Step-by-Step Guide to Bulk SMS in Salesforce

With unbeatable open rates, SMS is one of the most powerful tools for building customer engagement. SMS marketing allows you to reach customers through their preferred communication channel - creating a direct and personal connection. By choosing the right method and tools, you can ensure your communication is both efficient and impactful.

In this article, we explore the benefits of sending bulk SMS in Salesforce - and how to get started.

Key Considerations for Using Bulk SMS Functionality in Salesforce

• Personalized Communication
  Bulk SMS enables you to segment your audience and tailor messages based on customer data stored in Salesforce. Delivering relevant content leads to better engagement and an improved customer experience.

• Integrated Customer Journeys
  Thanks to Salesforce’s powerful CRM features, LINK Mobility’s SMS solution can be seamlessly integrated into your multichannel campaigns - ensuring that SMS supports email, social, and other touchpoints as part of a cohesive journey.

• Time-Sensitive Communication
  Whether it is delivery updates, appointment reminders, or service alerts, SMS is perfect for messages that require immediate attention.

• Cost-Effective Marketing
  With low cost per message and high engagement rates, SMS is a valuable marketing channel for businesses of any size.

• Advanced Analytics and Reporting
  Salesforce SMS services include built-in analytics that let you track delivery, engagement, and conversion rates - helping you refine your messaging and maximize ROI.

• Industry-Leading Open Rates
  According to Gartner, SMS messages are read far more quickly than emails - usually within minutes - making SMS ideal for time-sensitive communications.

• Pay-As-You-Go Model
  You only pay for the messages you send - no licenses or unnecessary overhead. This makes SMS highly scalable and cost-efficient.

• Direct Carrier Connections
  Working with a provider like LINK Mobility, which offers direct connections to operators, ensures reliable delivery and campaign performance.

How to Send Bulk SMS in Salesforce

Salesforce does not include native bulk SMS functionality, but it supports integrations with third-party apps and custom APIs that allow businesses to manage and send SMS directly within Salesforce.

Before choosing your SMS provider, consider the following:

• What features are included?
  Look for scheduling, analytics, and contact management tools.

• How easy is integration?
  The solution should slot into your current infrastructure with minimal disruption.

• Is it user-friendly?
  Your team should be able to use it without extensive training, and it should sync well with your contact database.

Below, we outline the most common options for enabling SMS in Salesforce.

Option 1: AppExchange Third-Party Apps

Setting up and configuring bulk SMS in Salesforce can be complex - especially when done internally. It may require technical expertise, configuration of add-ons, and sometimes even coding.

Instead, you can save time and resources by using ready-made apps from AppExchange - such as LINK Mobility, Mogli, or ValueText.

These apps offer:

1. Advanced features

2. Quick implementation

3. Dedicated support

LINK Mobility's Salesforce Integration

LINK Mobility provides a native SMS integration for Salesforce.

Using a simple drag-and-drop interface in Journey Builder, you can:

• Automate campaigns

• Send messages via SMS

• Use landing pages with text, images, barcodes, scratchcards, CTAs, and more

• Support alerts, 2FA, marketing, and customer service flows

Top benefits of using LINK Mobility in Salesforce:

1. Global delivery with 98% open rates

2. Flexible integration via API, portals, and chatbot builder

3. Actionable insights to optimize strategy and ROI

4. Local support teams for guidance and implementation

5. Scalable across use cases—from urgent alerts to personalized promotions

Compared to custom-built setups, LINK Mobility’s solution saves you significant time and effort.

Option 2: Custom SMS API Integration

For businesses that need a tailored setup, you can also build a custom Salesforce application that connects to an SMS provider using an API.

This allows you to:

• Build unique logic and triggers

• Include custom merge fields

• Control bulk criteria for SMS sends

While offering maximum flexibility, custom API integrations are more time- and resource-intensive. This is where certified Salesforce partners - like Twistellar, can help.

“As more companies rely on SMS to connect with customers, it is critical to bring in the right expertise. Salesforce is powerful, but getting it to work effectively for SMS marketing takes experience and precision.”

Serge Koczanowski, CTO at Twistellar, LINK Mobility’s certified Salesforce implementation partner

Get the Most Out of Bulk SMS in Salesforce with the Right Tools and Support

To succeed with bulk SMS in Salesforce, it is not just about choosing a tool - it is about finding a solution that fits your business and grows with it. Whether you prefer a plug-and-play AppExchange app or a custom API integration, your platform must be configured, maintained, and aligned with your goals. LINK Mobility offers the flexibility, scalability, and local expertise to help you build high-performing SMS campaigns directly within Salesforce - supported every step of the way.