[AMA] SMS Marketing & RoboCalling

[The Gambler]

Hello everyone,

The purpose of this thread is to share my knowledge with the members of BHW,
I'm not selling any services or guides,
Please don't PM me asking for any services.

I was running a successful business in the SMS Marketing & RoboCalling Business (As a service for high-end clients).

Last year I decided to switch to another business (Digital Marketing Agency & Whitehat SMS Marketing).

In the past, I was doing BlackHat Marketing (SMS Spamming & RoboCalling) but to specific countries (Where regulations where a little easy to deal with) and I was doing it for clients (Some of them are very known brands),
I'm also working now with multiple brands to integrate SMS Marketing solutions (SAAS, eCommerce, Dropshippers...)

I will not refer you to any services, so please don't ask me about any recommendations, do your research because this depends on the country & the price you're willing to pay.

If you want to integrate SMS marketing into your funnel, just give me a broad idea of what you're doing so I can give you the best advice.

To give you an idea about what I was doing in the past:

1. Getting clients in specific countries.
2. Scrapping phone numbers depending on the client's niche.
3. Sending SMS via SIM cards & Grey routes OR installing a RoboCall system depends on the client's needs.

 

[Veyy]

Interesting AMA, I am interested in where are you scraping phone numbers from and where do you find clients, do you use ads or cold emails?

 

[The Gambler]

Interesting AMA, I am interested in where are you scraping phone numbers from and where do you find clients, do you use ads or cold emails?

Thank you for the reply,
For the scrapping, it really depends on the client's preference,
Some clients require professional leads, in that case, you can scrape local Yellow Pages...
If you're looking for broad leads, you need to look for websites like Craiglist (Local versions) where people put things for sales and put their phone numbers,
I was scrapping some big websites 24/7 to get more fresh leads every day.

For clients, I was doing the same, Scrapping professional phone numbers, and send the offer via SMS,
This way the client understand the impact of SMS marketing without telling him much,
Also, I was retargeting the visitors of my websites who clicked the link via the SMS I sent,
After that, I hired some freelancers that could approach companies and sign deals and I was giving them a good share of each deal (This is the way I got some known brands).

 

[Veyy]

Thank you for the reply,
For the scrapping, it really depends on the client's preference,
Some clients require professional leads, in that case, you can scrape local Yellow Pages...
If you're looking for broad leads, you need to look for websites like Craiglist (Local versions) where people put things for sales and put their phone numbers,
I was scrapping some big websites 24/7 to get more fresh leads every day.

For clients, I was doing the same, Scrapping professional phone numbers, and send the offer via SMS,
This way the client understand the impact of SMS marketing without telling him much,
Also, I was retargeting the visitors of my websites who clicked the link via the SMS I sent,
After that, I hired some freelancers that could approach companies and sign deals and I was giving them a good share of each deal (This is the way I got some known brands).

Thanks for your answer, is there still demand for SMS marketing?

 

[The Gambler]

Thanks for your answer, is there still demand for SMS marketing?

You're welcome,
Yes, there's a huge demand for SMS Marketing especially if you know who to target,
Most of the clients I worked with didn't know the impact of SMS campaigns until they tested it,
So it's a good practice to do a free campaign for your new costumers to show them the potential and give them an idea about the results they can expect (Especially if you're using targeted & fresh databases).
Also, you should try to create your own portal to give the clients the possibility to log in and send campaigns directly,
You can also develop your own plugins for Woocommerce, Shopify, API integration to gain more small/medium costumers (This usually requires using white or grey routes so the clients can send SMS with Labels instead of phone numbers).

 

[Sanjuwa]

What do I need to get started in Robocalling? (Software/Hardware)

 

[syphaxmail]

Hi, thanks for your thread you have explained it very well, I have email server setup business from 2014. I had very good clients till last year but not sure why they stopped taking email services and Ineed new clients. If you think sms marketing can bring new clients then its really big opportunity for me.

Please pm if you can help me

 

[tidelow]

I have been testing various SMS services out and wondering how you setup link tracking on the SMS?

Most url shorteners are blacklisted, so I imagine a fresh domain with some type of affiliate or referral system on it?

Also, do you have any experience with email to SMS method?

Thanks in advance!

