Promotional and Transactional SMS covering everything from template approval, API integration, character limits (Unicode & English), sender ID and more.
Complete Guide to Promotional & Transactional SMS in 2025
SMS marketing is a crucial tool in digital communication. Whether it’s about delivering OTPs or sending festive offers, SMS remains one of the fastest, most direct ways to reach your audience. In India, all SMS communications go through a regulatory system governed by TRAI’s DLT platform. Here’s everything you need to know about promotional and transactional SMS, including template approval, software delivery, API integration, and character limits.
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Types of SMS: Promotional vs Transactional
1. Promotional SMS
• Purpose: Used for marketing and advertising.
• Timing: Allowed between 10 AM – 8 PM only.
• Sender ID: Typically numeric or 6-character alphanumeric IDs like “DM-CoreWB”.
• Consent Required: Yes, recipient must have opted in.
2. Transactional SMS
• Purpose: Sends OTPs, alerts, updates.
• Timing: 24X7 delivery.
• Sender ID: Fixed 6-character alphanumeric IDs related to your brand.
• Consent: No user consent required.
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Template Approval Process (DLT System):
Before sending SMS, you must get your templates approved on DLT platforms like Vodafone Idea, Airtel, or Jio.
Types of Templates:
• Explicit: Promotional in nature.
• Implicit: Transactional but non-critical updates.
• Transactional: Critical messages like OTPs or financial alerts.
• Service (Inferred): General updates to registered users.
Steps to Get Template Approved:
1. Select Type: Choose correct category – transactional, implicit, or promotional.
2. Draft Content: Include proper variables like {#var#}.
3. Attach Sender ID: Ensure the Sender ID is related to your brand and approved.
4. Submit for Approval: Approval takes from a few hours to 24 hours, depending on the DLT platform.
5. Timely Verification: Ensure documents (PAN, GST) and business KYC are updated.
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Variable Rules in SMS Content
• Usage: Variables are placeholders used for dynamic content.
• Limit: upto 3 to 5 variables per template.
• Characters Limit:
• English SMS: 160 characters per message.
• Unicode (Hindi/Regional): 70 characters per message.
• What can be in a variable?
• Name, OTP, order ID, amount, etc.
• Each {#var#} counts as 30 characters (including space) depending on the actual content during delivery.
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SMS Delivery Software & HTTP API Integration
Software Platforms:
Core Web Networks uses high-end bulk SMS software that connects with major DLT providers.
Key Features:
• Dashboard to manage campaigns.
• Real-time delivery reports.
• SMS scheduler and group manager.
• Template & sender ID mapping.
• Unicode support for regional languages.
HTTP API for Transactional SMS:
You can easily integrate SMS into your software or app using an HTTP API.
Sample API Format:
https://sms.corewebnetworks.com/api/send?apikey=XXXX&senderid=ABCDEF&message=Hello+{#var#}&number=XXXXXXXXXX&template_id=XXXXXXXX
API Features:
• Fast delivery
• JSON/XML responses
• Unicode supported
• Delivery reports
• Retry on failure
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Sender ID Selection
• Must be pre-approved and should match the name of your business or brand.
• For each template submission, select the correct Sender ID.
• Keep IDs professional, relevant, and verified under DLT.
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Best Practices for SMS Success
1. Use dynamic variables wisely.
2. Keep your messages short, clear, and action-oriented.
3. Track delivery and response through analytics.
4. Always use approved templates to avoid SMS rejections.
5. Choose a trusted provider like Core Web Networks for reliable delivery and 24/7 support.
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Conclusion:
Whether you’re sending promotional offers or transactional updates, understanding the rules of SMS marketing is essential. From template approval to HTTP API integration, Core Web Networks offers everything you need under one roof. With over 12 years of experience in bulk SMS delivery, we ensure every message reaches its destination – timely and securely. Visit: www.bulksmsproviderdelhi.in for more information.
