Running SMS Campaigns for Market Days and County Events.
November 25, 2025
written by Maingi
In Kenya’s vibrant counties, market days and local events aren’t just economic activities — they’re the heartbeat of community life. From weekly open-air markets to county expos, trade fairs, and cultural festivals, these events draw thousands of people and present incredible opportunities for local businesses to connect, sell, and grow.
But here’s the challenge: how do you reach and mobilize your audience effectively before, during, and after such events? The answer is Bulk SMS marketing — powered by SMSLeopard.
Why SMSLeopard Is the Go-To Tool for Local Businesses in Kenya
SMSLeopard makes it effortless for small businesses, traders, and event organizers to communicate instantly with customers, vendors, and attendees — no tech skills required.
Through its user-friendly dashboard, you can send updates, reminders, promotions, or alerts to thousands of contacts in seconds — at an affordable rate and with guaranteed delivery across all Kenyan mobile networks.
Here’s how you can make the most of market day communication using SMSLeopard.
1. Promote Market Days Before They Happen
The success of a market day often depends on attendance. With Bulk SMS campaigns, you can create anticipation, inform participants, and boost turnout days or even weeks in advance.
Example Pre-Event SMS:
“ Kajiado Farmers’ Market is this Saturday! Don’t miss fresh produce, livestock auctions & special deals from 8am. See you at Kajiado Town Grounds! — County Trade Office.”
Tips using SMSLeopard:
Upload contact lists of vendors, suppliers, and frequent buyers.
Schedule reminders two to three days before the event.
Personalize messages using names or locations for a human touch.
Why it works: SMS has an open rate of over 95% within three minutes, ensuring your announcement is seen fast — even in low-internet areas.
2. Keep Everyone Updated During the Event
Events often require real-time coordination — from parking directions and security alerts to weather changes or vendor setup instructions. SMSLeopard’s instant delivery system ensures your updates reach everyone on time.
Example Real-Time SMS:
“ Update: Due to heavy rains, stalls are being moved to the covered section near the bus park. Kindly cooperate with marshals. – Kisii County Markets Dept.”
Use SMSLeopard for:
Last-minute updates or changes.
Directing attendees to key sections or booths.
Emergency communication or public safety messages.
Bonus Tip: If your county or event uses ChatSasa, you can combine SMS with two-way WhatsApp messaging to answer queries or guide visitors in real time.
3. Boost Sales with On-the-Ground Offers
Once your audience is at the event, the goal is engagement and sales. SMS allows you to push instant offers and flash deals to increase foot traffic at your booth or shop.
Example Offer SMS:
“ Today only! Buy any 2kg maize flour at MamaFresh Stand #12 and get 1kg free. Visit us before 3pm at Eldoret Farmers’ Market. — MamaFresh Foods.”
Best practices using SMSLeopard:
Send timed messages based on event flow (e.g., morning entry, lunchtime, afternoon rush).
Segment your lists (vendors vs customers).
Track message delivery in real-time through SMSLeopard’s dashboard.
4. Follow Up After the Event
Post-event communication is crucial for building long-term relationships. Use SMSLeopard’s automated campaigns to send thank-you messages, collect feedback, or invite customers to the next market day.
Example Follow-Up SMS:
“Thank you for attending the Nyeri Business Expo! We’d love your feedback. Reply YES to get updates on upcoming trade events.”
You can even integrate Google Forms or ChatSasa survey links into your message for richer insights.
5. Coordinate Vendors and County Departments
Counties and event organizers can use SMSLeopard to communicate internally — ensuring smooth logistics and coordination.
Use cases include:
Vendor registration reminders.
Payment and booth allocation notices.
Setup time updates and closing announcements.
Safety or compliance alerts.
SMSLeopard’s group messaging feature lets you create lists by department (e.g., health, trade, logistics) and send targeted updates.
6. Engage the Community Beyond the Event
Your communication shouldn’t stop once the tents are down. Keep the energy alive through weekly or monthly SMS updates — sharing upcoming events, vendor opportunities, and community highlights.
Example:
“ Karibu Nakuru Open Market – every Friday! Join 500+ traders for great deals. Register your stall via www.smsleopard.com/market.”
With SMSLeopard’s recurring scheduling, these updates can go out automatically every week — saving time and effort.
Pro Tips for Effective Market Day Campaigns
Start Early – Send your first notice at least a week before the event.
Segment Wisely – Separate vendors, customers, and county officials for tailored communication.
Use Short Links (UTMs) – Track how many people visit your website or event page from SMS campaigns.
Add Calls-to-Action – Tell your recipients what to do next (“Register,” “Visit,” “Reply YES,” etc.).
Stay Compliant – Always include an opt-out option or follow data protection guidelines under Kenya’s Data Protection Act.
Why Counties and Local Businesses Choose SMSLeopard
SMSLeopard is more than just a messaging platform — it’s a communication partner for growth.
Here’s what makes it perfect for market days and county events:
100% local platform, optimized for Kenyan networks.
Instant delivery across Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom.
Multi-channel support — SMS, WhatsApp, and ChatSasa integration.
Automation & Scheduling — set once, send automatically.
Real-time analytics for message delivery and engagement.
Data protection compliance for secure communication.
Real Example: How Busia Market Improved Attendance with SMSLeopard
In 2024, the Busia County Trade Office partnered with SMSLeopard to promote its regional market days. They used targeted SMS campaigns to alert traders, buyers, and transport providers two days before every market.
Results after 3 months:
Attendance increased by 27%
Vendor registration rose by 34%
Complaints about missed updates dropped to nearly zero
By integrating SMSLeopard into their communication, Busia County transformed how they connect with their trading community.
Mobilize, Inform, and Grow with SMSLeopard
From small-scale traders to county officials, everyone benefits when communication is clear, instant, and accessible. With SMSLeopard, your event promotions, vendor coordination, and customer engagement are just a few clicks away.
Whether you’re preparing for a weekly market, county expo, or community activation, SMSLeopard helps you: ✅ Mobilize participants faster ✅ Deliver updates instantly ✅ Drive higher turnout and foot traffic ✅ Keep your community connected
Ready to power your next market day with Bulk SMS? Sign up today at www.smsleopard.com and experience Kenya’s most reliable messaging platform — trusted by counties, SMEs, and organizations across the country.
#SMSLeopard #BulkSMSKenya #MarketDayMarketing #CountyEvents #CommunityEngagement #BusinessGrowth #KenyaSMEs #ChatSasa #DigitalKenya #SMSMarketing