Text Messaging Services for Governmental Organizations

Yes the government can send text messages. However, there are a few things to consider before implementing SMS solutions for governments. Just like with sending emails for marketing or business purposes, text messaging is an opt-in activity, which means that the recipient must formally agree to receive informational SMS or emergency text alerts, even from their federal or local government or public services departments. Though you may already have access to constituents’ contact information, each citizen must subscribe to receive text messaging. Using an SMS services provider for governments like EZ Texting, this can be achieved in a number of ways, including publicizing an SMS Keyword and your textable number, adding a Sign-Up Form to the official website or public portal, emailing out a link to sign up for text alerts to email or newsletter subscribers, or adding an opt-in option to a registration process.

Between tighter budgets and rising citizen expectations, the federal, state, and local government sector is seeing a continued drive for efficiency. Updating and modernizing critical systems like communication infrastructure, both internally and externally, are initiatives that can have widespread effects on citizens’ quality of life and the ability of government agencies to respond to emergencies effectively. Software supporting government SMS services can be key to enhanced communication between public services and their employees and first responders and between governmental organizations and the community. Additionally, with the recent need to bring in-person services online, text messaging for government purposes can streamline everything from filling out forms that require digital signatures to processing applications and relaying updates and service reminders. Many of these texts from government organizations can be automated and integrated into existing software applications using our robust API or custom integrations via Zapier and other partners.

There is a vast variety of situations in which the government can text people, as long as those recipients have either agreed to receive text messages or have initiated an SMS thread or conversation with the governmental organization. Helpful SMS for the public sector can range from a local government’s text alerts for emergencies to mass texting to improve event attendance. Yet text messaging for governments can also help various departments do their jobs more efficiently; for example, using SMS to send surveys and elicit feedback, allowing members of the public to text questions instead of call, or sending notifications for license renewals. Also consider what kinds of information your governmental office uses printed materials to communicate and how that info could instead be requested via text and responded to with a preset, automated message. For example, a public sign with a Keyword and number like “Text MAP to 858585 to get a PDF of local trails” could save thousands on printing costs and reduce waste. These are just a few examples in which governments are using texts to engage with people and improve their lives.

The best way to send government alerts is through text messaging. With a 98% open rate vs. email’s 20% open rate, a text message ensures that more people will see the alert and engage with it. In emergencies, time is of the essence. Timeliness is one thing that you can bet on when using SMS services for government. Our research shows that 50% of people over age 45 check their phones more than 3X per hour, and younger people check their phones even more frequently. For a state or municipal agency that needs an alert system, a government texting solution can be the answer.