Transactional vs. Promotional SMS

Not all SMS messages are the same. If your business sends SMS messages to customers, it is important to understand the difference between transactional and promotional SMS - and to use the right tool for each.

This guide explains what sets the two apart and shows how LINK Mobility’s MyLINK SMS API and MyLINK Engage help you manage both effectively.

What Is Transactional SMS?

Transactional SMS is triggered by a customer’s action or an automated system event. These messages provide information the recipient needs, such as order details or verification codes.

Examples of transactional SMS:

• Order confirmation or shipping updates

• One-time passwords (OTP)

• Appointment reminders

• Account notifications

• Payment confirmations

These messages are direct, expected, and often time-sensitive.

Use MyLINK SMS API for Transactional SMS

LINK Mobility’s MyLINK SMS API is built for fast, reliable delivery of transactional SMS. It connects directly with your systems or platforms, so messages go out the moment they are needed.

Why choose MyLINK SMS API?

• High-speed delivery

• Reliable uptime and performance

• Easy API integration

• Real-time delivery reporting

• Compliant routing based on local regulations

Whether you are sending a password reset or a delivery update, MyLINK SMS API ensures it gets there quickly and securely.

What Is Promotional SMS?

Promotional SMS is used for marketing campaigns, offers, or brand communication. These messages are designed to attract attention and drive action - such as a click, store visit, or purchase.

Examples of promotional SMS:

• Sales and discounts

• Product launches

• Event invitations

• Loyalty and VIP program messages

• Seasonal campaigns

These are often sent to a large audience based on marketing segmentation.

Use MyLINK Engage for Promotional SMS

MyLINK Engage is LINK Mobility’s campaign tool for creating and sending promotional SMS. It includes everything you need to manage bulk messaging and track performance.

Features of MyLINK Engage:

• Easy campaign builder

• Audience segmentation

• Personalized messages at scale

• Scheduling and automation

• Analytics and reporting

If you are running a flash sale, announcing a new collection, or re-engaging customers, MyLINK Engage gives you full control over your promotional messaging.

Comparison of Transactional and Promotional SMS

If you are unsure which SMS type to use - or need a quick way to explain the difference to your team - this table gives a straightforward overview of how transactional and promotional SMS compare.

Understanding these differences helps you use each message type more effectively. With the right platform for the job - MyLINK SMS API for transactional messages and MyLINK Engage for promotional campaigns - you can communicate clearly and meet your business goals.

Why the Right Tool Matters

Using the wrong tool for the message can hurt your delivery rates or lead to poor customer experiences. Promotional messages should not be sent from systems built for transactional use - and vice versa. Matching the message to the right channel and platform helps ensure your content is delivered correctly and complies with SMS rules in each market.

LINK Mobility supports both transactional and promotional SMS through two dedicated solutions:

• MyLINK SMS API for fast, system-triggered delivery

• MyLINK Engage for managing campaigns and promotions

By separating transactional and promotional SMS - and using the right platform for each - you avoid confusion, reduce risk of delivery failures, and build trust with your recipients. Whether you need real-time updates or targeted marketing messages, LINK Mobility gives you full control with tools that are built for purpose, scalable, and compliant.