# Getting started with SMS messages

## Why use SMS in your campaigns?  
SMS is a powerful channel that allows you to reach customers effectively, especially when other messaging options are unavailable. 
With SMS, you can:

* **Contact customers who are not reachable via other channels.** If a customer is not subscribed to push or email notifications, you can send an SMS instead.
* **Send transactional notifications,** like order statuses, payment alerts, and security codes.
* **Send marketing offers.** For customers who have agreed to receive promotional SMS, this channel can be even more effective than push notifications and emails.

Like push notifications, each SMS can be personalized by using [Dynamic Content](/product/personalization/dynamic-content).


## Prerequisites for sending SMS  

<Steps>
1. **Connect your SMS provider.** Configure the SMS channel by connecting your provider in **Settings → Configure Platforms → SMS**. [Learn how](/product/first-steps/start-with-your-project/configure-platforms/sms-configuration/)  
2. **Import SMS contacts.** [Upload a CSV file with phone numbers](/product/messaging-channels/sms/import-sms-contacts/). 

</Steps>
## Create an SMS preset (optional)
If you plan to use a text preset, create it in the **Content → SMS presets** section.

<LinkCard title="Learn more about creating SMS presets" href="/product/content/sms-presets/" />

### Personalize SMS for better engagement
Enhance user experience by sending personalized SMS tailored to user behavior and preferences.
<LinkCard title="Learn more about personalized SMS" href="/product/how-to-guides/how-to-send-a-personalized-message/how-to-send-a-personalized-sms/
" />

## Send SMS

Send SMS through the one-time SMS form or automate delivery with Customer Journey.

<LinkCard title="Learn more about sending SMS" href="/product/messaging-channels/sms/send-sms/" />

## Track and analyze message performance

To view statistics for each message, go to the [Message History](/product/statistics-and-analytics/message-history) section.

<Aside type="caution">
Please note that some mobile operators do not transmit delivery status data, so the statistics may need to be more accurate. You can check the details with the mobile operators that provide numbers to your customers.
</Aside>