What is Broadcast in Aloware?
The Broadcast feature in Aloware Talk lets you send messages to a large audience simultaneously. If you need to communicate with multiple contacts or groups efficiently, this feature is perfect for you. It simplifies the process of reaching out, making sure your message is delivered to everyone quickly and effectively.
Broadcast is available in our uPro and xPro plans.
To use the broadcast feature, you need admin permissions. Admins can grant this access through Aloware admin > user profile setting.
How to access the broadcast feature
To access broadcast in Aloware Talk, start by heading to your Aloware Talk account and clicking on the "Broadcast" menu. This will take you to the broadcasts page, where you can manage and track your campaigns.
How to send a broadcast message in Aloware
To start a broadcast, click the "+New Bulk Message" button.
Selecting your contacts
You have three options to select your audience:
By list - click the "By List" button, select your desired list, and click "Next". You'll see a preview of all contacts of all the contacts included in the broadcast. If you need to update or create a list, see our guide for more details.
By filter - select the "By Filter" tab, then click the "Add Filter" button to set your search criteria. for example, to filter by tags, select "Filter" > "Tags", then pick the tag name. You can find more details about broadcast filters in the guide.
By integrations - if your Aloware account is integrated with HubSpot or Zoho, you can sync contact lists from these platforms.
Choose your message type
Decide if your broadcast will be an SMS or ringless voicemail. Include the opt-out phrase "[Text STOP to unsubscribe]" at the end of your message for compliance.
Composing your Message
Enter your message in the message box. Click "Next" when you are ready to proceed.
Setting the Schedule
Now - this will send the message immediately.
Pick a time - this will schedule your message by selecting the date and time. If an admin has set predefined broadcast timings in the account menu, it will follow these settings.
Assigning the line and throttling
Select the line you want to use for your broadcast. If this line is set to send long text messages as MMS, you'll see a prompt. This setting means that messages longer than 160 characters will be sent as MMS rather than being broken into multiple SMS segments. Note that using MMS might lead to higher charges for this broadcast.
You can adjust throttling options to manage the rate at which messages are sent.
Checking the credits
Aloware broadcast deducts the cost to your credits. So make sure to review them before sending to avoid interruptions. The broadcast cost calculator gives you an estimated credit usage for your message. Keep in mind, this is an estimate, and actual carrier fees may vary.
You can check the actual rates in the account > usage.
Preview and send
Before sending, review your broadcast, which includes the total number of contacts, the assigned line, the message, the schedule, throttling options, and the estimated cost. If everything looks right, send your broadcast.
Checking broadcast status
To check the status of your broadcasts, go to the broadcast page. By default, the page will display the broadcast status in the last 7 days and the options to filter the statuses such as 'new,' 'enrolling,' 'sent,' 'paused,' 'stopped,' or 'all'.
You’ll also find a chart graph that gives you a visual summary of your broadcast activities, helping you quickly understand the trends and performance of your campaigns.
Checking broadcast activity
Once your broadcast is sent, you can track its activity through the three-dot menu associated with your broadcast. Click the three-dot menu and select Activity. This will direct you to the communications page, where you’ll see a list of contacts who received your message.
On this page, you can click on each contact to view their communication history. This lets you see the specific message that was sent to each contact, providing insight into how each recipient received and interacted with your broadcast.
Understanding the broadcast table
The broadcast table provides a clear snapshot of your communication campaigns, making it easier to track and manage their progress.
Campaign details
Each broadcast has a unique ID, which helps you track and manage multiple campaigns effectively. The name column offers a quick reference for each broadcast, allowing you to easily identify and differentiate them. You can use this name to search for specific broadcasts using the search bar.
Status and timing
The status column shows the current phase of each broadcast, such as 'new,' 'enrolling,' 'sent,' 'paused,' or 'stopped', helping you understand where each broadcast stands in its lifecycle. The scheduled time indicates when the broadcast is set to go out, allowing you to keep track of timing and deadlines.
Performance metrics
The total tasks column provides an overview of all tasks associated with the broadcast, offering a snapshot of the workload. Pending tasks displays how many tasks are still awaiting completion, while failed tasks highlights the number of messages that did not reach their intended recipients. It's important to monitor failed tasks, as failed SMS may still incur charges. Running an LRN (Location Routing Numbers) check can help ensure messages are sent to valid line types.
Engagement and audience insights
The engagement column shows how recipients are interacting with your messages, giving you an idea of the campaign’s effectiveness. The Unsubscribed count indicates how many recipients have opted out, providing valuable feedback on audience preferences. The target group section details the specific audience for the broadcast, ensuring your messages reach the right people.
Management details
The line used column specifies which communication line was used for the broadcast. Throttling information helps you understand how message delivery rates are managed to prevent overloading. The date created provides context on when the broadcast was initially set up.