When projects require input from multiple stakeholders, relaying messages one by one can be a major time drain. Lack of visibility often leads to delays, and critical information may get lost in scattered threads. In fact, nearly half of professionals cite poor communication as a root cause of low productivity.
Group text messaging changes the game, allowing businesses to keep multiple people in the loop at once. With modern texting software, it’s easier than ever to streamline conversations and improve collaboration.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What group texting is
- Key benefits for your business
- Examples across several industries
- Tips for using it effectively
What is group text messaging for business?
Group text messaging lets businesses text with multiple contacts simultaneously. Once you or your contacts send the initial group text, each recipient can view and reply to messages within the same thread.
You’re likely familiar with personal group texts, where you can select multiple recipients from your phone’s SMS inbox and start a conversation. In business settings, group texts are sent through secure web apps, most often from their desktop computers, though mobile apps are available. Desktop versions allow team members to use the full range of offered features, which can range from templates to automations.
No matter whether team members use desktop or mobile business group messaging apps, recipients receive group texts in their SMS inboxes, where they look just like normal group chats with friends or family.
The difference between group messaging and mass texting
Mass texting (also known as list broadcasting) is sending a single message to a list of contacts. When you send a mass text, your recipients get the same message, potentially personalized with merge tokens and custom fields. Your recipients will not see any other contacts, similar to a BCC on an email. If a contact chooses to reply, the reply goes directly to you—not any of the other recipients on the list. It is entirely private.
In contrast, group text messaging allows each recipient to see and reply to one another’s messages.
Benefits of group texting
Business group text messaging is an invaluable tool when you need to connect with multiple people. Whether you’re coordinating with team members, partners, or clients, it offers several advantages:
- Streamlined communication. You can message with multiple people at once, eliminating the need to share the same information across several separate threads.
- Increased transparency. Everyone in the group can see the same messages, ensuring all participants are on the same page.
- Speed. Email chains are slow, often hard to follow, and frequently lost in inboxes. Texts are read within minutes—perfect for time-sensitive projects.
In short, group texting is essential for effective collaboration with several people—especially when you need to make decisions or act quickly.
7 examples of group texting for business
Businesses across industries and team sizes can use group messaging to improve collaboration with customers, coworkers, and partners. Here’s how several sectors can successfully implement business group text messaging.
Enterprises
Enterprise businesses frequently use group texts to connect with multiple customers or clients. Including all relevant stakeholders in touchpoints ensures everyone is aligned and can help increase conversions.
Mortgage or loan brokerages
Multiple parties are often involved in the process of securing mortgages or loans. Keeping homebuyers, co-borrowers, real estate agents, and other involved parties aligned empowers you to take swift action when opportunities arise.
Property management companies
Property managers juggle communication with various parties, from renters to maintenance staff to service providers. Group texting is the perfect tool for organizing apartment repairs, sharing important updates, and sending reminders about rent payment.
Service providers
Service providers can use group texting to schedule home visits, appointments, or other projects that involve multiple people. This communication method helps prevent miscommunications and reduces the risk of missed or canceled services.
Educational organizations
Teachers and instructors often coordinate with multiple parties, including parents, students, and fellow educators. Group texting can boost parent engagement by streamlining communication for student pickups and events.
Healthcare organizations
Healthcare teams often need to communicate quickly with colleagues, patients, and caregivers. They can use group texts to keep vetted stakeholders up to date on timely issues, improving care and outcomes.
Event production agencies
In the world of event production, several stakeholders must work together seamlessly—and often under a time crunch. Group messaging streamlines communication among organizers before, during, and after events.
The best group messaging app for business
The best business group messaging apps do more than simply send texts to two or more people. Top-of-class options will provide additional tools that further streamline coordination.
When choosing a platform, look for features such as:
- CRM integration. Your texting platform should allow you to track group texts in your CRM alongside other communications, so you can maintain a clear record of customer interactions.
- AI-powered assistance. AI texting assistants can suggest and enhance your responses, helping you reply to group texts faster and more accurately.
- Robust security features. Protect your contacts and sensitive business information by choosing a platform with strong security features, like end-to-end encryption.
No matter the platform you choose, ensure it provides these essential features for optimal performance.
How to send a group text message
Sending a group text message is easy. Once you sign up for your texting platform, you’ll follow these four steps:
- From the inbox, click Create New.
- Add your contacts’ names.
- Type and send the message.
- Rename the conversation. (Optional)
Your recipients’ replies will land in your SMS inbox.
Business group text messaging best practices
When texting on behalf of your business, adhere to business texting etiquette. In addition, follow these group messaging tips to further improve collaboration when you’re communicating with two or more contacts.
Secure opt ins and respect opt-outs
You can’t text anyone who hasn’t opted in first. In your initial group text, include language that informs contacts they are opting into group messages specifically. Your business group messaging app should offer opt-in management tools that simplify this process.
If a contact wants to leave a group chat, they should be able to easily opt out by texting a keyword such as “STOP.” Your group messages will then continue with any remaining opted-in contacts.
Choose the right group size
Before you message a group of contacts, consider whether you want each group member to contribute to the conversation. Even though you can group text with up to 10 people, you may want to limit the number of recipients. Notifications for a group text that large could become overwhelming.
Rename your chats
Keep your SMS inbox organized by renaming all of your group chats. That way, you can find and return to conversations more easily. Ensure the name is relevant so you can identify it quickly.
Elevating communications with group texts
Group text messaging revolutionizes how businesses communicate with coworkers, partners, and customers. It’s not just about speed—it’s about fostering transparency and seamless coordination, enabling multiple contacts to collaborate in real time.
Once you’ve mastered best practices, exploring tools like AI-assisted texting can help you enhance your group chats even further.
Interested in trying Heymarket’s group messaging feature? Learn more here.
