ForeverCRM SMS Guidelines

ForeverCRM makes it easy to text customers, but carriers ultimately decide what gets delivered. Follow these guidelines for better delivery, fewer blocks, and lower message costs.

AI Generated Content Disclaimer

When using AI tools like ChatGPT to write SMS copies, be aware that AI may automatically include special symbols, long dashes, curly characters, or apostrophes that count as Unicode. This increases the number of segments and your cost.

You may use a prompt like:

Write an optimized SMS copy, the economical copy, without symbols, long dashes

Even with this prompt, AI may still generate characters that cause multi-segment messages.

ForeverCRM is not responsible for extra billing, delivery issues, or any damages caused by AI-generated SMS content. You must remove all emojis, symbols, curly quotes, and special characters before sending.

SMS Length & Segments

SMS billing is based on segments. If your message exceeds the limit below, it splits into multiple segments automatically.

Goal: Keep messages within 1 segment whenever possible.

Emojis & Fancy Characters Impact

Certain characters force Unicode mode, drastically reducing your character limit.

Avoid using:

• Emojis
• Curly quotes “ ”
• Long dashes —
• Bullets •
• Any uncommon symbols or styled characters

Best practice: Use plain text only.

Cost Estimation for SMS Segments

Typical US outbound SMS cost: $0.008–$0.015 per segment.

Examples:

• 1,000 messages × 1 segment = ~$8–$15
• 1,000 messages × 2 segments = ~$16–$30
• A single emoji can turn 1 segment into 2–3 instantly

Every extra segment = another text in billing.

Deliverability Best Practices

Always include:

• Only message users who opted in
• Your business name early
• “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”
• Instant compliance with STOP requests

Avoid (high filtering risk):

• ALL CAPS or hype words
• Sending too many texts too fast
• More than one link
• Templates reused excessively

Campaign Best Practices

• Warm up slowly before big sends
• Segment leads vs. customers
• Send messages during business hours
• Keep the message conversational
• Use one clear CTA
• Short sequences perform best

High-Deliverability Message Templates

New Lead Follow-Up
“Hi {{first_name}}, this is {{company}}. You requested an estimate — what’s the best time today? Reply STOP to opt out.”

Appointment Confirmation
“{{company}}: You’re scheduled for {{date}} at {{time}}. Reply YES to confirm or reschedule. Reply STOP to opt out.”

Estimate Follow-Up
“{{company}} checking in — did you still want to move forward? Reply 1 for yes, 2 for not now. STOP to opt out.”

Review Request
“Thanks again for choosing {{company}}. Could you leave a quick review? {{link}} STOP to opt out.”

Quick Checklist Before Sending

• Is the contact opted in?
• Is the business identified?
• No emojis / symbols / curly characters?
• Under 160 characters?
• One clear call to action?
• STOP instruction included?
• No more than one link?