 

[arc323]

Were you using a sim bank to send the SMS or a 3rd party platform?

Do you recommend ringless VM drops to promote marketing services (or anything B2B)? Do you recommend ringless VM drops for anything at all or is that money better spent on robocalls?

For SMS marketing, do spam traps exist similar to how they do with email? What is the best way to fly under the radar or is this not a concern with SMS?

Let's say I have a list of consumers in the USA who are paying PMI on their mortgage and they have good credit scores. Would this be a good type of list to hit with SMS and robocalls, or are these types of niches already saturated and burnt?

 

[The Gambler]

What do I need to get started in Robocalling? (Software/Hardware)

For RoboCalling using sim cards you're going to need:

• Hardware:

• GSM Gateway: You can look in Aliexpress for a GSM Gateway with multiple ports (Ex: 4 ports will need 4 sim = 4 concurrent calls)
• Server: If you're using 4-8 ports a laptop with 4GB+ Ram, i3 is going to do the trick, if you're going for 16+ ports I recommend using a Desktop server
• A Good router: this is optional but recommended especially if you're going to use more then 1 GSM Gateway

• Software:
  • If you want the basic setup: Centos with GoAutoDial
  • If you want advanced setup: You should hire someone to develop a solution for you (It will cost $1K+ depend on your needs)

If you have any more questions or you need guidance you're welcome to ask here.

Hi, thanks for your thread you have explained it very well, I have email server setup business from 2014. I had very good clients till last year but not sure why they stopped taking email services and Ineed new clients. If you think sms marketing can bring new clients then its really big opportunity for me.

Please pm if you can help me

Yes, SMS Marketing can help you,
Sorry, I can't PM you because I don't sell or recommend anything here,
If you have any questions please ask here so everyone can benefit from the answers.

I have been testing various SMS services out and wondering how you setup link tracking on the SMS?

Most url shorteners are blacklisted, so I imagine a fresh domain with some type of affiliate or referral system on it?

Also, do you have any experience with email to SMS method?

Thanks in advance!

Actually this is a good point,
If you're spamming, even your main domain will get blacklisted,
the solution I did is a little complicated but it gives you more control,
I've developed a script (Something similar to BitLy) but using multiple domains (Fresh domains owned by me),
And I've developed a function that generates a unique URL for each SMS sent,
Ex:

1. Number 1 -> Hello, bla bla bla www.domain.com/KJDHQS38s
2. Number 2 -> Hello, bla bla bla www.domain.com/DIUQD7SJx
3. Number 3 -> Hello, bla bla bla www.domain2.com/HFKDJFx8x
4. ....

This way I can generate a very detailed report for my costumers, and they can track the numbers that clicked on the links.
This solution is only used when the client uses his own list,
And it helped the clients detect the inactive numbers so they can stop sending SMS to cut the cost.

For your second question, please give me more details, because Email to SMS can refer to multiple things.

Were you using a sim bank to send the SMS or a 3rd party platform?

Do you recommend ringless VM drops to promote marketing services (or anything B2B)? Do you recommend ringless VM drops for anything at all or is that money better spent on robocalls?

For SMS marketing, do spam traps exist similar to how they do with email? What is the best way to fly under the radar or is this not a concern with SMS?

Let's say I have a list of consumers in the USA who are paying PMI on their mortgage and they have good credit scores. Would this be a good type of list to hit with SMS and robocalls, or are these types of niches already saturated and burnt?

I was using a mix of GSM Gateways & 3rd platforms (Depend on the clients need and the cost),
And I developed my own platform that integrates all the solutions so the client can log in and send the SMS directly.

Until today, I didn't have any client that requested a Voicemail drop, so I really can't tell you if it's going to work for you or not,
My guess is to spend the money to build a RoboCall system,
If you're going to develop your own solution, I think you can integrate both, I even integrated the SMS with Robocalls (If the call receiver clicks 1, the system automatically send him an SMS after the call with more info or URL...) the possibilities are endless.

There are no Spam traps in SMS, but if you're spamming a URL or a phone number, there's a high chance of blacklist it, so when you send any SMS containing that Number or URL you're SMS will not be delivered even if the system shows it's delivered.

