SMS marketing is one of the highest-ROI channels available to Tanzanian businesses. But like any channel, success depends on strategy. Here are five tips from our most successful customers.

1. Time Your Messages Wisely

The best times to send SMS in Tanzania are weekday mornings (7am–9am) and early evenings (5pm–7pm). Avoid sending after 9pm — it damages your brand and may not reach the reader at the right moment.

2. Keep It Short and Clear

One SMS is 160 characters. Get to the point quickly. Lead with the offer or key information, then include a call to action. "SALE: 30% off all items today. Show this SMS in-store. Valid until 6pm."

3. Personalise with Names

Using a customer's first name increases engagement significantly. With NextSMS, you can upload an Excel file with names and phone numbers, and our platform personalises each message automatically.

4. Use a Recognised Sender Name

Registering a custom sender ID (e.g. "BIASHARA") builds trust and improves open rates. Customers are more likely to read messages from a known brand than from an unknown number.

5. Track and Optimise

Use NextSMS delivery reports to track which campaigns perform best. A/B test your message copy and sending times to continuously improve your results.

Start applying these tips in your next campaign and watch your engagement rates climb.