# Send

# Running a Campaign Send or Test SMS

Dripcel allows you to send SMS messages either as a **Test SMS** (to a small group of numbers) or as a **Campaign Send** (to your defined campaign audience). Both options help you validate and deliver messages effectively.


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## Test SMS

A **Test SMS** is useful for checking how your message will appear before sending it to a full campaign audience. It can be sent to any list of cell numbers, even if they are not saved as contacts in your account.

**Steps:**


1. **Choose Country** – Select the country of the numbers you’re sending to.
2. **Choose Delivery Method** – Select the delivery type (Two-way, Transactional, etc.).
3. **Message** – Enter your SMS copy.
4. **Cell Numbers** – Enter numbers (comma-separated or one per line).
5. **Filter Non-Contacts** – Optionally exclude numbers not in your organisation’s contact list.
6. Click **Send** to deliver the test SMS.

> **Note:** Test SMS messages are real SMS messages and will use credits.


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## Campaign Send

A **Campaign Send** sends messages to the audience of an existing campaign.

**Steps:**


1. Go to the **Campaigns** table.
2. Under the campaign you want, click **Action > Run Single Send**.
3. Dripcel will pre-fill campaign settings. You can update:
   * **Max Destinations** – Limit the maximum number of recipients.
   * **Reachable Window** – Only send to contacts reachable in the last *X* days.
   * **Start Delivery At** – Schedule for a future date/time, or send immediately.
   * **Test Mode** – Run a dry test (simulate sending without actually delivering SMS).
   * **Message** – Choose from predefined campaign copies, or enter new text.
4. Once ready, click **Send**.


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## SMS Length & Costs

SMS costs depend on character length. Longer messages are split into multiple SMS parts.

* **0 – 160 characters** → 1 SMS (1 credit)
* **161 – 306 characters** → 2 SMS (2 credits)
* **307 – 459 characters** → 3 SMS (3 credits)

> **Tip:** Use concise messaging and avoid unnecessary spaces or special characters to reduce costs.