I will not advise you to SPAM a US or Euro phone list especially if it's not opt-in, you should be a little creative here or you'll get in some serious troubles,
The best practice here is to set up an autoresponder system:

1. You send a simple SMS without any URL or contacts info, just asking if the receiver is interested in an offer
2. If the receiver reply with an SMS, then you send him more info: URL or phone number or you can contact him via phone call

The same thing applies to RoboCalling.

If you have any more questions, you're welcome to ask here.

 

[dragonguy4]

For RoboCalling using sim cards you're going to need:

• Hardware:

• GSM Gateway: You can look in Aliexpress for a GSM Gateway with multiple ports (Ex: 4 ports will need 4 sim = 4 concurrent calls)
• Server: If you're using 4-8 ports a laptop with 4GB+ Ram, i3 is going to do the trick, if you're going for 16+ ports I recommend using a Desktop server
• A Good router: this is optional but recommended especially if you're going to use more then 1 GSM Gateway

• Software:
  • If you want the basic setup: Centos with GoAutoDial
  • If you want advanced setup: You should hire someone to develop a solution for you (It will cost $1K+ depend on your needs)

If you have any more questions or you need guidance you're welcome to ask here.



Yes, SMS Marketing can help you,
Sorry, I can't PM you because I don't sell or recommend anything here,
If you have any questions please ask here so everyone can benefit from the answers.



Actually this is a good point,
If you're spamming, even your main domain will get blacklisted,
the solution I did is a little complicated but it gives you more control,
I've developed a script (Something similar to BitLy) but using multiple domains (Fresh domains owned by me),
And I've developed a function that generates a unique URL for each SMS sent,
Ex:

1. Number 1 -> Hello, bla bla bla www.domain.com/KJDHQS38s
2. Number 2 -> Hello, bla bla bla www.domain.com/DIUQD7SJx
3. Number 3 -> Hello, bla bla bla www.domain2.com/HFKDJFx8x
4. ....

This way I can generate a very detailed report for my costumers, and they can track the numbers that clicked on the links.
This solution is only used when the client uses his own list,
And it helped the clients detect the inactive numbers so they can stop sending SMS to cut the cost.

For your second question, please give me more details, because Email to SMS can refer to multiple things.



I was using a mix of GSM Gateways & 3rd platforms (Depend on the clients need and the cost),
And I developed my own platform that integrates all the solutions so the client can log in and send the SMS directly.

Until today, I didn't have any client that requested a Voicemail drop, so I really can't tell you if it's going to work for you or not,
My guess is to spend the money to build a RoboCall system,
If you're going to develop your own solution, I think you can integrate both, I even integrated the SMS with Robocalls (If the call receiver clicks 1, the system automatically send him an SMS after the call with more info or URL...) the possibilities are endless.

There are no Spam traps in SMS, but if you're spamming a URL or a phone number, there's a high chance of blacklist it, so when you send any SMS containing that Number or URL you're SMS will not be delivered even if the system shows it's delivered.

I will not advise you to SPAM a US or Euro phone list especially if it's not opt-in, you should be a little creative here or you'll get in some serious troubles,
The best practice here is to set up an autoresponder system:

1. You send a simple SMS without any URL or contacts info, just asking if the receiver is interested in an offer
2. If the receiver reply with an SMS, then you send him more info: URL or phone number or you can contact him via phone call

The same thing applies to RoboCalling.

If you have any more questions, you're welcome to ask here.

Glad to find your thread over here. I am planning to build the same. Do you think any 2G modem (that usually popular for SMS) will be able to be set also for robocalling system? Or it has any specific requirement? I am asking local GSM modem retailer and they don't have any idea for that

 

[J.Oldschool]

I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. Thanks for doing it OP.

I have a sports betting tips website I’d like to expand its client base via sms marketing.

I have found what I believe to be a few good sources for sms leads in my niche, so I don’t need help with scraping at this time.

However, because I am targeting primarily US and UK numbers would it be required to do strictly opt-in as you have said to protect my url from being blacklisted? Also would you advise using maybe a separate landing page in order to protect my actual site from blacklisting which then has my standard signup offer linking back to my main site?

