SMS needs. However, it lacks the advanced multi-channel integrations that larger agencies might require.

SMS Factor strikes a balance with strong automation tools and seamless integrations with platforms like HubSpot and Zapier. It’s particularly useful for interactive lead qualification and includes compliance features to meet regulatory standards.

Here’s a quick-reference table to break things down further:

When it comes to compliance, all platforms meet basic TCPA requirements, but HighLevel stands out with its integrated compliance management tools. This is particularly valuable given that 64% of customers say they’d like to receive more SMS communications.

Analytics capabilities also differ widely. HighLevel’s real-time Messaging Analytics lets marketers track sent, delivered, failed, and opted-out messages, making it easier to troubleshoot delivery issues. This is a major advantage, especially when over 90% of SMS messages are read within three minutes.

Integration options vary as well. Twilio offers unmatched technical flexibility for custom solutions, HighLevel provides ready-to-use business integrations, SMS Factor supports reliable third-party connections, and EZ Texting focuses on essential integrations for smaller-scale operations.

Finally, costs can go beyond the monthly subscription fee. HighLevel’s unlimited sub-account feature can save agencies money on a per-client basis. Twilio’s usage-based pricing is scalable, EZ Texting keeps things predictable for low-volume users, and SMS Factor offers competitive pricing for mid-sized businesses.

Conclusion

HighLevel is a standout choice for agencies and marketers looking to simplify their SMS marketing efforts. By combining multiple tools into one platform, it eliminates the hassle and expense of relying on third-party integrations. Plus, its automation features make it easier to nurture leads and maintain effective client communication.

The platform shines with its ability to create smooth multi-channel workflows, offer unlimited sub-accounts, and include built-in compliance tools. At just $97 per month, HighLevel provides a comprehensive SMS and marketing automation solution that delivers a strong return on investment.

One of its key strengths is the capability to trigger SMS sequences based on user actions, incorporating dynamic personalization to boost engagement.

For those looking to take their SMS strategies further, HighLevel also supports advanced learning. Marketers can explore in-depth strategies at HL Max, a resource hub offering step-by-step guidance to help maximize SMS marketing ROI. This allows users to move beyond basic setups and create advanced automation workflows that deliver measurable results.

While other platforms may offer specialized tools, agencies looking for an all-in-one solution will find HighLevel to be an excellent fit.

FAQs

What makes HighLevel's SMS marketing features stand out for marketers?

HighLevel's SMS Marketing Features

HighLevel's SMS marketing tools bring some serious advantages to the table, making it easier to connect with your audience. With an impressive 98% open rate, SMS messages sent via HighLevel are far more likely to grab attention compared to email, which averages just a 19.8% open rate. That means your updates, promotions, and reminders are more likely to reach your audience quickly and effectively.

What makes HighLevel stand out is its all-in-one platform that combines SMS marketing with other essential tools like CRM, email marketing, and lead capture. Having everything in one place streamlines your workflow, letting you manage campaigns without juggling multiple subscriptions or platforms. Plus, HighLevel’s automation features allow you to create automated responses and follow-ups, saving time while keeping communication with your customers smooth and efficient.

For marketers looking to engage their audience while simplifying their processes, HighLevel’s SMS marketing tools offer a practical and easy-to-use solution.

How does HighLevel ensure SMS marketing compliance and maintain strong deliverability?

HighLevel places a strong emphasis on staying compliant with SMS marketing regulations. It adheres to A2P 10DLC standards, mandates double opt-ins, and ensures every message includes a clear opt-out option. These steps make sure that recipients only get messages they’ve agreed to, cutting down on spam complaints.

To keep delivery rates high, HighLevel closely tracks delivery performance and error rates. This ensures messages are sent to valid numbers and align with all legal requirements. By blending compliance with rigorous monitoring, HighLevel helps marketers build trust and create better connections with their audience.

Does HighLevel work with the marketing and CRM tools I already use?

HighLevel works smoothly with a variety of well-known marketing and CRM tools, making it simpler to manage your workflows. With over 20 integrations - including Stripe, Google, and Facebook - it enables efficient data handling and automation. These connections let you centralize your operations, enhance communication, and cut down on time spent on manual tasks.

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