- Start with transactional and onboarding messages, then add campaigns.
- Register on DLT early because approvals take time.
- Collect consent at sign-up and keep a record.
- Use an API when you need messages triggered from your product.
Start with what your product already needs
Most startups need OTPs and account messages before they need marketing. Setting these up first gives you working templates, a registered header and delivery data.
Set up the basics
- Register your business and sender header on DLT.
- Get your first templates approved: OTP, welcome, order or booking update.
- Connect through the dashboard or API.
- Send test messages and check delivery reports.
Our bulk SMS service includes guidance on this setup.
Grow into campaigns
After the basics, try a small promotional campaign to people who agreed to hear from you: a launch offer, a feature announcement or a win-back message. Compare results with a control group where you can.
Keep costs and risk in check
- Send only to consented contacts.
- Do not buy contact lists.
- Cap frequency per person.
- Review failed deliveries and fix template or number issues.
For product-led businesses, see SaaS and technology use cases.
A first-month plan (illustrative)
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Register on DLT; draft OTP and welcome templates |
| 2 | Connect the API or dashboard; test with team numbers |
| 3 | Go live with OTP and onboarding messages |
| 4 | Send a small offer to opted-in users and review results |
Timelines depend on how quickly approvals arrive.
Mistakes startups make
- Waiting until launch week to start DLT registration.
- Collecting numbers without recording consent.
- Sending offers before users have had a good first experience.
- Using one sender and one template for every purpose.
When to add other channels
Add WhatsApp when customers want to ask questions, and email when you have longer content. Our WhatsApp Business API and email marketing services can sit beside SMS.
Sources and further reading
Rules and platform requirements change. Last reviewed . This guide is general information, not legal advice.