VoIP Features

The Complete Guide on How to Text From a Computer

Written by Rankine
June 21, 2023
10 Mins Read

Benefits of Sending Text from Computers

Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives, providing instant communication at our fingertips. However, there are situations where using a computer to send text messages can be more advantageous than relying solely on a phone. Whether you're working on important tasks, engaging in business conversations, or simply prefer the convenience of a keyboard and a larger screen, using a computer to send text messages offers several benefits.

  1. Enhanced Productivity
    When it comes to intensive work or multitasking, computers provide a more efficient platform. With a keyboard, you can type faster and more accurately, allowing you to compose and send messages swiftly. Additionally, using a larger screen allows for better readability and organization of conversations, minimizing the chances of missing important details.
  2. Improved Focus
    Mobile phones often come with numerous distractions, such as notifications from various apps, social media updates, and phone calls. By utilizing a computer for text messaging, you can create a dedicated workspace, free from the distractions that can disrupt your workflow and concentration.
  3. Seamless Integration
    Many individuals already spend a significant amount of time working on their computers. By sending text messages from your computer, you can seamlessly integrate your communication into your existing workflow. This eliminates the need to switch between devices and provides a centralized location for all your conversations.
  4. Enhanced Typing Experience
    While touchscreens have improved over the years, some people still find typing on a physical keyboard to be more comfortable and accurate. Computers offer a tactile typing experience that can facilitate faster and more precise text input, especially for individuals who regularly engage in lengthy or detailed conversations.
  5. Accessibility and Convenience
    When your phone is not within reach, using a computer to send text messages allows you to stay connected and respond to important messages promptly. Whether you're at work, at home, or in a public place with limited phone reception, as long as you have an internet connection, you can send and receive texts from your computer.
  6. Syncing and Backup
    Some text messaging services for computers offer synchronization with your phone, ensuring that your conversations are always up-to-date and accessible across multiple devices. Additionally, using a computer allows you to back up your messages more easily, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

5 Places to Send Texts for Free

Here are 5 tools that you can use for free to send text with a computer for free. Some may require sign up but they do not require you to provide any personal information.

Textr Team

  • Choose your own phone number
  • Bulk messaging
  • Text: 160 characters
  • Send messages anonymously
  • 1500 mins and 1500 messages free for 7 days

mySMS

  • Text limit: 918 characters
  • MMS limit: 10 MB
  • Support Android, iOS, and desktop

OpenTestingOnline

  • Text limit: 600 characters
  • Image limit: 300KB max
  • International reach
  • No registration

Send SMS Now

  • Support group messages
  • Text limit: 130 characters
  • International reach: 25+ countries

Text’em

  • Support 100+ carriers
  • Send messages anonymously
  • List of frequently used contacts
  • Text limit: 155 characters

Limitations of Free Text Tools

Unsurprisingly, free send text online tools do have a few limitations. The 4 main ones for business users are:

No Scheduling Options

Typically, your only option is to send text on the computer there and then. While this might not be an issue during a workday, you might want to schedule texts for times when you’re not sitting at your desk.

Customized Messages

Businesses can benefit from having customized message templates. They help save time if you find yourself sending the same messages frequently (such as appointment reminders or feedback requests).

As online text sending services have limited functionality, you won’t have the option to set up templates for customized messages. Similarly, most have a low character limit, meaning you can’t use emojis or Unicode characters.

No Option for Replies

Free send anonymous text services won’t have an option for receiving replies because there’s no phone number attached to them. While this might not be an issue for sending simple reminders, it restricts what you can use the service for.

Data and Market Insights

Finally, it’s worth remembering that text messages aren’t solely about telling customers things. They provide valuable data and market insights, such as discount code use, open rates, subscription rates, and more. Free send text online services don’t give you any actionable data.

Use VoIP System for Businesses

Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for sending text messages on desktop offers several advantages for businesses. Here are some reasons why VoIP is a better option:

1. Cost-effective

VoIP services generally offer more affordable rates for sending text messages compared to traditional phone carriers. Businesses can save on communication costs, especially when sending bulk messages. VoIP providers often offer competitive pricing plans, allowing businesses to scale their messaging needs according to their requirements.

