This guide explains how to send text messages (SMS) in PushPress Grow the right way — so your messages go through, your costs stay low, and your account stays in good standing.
What Is SMS in Grow?
SMS lets you text:
Leads
Members
Former members
You can send:
1-to-1 texts
Group texts (using drip mode)
Each text message has a cost, and there are daily sending limits to protect your phone number.
Daily SMS Sending Limits (Ramp-Up Policy)
To protect your phone number and keep carriers happy, Grow uses a ramp-up system.
You cannot send unlimited texts right away.
Campaign Daily Limit
Maximum: 500 SMS per day for campaigns
Going over this limit can pause SMS sending for the day
How the Ramp-Up Works
When you first start sending SMS, Grow increases your limit slowly.
Stage | Max SMS per 24 hours |
Stage 1 | 100 |
Stage 2 | 250 |
Stage 3 | 500 (daily cap) |
Stage 4+ | Stay at 500 |
Important:
You move to the next stage only after you hit the current limit and wait 24 hours.
Example
Day 1: You send 100 texts → you must wait 24 hours
Day 2: You can send 250 texts
Day 3: You can send 500 texts
This protects your number and builds trust with phone carriers.
Why This Matters
Sending too many texts too fast can:
Get your number flagged
Cause messages to fail
Lead to temporary SMS blocks
The ramp-up keeps your SMS working long-term.
Use Drip Mode for Group Texts (Very Important)
When texting groups, never send all messages at once.
Always use Drip Mode
Drip mode:
Sends texts in small batches
Spaces them out over time
Keeps you compliant with A2P rules
Recommended Drip Settings
15–20 messages per hour
Spread messages across hours or days
Avoid late nights and early mornings
Consent & Compliance Rules (Must Follow)
You must follow texting rules to avoid suspension.
You MUST:
Have clear permission to text someone
Identify yourself in the message
Include opt-out language
Example: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”
You MUST NOT:
Text people who didn’t opt in
Send mass marketing texts without consent
Harass, threaten, or mislead
Send illegal content (including THC/CBD - even if legal in your State of operation!)
Market to minors under 14
Common Reasons SMS Gets Blocked
High opt-out rate
Too many failed messages
Sending too many texts too fast
Poor message quality
Healthy Metrics
Opt-out rate: 0–0.3%
Error rate: 0–6%
SMS Costs (Know Before You Send)
Each text message has a cost.
How SMS Pricing Works
Cost per SMS segment: ~$0.02
1 SMS segment = 160 characters
Long messages = multiple segments
Emojis, links, spacing, and special characters increase cost
Your exact cost may vary by country and carrier.
Why Messages Split Into Multiple Segments
Some characters force messages into a more expensive format.
Example Message (Real-World)
Hey [name] this is [name]! Can you message me directly and let me know what you want? Here's what's for sale: Men’s Olympic Barbells Women’s Olympic Barbells Trainer Bars Axle Bars Barbell Trees (holds 11 bars) Concept2 Rower Rogue Bumper Plates York Bumper Plates Iron / Change Weight Plates Rogue V2 Bumper Plate Stackers Rogue Log Bar (LB-1 / LB-2) Medicine Balls Sleds (Rogue) Pyramid Plyo Boxes (12", 16", 20", 24") CFW Handmade Plyo Boxes (20 / 24 / 30") AbMats (older units) Rogue GHD Rogue Reverse Hyper
Segment Breakdown
Total characters: 507
Contains curly quotes ( ’ )
Because of those quotes:
The message is sent as Unicode
Unicode limit = 67 characters per segment
507 ÷ 67 = 8 SMS segments
👉 This message is billed as 8 texts messages not 1 single SMS
How to Reduce SMS Cost
Replace curly quotes with straight quotes:
Men's Olympic Barbells Women's Olympic Barbells
Now the message uses standard GSM format:
153 characters per segment
507 ÷ 153 = 4 segments
✅ Same message, half the cost
Want to know how many segments your outbound SMS will be before you send? You can use this segment calculator before sending out a bunch of text messages.
Also note: your costs per SMS segment vary by region and country.
SMS Best Practices (Quick List)
Do This
Keep messages short
Use plain text
Use drip mode for groups
Send during business hours
Give people a clear way to opt out
Avoid This
ALL CAPS
Too many emojis or !!!
Long lists without spacing
Sending hundreds of texts at once
Sending Group SMS in Grow (Simple Steps)
Go to Contacts
Choose or create a Smart List
Select contacts
Click Send SMS
Turn on Drip Mode
Set batch size and timing
Send
This keeps you compliant and protects your number.
More Help
If you would like more information or need further assistance, please use other HELP Articles, just like this one or reach out through PushPress Messenger, the little blue box in your CORE account or email us at support@pushpress.com. Our team is here to help.
About PushPress
PushPress is the ultimate gym management software to help streamline your gym business. Thousands of gyms have become more professional thanks to PushPress, and now you can too!