Every character counts..! Understanding how character limits and encoding affect your messages can lead to more effective communication and cost savings. Here's how you can optimize your SMS content with Notify:​

1. Understand SMS Character Limits and Encoding

A standard SMS message supports up to 160 characters when using the GSM 7-bit alphabet, which includes most Latin letters, digits, and common punctuation. However, if your message contains characters outside this set, such as emojis or non-Latin scripts, it switches to Unicode encoding, reducing the limit to 70 characters per message.

2. Avoid Unintended Unicode Characters

Including even a single Unicode character can switch the entire message to Unicode encoding, drastically reducing your character limit. Be cautious with special characters and use tools to identify any unintended Unicode symbols in your text.

3. Utilize SMS Character Counters

Employ online SMS character counters to monitor your message length and encoding in real-time. These tools help ensure your messages stay within the desired character limits, preventing unexpected segmentation and additional costs.

4. Shorten URLs

Long URLs can consume valuable character space and may contain special characters that trigger Unicode encoding. Use URL shortening services to reduce link length and maintain efficient use of your character allowance.

5. Be Mindful of Message Segmentation

Messages exceeding the character limit are split into multiple segments, each billed separately. For GSM-encoded messages, segments are 153 characters due to the inclusion of segmentation data; for Unicode messages, segments are 67 characters. Keeping messages concise helps avoid additional charges. ​

6. Replace Special Characters with Standard Alternatives

Some special characters, like curly brackets or certain currency symbols, may not be part of the GSM 7-bit alphabet and can trigger Unicode encoding. Replacing them with standard alternatives (e.g., using parentheses instead of curly brackets) can help maintain the 160-character limit.