2. Global Reach

VoIP services provide the flexibility to send text messages to international recipients without incurring exorbitant charges. With VoIP, businesses can easily expand their reach and engage with customers and clients worldwide. It enables companies to establish a global presence and conduct international business efficiently.

3. Multiple Sender IDs

VoIP services often allow businesses to use their existing phone numbers or create new ones in different countries. This feature is beneficial for maintaining consistent branding and establishing a local presence, even when communicating with customers in different regions. Having multiple sender IDs enhances credibility and helps businesses personalize their messages to different target audiences.

4. CRM

VoIP platforms typically provide robust contact management capabilities. Businesses can import and organize their contacts efficiently, allowing for targeted and personalized messaging campaigns. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that need to segment their audience and send tailored messages based on specific criteria.

5. Customization & Automation

VoIP services offer customization options for greeting messages and automated campaigns. Businesses can personalize their messages with recipient names, account details, or any other relevant information. Automated campaigns enable businesses to schedule messages in advance, saving time and effort in manual message sending. This automation feature also ensures timely and consistent communication with customers.

7. Reporting & Analytics

VoIP platforms often provide detailed reporting and analytics features, allowing businesses to track the performance of their messaging campaigns. This data helps in evaluating the success of communication strategies, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions for future campaigns. The ability to analyze message delivery, open rates, and response rates enables businesses to refine their messaging approach and optimize their customer engagement.

8. Bulk Messaging

Bulk messaging is an efficient way for businesses to communicate with a large number of recipients simultaneously. For users in the United States, it is essential to be aware of the latest spam regulations and penalties that can impact your marketing strategy. The Campaign Registry is a helpful tool that companies can use to ensure they follow the rules and regulations.

Bulk Texting with Campaign Registry

The Campaign Registry (TCR) is a system designed to facilitate the registration and management of Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging campaigns using 10 Digit Long Codes (10DLC). It is an industry initiative established by major mobile operators in the United States to enhance the transparency and accountability of A2P text messaging. The TCR operates based on guidelines set forth by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), which is a trade organization representing the wireless communications industry. The purpose of the TCR and its guidelines is to ensure that A2P messaging campaigns comply with industry best practices and regulatory requirements, thereby promoting a positive user experience and preventing abuse or misuse of text messaging services.

When engaging in A2P messaging through 10DLC, VoIP systems like Textr enable brands to send messages by registering Textr Team TCR. This registration process involves providing detailed information about the campaign, such as the nature of the messages, the intended audience, and the expected volume of messages. By registering, businesses demonstrate their commitment to operating within the framework of responsible messaging practices.

To register a TCR, you will first sign up for Textr Team, add credits into your account, then all the fees will be deducted from your Textr Team account. Fees associated with registering for the Campaign Registry are listed below.

Here is the current pricing:

  • Effective January 2023, carriers have implemented a $15 Campaign Vetting Fee for new Campaign registrations.
    For example, a private company owner registering a mixed campaign will pay a total of $45, including the nonrefundable $15 fee and three months of nonrefundable $10/month subscription fees.
  • Starting March 1st, 2023, T-Mobile will implement a $250.00 (USD) non-use charge to ensure the active and ongoing use of campaigns on their A2P platform.
    * To avoid this charge, all users with active campaigns must associate their Textr Team phone numbers within 60 days. Failure to do so will result in TCR deactivating the campaign.

Send Text with Textr Team

Importantly, the Textr Team app can be synced across multiple devices, giving you flexibility for online text sending to customers. You can bring your whole team on board and assign each one their own phone number.

The app lets you tag customers to provide better services, send SMS and MMS messages for dynamic campaigns, and gives you unlimited text messages at an affordable price.

So, start your 7-day free trial by downloading today on Android, iOS, and for web browsers.

About the Writer

Written by Rankine

A generalist in product and business development. Always looking into more areas to specialize in. Follow for more tips in growth and technical tips.