SMS broadcasts

SMS broadcasts send a text message to clients who've opted in to receive SMS from your business. Open rates for SMS are typically much higher than email — great for time-sensitive promotions, schedule announcements, or flash offers.

SMS broadcasts require the Marketing Suite add-on. Contact support to enable this feature.

Create an SMS broadcast

[IMAGE TODO] Take a screenshot showing the Create Broadcast screen with the "SMS" option selected, displaying the SMS composition form with Name, Send to, and Message fields.

Go to Marketing → Broadcasts
Click Create Broadcast
Select SMS
Fill in:
- Name — internal label
- Send to — all SMS-opted-in clients or a segment
- Message — your text (160 characters = 1 SMS segment; longer messages use multiple segments and cost more)
Preview and send or schedule

SMS character limits

SMS messages are measured in "segments" of 160 characters each. Longer messages automatically split into multiple segments — each adds to your SMS cost. Keep messages concise for best results and cost efficiency.

Opt-in requirements

Clients must opt in to receive SMS marketing messages. Arketa tracks opt-in status and only sends to opted-in recipients. Clients who haven't opted in won't receive your SMS broadcasts.

Two-way SMS

SMS broadcasts are one-directional — clients can't reply to a broadcast and have it come back to you. For two-way conversations, use the Inbox. See two-way texting.

Best uses for SMS

Last-minute class openings ("Spot just opened in tonight's 7pm yoga!")
Flash promotions with a short deadline
Schedule changes or cancellations
Event reminders the day before
Quick wins with high urgency

Tracking SMS results

After sending, view delivery rates and opt-out rates from the broadcast detail page.