A SMS prospecting list is a file containing mobile numbers belonging to customers or prospects. To successfully carry out an SMS campaign, these are the numbers to which messages are sent. Generally, SMS lists differ from one company to another since each business has different activities and target customers.

With the help of an SMS database, a company can, first and foremost, prospect much more easily. Indeed, having a list of targeted contacts helps improve your conversion rate and attract more customers. It should be noted, however, that a customer file also helps a company build loyalty.

All this, provided you have a well-stocked SMS database that is continuously updated. Hence the need to rent or buy an SMS list from a provider.

How does SMS list rental work?

Renting an SMS list is like renting any other asset; you only have access to it once. In other words, SMS list rental gives you one-time access to a contact database. Therefore, you are in no way the owner of the SMS list, and its use is limited to a single instance. Following this logic, your access to this SMS database is also time-limited. You will therefore only be able to use it for a certain period of time agreed upon with your provider.

What are the advantages of SMS list rental?

The SMS list rental is an extremely advantageous practice. Indeed, it allows you to:

• Have access to continuously updated contacts and numbers
• Benefit from rigorous contact targeting (based on your criteria), performed by your provider
• Launch an SMS campaign at reduced costs

By renting your SMS list from Octopush, you benefit from several other exclusive advantages. For example, we offer our help in drafting the message for your SMS campaign and are at your disposal should you need any advice.

What are the costs involved?

The cost of SMS list rental is more or less affordable compared to purchasing data. Of course, rental rates vary depending on the chosen database provider. However, in general, prices hover around a few cents per rented contact. The criteria that can cause rental rates to vary are: the nature of the contact (individual or professional) and the targeting criteria of the SMS lists.

Most often, companies opt for SMS list rental because it is a much more accessible solution. So, if you are on a tight budget, this solution remains the most attractive option. Especially if you only need to use the database once.

How does buying an SMS list work?

Logically, unlike renting, buying an SMS list makes you the owner of that list. Consequently, you have full and unrestricted access to all the data it contains. This means you can use your SMS list as many times as you like.

It should be noted, however, that when you buy an SMS list, you are responsible for targeting and updating the data yourself. Statistically speaking, people in France change mobile operators every 23 months. We can therefore conclude that French phone numbers only remain valid for this short period. This means that after 23 months, most of the numbers in your database will be incorrect.

Furthermore, you should be aware that once purchased, a specific SMS customer list or business list belongs exclusively to you. In other words, under the Data Protection Act, you cannot rent it out or sell it.

What are the advantages of buying an SMS list?

As you have surely gathered, when you buy an SMS list, you have the option to use it as many times as you want, for an unlimited period. Likewise, you are free to choose the frequency of all your campaigns.

The cost of an SMS list varies depending on the provider chosen, the qualification criteria, the volume, and the nature of the contacts. In general, buying an SMS list can cost between 0.19 and 0.29 per contact. These figures remain relatively high compared to renting SMS lists. We generally recommend buying an SMS list to companies looking to launch multiple marketing initiatives.

What budget should you plan for?

The cost of an SMS list varies depending on the provider chosen, the qualification criteria, the volume, and the nature of the contacts. Of course, the rate applied is higher than the rate for renting an SMS list. In general, buying an SMS list can cost between 0.19 and 0.29 per contact. These figures remain relatively high compared to renting SMS customer lists. We generally recommend buying an SMS list to companies looking to launch multiple marketing initiatives.

So, buy or rent? Do both with Octopush

In short, both buying and renting SMS lists are valuable practices for businesses. However, you should take a step back and consider the marketing actions you want to launch (and their frequency) before making a choice.

In any case, at Octopush, you can do both. All while enjoying a number of benefits, including access to a pool of over 35 million Opt-in certified contacts. Indeed, all our contacts have given their consent to receive promotional SMS.