What are SMS fragments?
In the world of text messaging, the term "fragment" refers to a chunk of a text message. When you send a text message, it doesn't go as one whole piece. Instead, it's split into smaller chunks, each of which is known as a fragment.
Each fragment typically consists of around 160 characters. This means that if you send a message that's 161 characters long, it will be split into two fragments. This is important because the cost of sending a message is often calculated based on the number of fragments.
Why are fragments important?
The cost of sending messages can add up quickly if you're not careful.
By understanding how fragments work, you can craft your messages more efficiently, ensuring that you're not wasting money by unnecessarily crossing fragment boundaries. For example, a message 161 characters long will cost the same as a message 305 characters long because they both consist of two fragments.
How can I reduce my fragment costs?
There are several strategies you can use to reduce your fragment usage and, consequently, the cost of sending text messages:
Setup a Firetext account: This enables you to monitor your costs. Having greater visibility of the cost of your messages can help promote changes on an individual and team basis. Find out how to setup your own Firetext account
Keep your messages short and concise: The shorter your message, the fewer fragments it will use. Try to get your point across in as few words as possible.
Use link shorteners: If you need to include a link in your message, consider using a link shortener. This can significantly reduce the number of characters in your message, potentially keeping you within a single fragment.
Send messages via email when possible: If the recipient has an email address, consider sending your message via email instead of SMS. This can be a cost-effective alternative, especially for longer messages.
Review your templates: Consider creating templates if you often send out similar messages. This allows you to ensure that your messages are as concise as possible, reducing the number of fragments used.