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Community Blog How to Use Alibaba Cloud SMS to Send Free Text Messages Online

How to Use Alibaba Cloud SMS to Send Free Text Messages Online

How to use Cloud Communication SMS Global Plus package to send free online text messages to over 200 countries worldwide.

If you’ve recently established a new business and haven’t utilized SMS services yet, or because you need to grow your business, you have new SMS sending demands. This article will be a great guide to assist novices start their free business SMS adventure. Today, effective communication is essential for business development. Alibaba Cloud's SMS service offers a reliable solution for sending text messages worldwide, enabling businesses to connect with customers effortlessly. This guide will help you navigate the process of sending free SMS and you will know how Alibaba Cloud can address your unique business needs.

Types of SMS You Can Send for Free

Alibaba Cloud SMS supports various types of messages in more than 200 countries and regions (such as Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia and Vietnam) to meet different business needs:

  • Verification SMS: Send verification codes to ensure user identity, preventing malicious registrations and enhancing business security.
  • Notification SMS: Notify customers about important updates or events in real-time, helping you reach a global audience and expand your overseas operations.
  • Marketing SMS: Boost brand awareness and drive sales with promotional messages tailored for different scenarios. With the ability to send bulk messages to up to 500,000 phone numbers simultaneously, your marketing efforts can achieve greater reach and impact.

Getting Started With Alibaba Cloud Free SMS API for Businesses

Step 1: Register for an Alibaba Cloud Account

1. Become an Alibaba Cloud Enterprise User

To access the free SMS service, you first need to register as an enterprise user on Alibaba Cloud. This process involves creating a domestic or international account and completing enterprise verification to obtain your UID account. Start by visiting Alibaba Cloud International.

2. Activate the SMS Service

Once registered, new users can activate the SMS service for free. Simply go to the Alibaba Cloud console and navigate to "Products — Enterprise Applications & Cloud Communication — SMS Service" to initiate the activation.

Step 2: Start connection/ SenderID Registration

Currently, we support SMS sending to more than 200 regions around the world. You need to confirm your SMS sending destination country in advance and complete the corresponding sender ID registration. Follow the guidelines provided, submit your application, and await approval.
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  • For API integration, refer to the API Documentation for Sender ID setup.
  • For SMPP integration, provide your UID to the sales team for account setup.
  • Different countries have different sender ID registration rules. Only after the registration is successfully approved, you can be accessible to online texting service.

Step 3: Test Sending SMS

After activating your SMS service, you can perform tests to ensure everything functions smoothly.
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Step 4: Create SMS Templates

Prepare your SMS templates by filling out the application form based on content regulations. Once submitted, wait for approval.

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Step 5: SMS Web sending

Supporting excel numbers and content upload which allows you to send bulk messages. You can upload contact lists via Excel, schedule messages, and preview them before sending. Schedule Campaign feature. Customer can schedule their marketing before their event
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Step 6: Setup to receive your delivery report

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Step 7: Alerts and threshold settings

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Step 8: Monitor Sending Metrics

Track daily sending metrics by receiving number and sending time in the console. This feature provides analytics to help you optimize your SMS performance.
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FAQs: Key Details About Using Alibaba Cloud SMS

1.What is the length of a SMS?

  • Free Text Messages Worldwide: SMS are either 160 characters (GSM7-encoded) or 70 characters (UCS2-encoded). Longer SMS are created by joining (or “concatenating”) messages. A typical SMS in English would usually be GSM7-encoded and a SMS in Mandarin or Hindi would be UCS2-encoded.

2.How does billing work?

  • SMS is billed according to number of messages sent. Customers will be charged for successful submission to the Alibaba platform (NOT on successful delivery). For instance, if a customer sends a SMS in English that is 200 characters long, it will be billed as 2 messages. Delivery is not guaranteed.

3.What integration methods are available?

  • API Integration: Direct customers are encouraged to use API integration, which may support a no-template application mode in certain scenarios.
  • SMPP Integration: Recommended for channel partners, who should utilize the SMPP mode for connection.

4.SMS Sending Issues

  • If you experience any issues with sending SMS, such as messages failing to deliver, check your billing status first. Since Alibaba Cloud provides a free SMS sending service with a limit on the number of messages, exceeding this limit may lead to a negative account balance. In such cases, promptly recharge your account to restore SMS functionality.

Why Choose Alibaba Cloud SMS?

Here are a few compelling reasons to consider Alibaba Cloud for your SMS needs:

  1. Global Brand Trust: Alibaba Cloud, a subsidiary of the multinational tech giant Alibaba, is a recognized leader in the industry. Ranked 31st on Forbes' 2020 Global 2000 list, Alibaba is a name you can trust for reliable services. Its brand value ranked ninth globally as of 2022.
  2. Secure API Calls: With Alibaba Cloud, you benefit from robust security measures, including access management through Resource Access Management (RAM). This ensures that only authorized users can perform API operations, safeguarding your data.
  3. Efficient Technical Support: Alibaba Cloud offers dedicated technical support for its SMS service. Their team provides 24/7 assistance via DingTalk, ensuring that any technical issues you encounter are resolved quickly and effectively, helping you get the most out of the service.

Conclusion

Alibaba Cloud SMS empowers businesses to send free text messages efficiently, making it an ideal solution for communication needs. Whether you're sending verification codes, notifications, or marketing messages, Alibaba Cloud ensures your messages reach a global audience. Start leveraging this powerful tool today to enhance your business communication strategy!

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