A link turns an SMS into a doorway: to an order page, a receipt, a form or an offer. But Kenyans are rightly wary of links in texts, and networks filter suspicious ones. Here’s how to use links well.
1. Use your own domain
A link on your own domain — brand.co.ke/offer — is far more trustworthy than a generic shortener, which scammers overuse and filters may block.
2. Keep it short
Long links eat into your 160 characters. Use short, readable paths on your domain, or a branded short domain you control.
3. Say what the link is
“Track your order: brand.co.ke/t/1042” beats a bare link with no context.
4. Put the link at the end
Deliver the message first; the link is the next step.
5. Make the landing page mobile-first
Fast, light pages that work on small screens and slow connections. Many recipients will open the link on mobile data.
6. Track results
Add campaign parameters (for example ?utm_source=sms&utm_campaign=oct) so you can see which messages drive visits and sales.
7. Never ask for PINs or passwords
Tell customers you will never send a link asking for their PIN or password. It protects them and your brand from impersonation.
8. Use a registered sender ID
A link from a recognised sender ID is more likely to be trusted and delivered.
When not to use a link
For OTPs and critical alerts, skip links entirely — they add risk and length. See transactional vs promotional SMS and delivery troubleshooting.
Get started
Create a Connect Media account — SMS from KES 1.0, no minimum top-up, credit that never expires, and one account for Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom. Call +254 707 339 945 or email info@connectmedia.co.ke.
