First Campaign Walkthrough: From Draft to Delivery.
October 15, 2025
written by Maingi
Introduction
If you’re new to bulk SMS marketing in Kenya, launching your first campaign may feel overwhelming. You want to reach customers quickly, make a professional impression, and track results—but where do you start?
With SMSLeopard, Kenya’s leading bulk SMS and messaging automation platform, getting your first campaign out is simple, fast, and effective. In this step-by-step walkthrough, we’ll show you exactly how to go from drafting your campaign to delivering it into the hands of your audience.
Step 1: Log In and Access the Dashboard
Once you sign up, your SMSLeopard dashboard is your control center. From here, you can:
Manage contacts and groups.
Draft SMS campaigns.
Track deliverability and responses.
Access your wallet and top up credits via M-Pesa, card, or bank transfer.
Tip: Bookmark your SMSLeopard login page for quick access whenever you need to send a campaign.
Step 2: Prepare Your Contact List
A successful campaign starts with the right audience. On your dashboard:
Upload contacts (CSV, Excel, or manual entry).
Organize into groups (e.g., “Nairobi Customers,” “Parents,” “VIP Members”).
Segment if needed by location, interests, or purchase history.
This ensures that your messages are relevant, which boosts engagement and minimizes opt-outs.
Step 3: Choose or Apply for a Sender ID
Your Sender ID is the name that appears as the sender of your SMS.
For branded campaigns, apply for a custom Sender ID like “MyBizKE.”
For quick campaigns, you can start with a system-generated Sender ID until your custom one is approved.
SMSLeopard guides you through the Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom registration process to ensure compliance.
Step 4: Draft Your SMS Campaign
Head over to the Campaign Composer in your dashboard. Here you can:
Write your message (within the 160-character limit for one SMS).
Insert personalization tokens like [First Name] or [Balance].
Add trackable links with UTM tags to measure conversions.
Example: “Hi [First Name], enjoy 10% off on your next purchase at MyBizKE. Shop now: [TrackableLink]”
Step 5: Select Your Audience
Next, choose who should receive your campaign.
Select one or more groups you uploaded earlier.
Filter further if needed (e.g., “customers who purchased in the last 30 days”).
Sending targeted SMS instead of blasting everyone ensures higher ROI.
Step 6: Schedule or Send Instantly
SMSLeopard gives you two options:
Send Now → Ideal for urgent alerts, flash sales, or deadline reminders.
Schedule Send → Choose a future date and time for better timing (e.g., morning for parents, evening for working professionals).
Research in Kenya shows that SMS sent between 10 AM and 1 PM often achieve higher engagement.
Step 7: Monitor Delivery & Engagement
Once your SMS is out, head back to the dashboard to monitor:
Delivery Rates → How many messages were successfully delivered to Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom subscribers.
Bounces → Numbers that failed due to invalid contacts or DND (Do Not Disturb).
Clicks & Conversions → If you used trackable links, see how many customers took action.
With SMSLeopard Analytics, you can quickly evaluate your campaign’s performance and refine your next one.
Step 8: Learn & Improve
Your first campaign is just the start. After analyzing performance:
Clean your list by removing inactive or invalid numbers.
Test variations in message tone, timing, or CTA (call-to-action).
Automate workflows for recurring campaigns, such as monthly reminders or reactivation flows.
Why Use SMSLeopard for Your First Campaign?
Fast setup → From signup to sending in minutes.
Local compliance support → Guidance on DND rules and Sender ID approvals.
Multi-channel → Integrate SMS with WhatsApp via ChatSasa for deeper engagement.
Affordable & flexible payments → With M-Pesa, card, or bank options.
Reliable delivery → Strong connections with Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom ensure maximum reach.
Conclusion
Launching your first SMS campaign in Kenya doesn’t have to be complicated. With SMSLeopard, you have an intuitive dashboard, reliable delivery, and advanced analytics—all designed to help you succeed.
If you haven’t yet launched your first campaign, there’s no better time. Sign up with SMSLeopard today, upload your list, and send your first SMS campaign in minutes.