If I am using targeted niche leads and only planning to do 500-1000 SMS per day and doing opt-in only as you’ve advised, would it be safe to use a service like twillio for this purpose or should I find a way to set this up myself? Could you possibly give me an estimate on cost from using a service vs setting something up myself.

Thanks man. I really wish I could get some direction on services and software you’d recommend for my purposes but I understand why you’ve declined to provide it.

 

[dragonguy4]

Last year I decided to switch to another business (Digital Marketing Agency & Whitehat SMS Marketing).

Also what makes you switch? I posted in freelancer board for robocalling gateway setup in my wavecom modem and been 2 days not getting any interest. We know its not as popular as SMS.. so almost no tutorial elsewhere to build such. Can give advice?

 

[The Gambler]

Glad to find your thread over here. I am planning to build the same. Do you think any 2G modem (that usually popular for SMS) will be able to be set also for robocalling system? Or it has any specific requirement? I am asking local GSM modem retailer and they don't have any idea for that

RoboCalling needs specific hardware,
You should look for VOIP GSM Gateways 4+ SIM Ports (A little pricey in comparison to SMS Hardware).

I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. Thanks for doing it OP.

I have a sports betting tips website I’d like to expand its client base via sms marketing.

I have found what I believe to be a few good sources for sms leads in my niche, so I don’t need help with scraping at this time.

However, because I am targeting primarily US and UK numbers would it be required to do strictly opt-in as you have said to protect my url from being blacklisted? Also would you advise using maybe a separate landing page in order to protect my actual site from blacklisting which then has my standard signup offer linking back to my main site?

If I am using targeted niche leads and only planning to do 500-1000 SMS per day and doing opt-in only as you’ve advised, would it be safe to use a service like twillio for this purpose or should I find a way to set this up myself? Could you possibly give me an estimate on cost from using a service vs setting something up myself.

Thanks man. I really wish I could get some direction on services and software you’d recommend for my purposes but I understand why you’ve declined to provide it.

You're welcome,
I would always advise you to have a separate domain for your SMS campaigns especially if you're targeting US & EU countries,
500-1000SMS / Day I don't think you should set up your own solution, Twilio (& Other alternatives) will serve you well.
If you're using SaaS just check the pricing on their websites, you'll find a calculator to estimate your SMS costs,
For hardware, are you located in the US or EU area?
If not, using SIM cards to send international SMS will cost you more especially in your case (1000SMS / Day).

Also what makes you switch? I posted in freelancer board for robocalling gateway setup in my wavecom modem and been 2 days not getting any interest. We know its not as popular as SMS.. so almost no tutorial elsewhere to build such. Can give advice?

I'm still doing SMS Marketing but only whitehat & working with big brands only (I do some Grey campaigns from time to time but carefully),
For the solution, if you're a little into learning, try to look for tutorials on "GoAutoDial" it's free and can serve you well,
As I said before, you should invest in some VOIP GSM Gateways, modems will not serve you for this (Most modems don't have the ability to make calls),
My advice to you: don't hire anyone to set up the system for you until you understand very well your needs and try to learn everything related to RoboCalling and how it's working.

 

[dragonguy4]

As I said before, you should invest in some VOIP GSM Gateways, modems will not serve you for this (Most modems don't have the ability to make calls),
My advice to you: don't hire anyone to set up the system for you until you understand very well your needs and try to learn everything related to RoboCalling and how it's working.

Awesome. So now I need to purchase one that support VOIP. But is it works also for SMS or I need to get 2 type on hand?
Thanks for goautodial reference, thats certainly help a lot

 

[The Gambler]

Awesome. So now I need to purchase one that support VOIP. But is it works also for SMS or I need to get 2 type on hand?
Thanks for goautodial reference, thats certainly help a lot

Glad I can help,
Yes, usually the Gateway can do calls & SMS, you just need to configure it.

 

[Walterwhit]

What were you selling?

 

[The Gambler]

What were you selling?

I think if you took 10-15min to read the thread properly you'll know what I was selling.

 

[dragonguy4]

Glad I can help,
Yes, usually the Gateway can do calls & SMS, you just need to configure it.

Can you share what modem are you using? Just for personal reference.. lots of option that confuses me as starter..

 

[TheVigilante]

Surely not lounge material as this is value being provided in terms of experience