How to Create SMS Contact Groups for Bulk Sends
TL;DR: In SMSFlow you store contacts once, put them into groups, and select those groups when you send bulk SMS to Australian numbers. Import or update lists from CSV by phone number, then keep groups tidy with categories and simple reporting fields — without treating the tool as a full CRM.
Create and use SMS contact groups (5 steps)
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Add contacts
Open Maintenance → Contacts. Add first name, last name, phone number, and optional email, postcode, category, dimension 1, dimension 2, source, external id, notes, and group membership. There is no hard limit on how many contacts you can store. -
Import or update from CSV
Use Maintenance → Import Data. New rows create contacts. Existing contacts are matched on phone number and updated. You cannot delete contacts or export via import, and custom fields are not supported. -
Create a group
Go to Maintenance → Groups. Create a group name, then select multiple contacts and add them. A contact can sit in more than one group. You cannot send SMS from the groups screen itself. -
Organise with categories and dimensions
Assign a category and up to two reporting dimensions on each contact (or via import). These help you filter and review sends later. They are simple organisation fields, not a CRM pipeline. -
Send bulk SMS to the group
Use Send SMS, select one or more groups (you can also mix contacts and pasted numbers), write or pick a template with placeholders such as{first_name}, preview credits, then send or schedule. Billing is per credit — some messages use more than one credit.
More detail below if you need it. New Australian business accounts get 50 free credits after signup and verification.
More detail on contacts and groups
What a contact holds
Contacts are built for SMS, not full customer management. Useful fields include name, mobile, email, postcode, category, two dimensions, source, groups, external id, and notes. That is enough for reminders, promotions, and segmented bulk sends. It is not designed as a CRM, so do not expect custom fields, deal stages, or complex workflows.
CSV import matching rules
Import creates missing contacts and updates matches on phone number. Keep numbers consistent (Australian format) so updates land on the right record. Import will not delete people and will not export your list. Plan list hygiene in your spreadsheet first, then import.
Groups vs categories vs campaigns
- Groups are the lists you select at send time for bulk SMS.
- Categories (and dimensions) help organisation and reporting filters.
- Campaigns (beta) can organise marketing sends to groups; standard Send SMS still works for everyday bulk messages.
You cannot send from the groups maintenance screen. Build the group, then send from Send SMS (or Campaigns when you use the beta feature).
Honest limits to keep in mind
SMSFlow is for Australian businesses. Expect ABN validation, email verification, 2FA, and related checks before you can send. The product is web-only. Sender IDs (if you use one) mean recipients cannot reply. Inbox shows inbound messages from numbers you have messaged, but you reply via Send SMS, not from Inbox. Sent reports do not export. Stay within these limits and groups stay simple and reliable.
For credit costs and top-ups, see pricing. Broader context on Australian bulk SMS sits in our Bulk SMS Australia guide. Related how-tos cover sending bulk SMS, templates and placeholders, and campaigns with groups (beta).
FAQ
Can I put one contact in several SMS contact groups?
Yes. Contacts can belong to multiple groups. Select the groups you need when you send.
How does CSV import update existing people?
Import matches on phone number. Matching rows update; new numbers create contacts. Import does not delete contacts.
Is SMSFlow a full CRM for contact groups?
No. You get practical contact fields, groups, categories, and dimensions for SMS. It is not full CRM functionality.
Can I export my groups or delete contacts via import?
No. There is no export from the import tools, and you cannot delete via import. Edit or delete contacts in Maintenance → Contacts.
Do I need verification before sending to a group?
Yes. Australian businesses need a validated ABN, verified email, 2FA, and related checks before sending. New signups receive 50 free credits once set up.
Can recipients reply if I use a Sender ID on a group send?
No. When you use a Sender ID, recipients cannot reply. Use a dedicated number if you need two-way messaging.
SMSFlow for group-based bulk SMS
SMSFlow is an Australian SMS platform for sending to Australian numbers, managing contacts and groups, viewing the inbox for replies, and checking dashboard and sent reports. You maintain contacts and groups in the web app (or via API), import CSV matched on phone number, and select groups at send time. Credits power sending; some messages use more than one credit. See pricing for how credits work.
Conclusion
Store contacts once, build clear SMS contact groups, import updates by phone number, and send bulk messages without turning your SMS tool into a CRM. Keep categories light, respect verification rules, and you will have lists you can trust for the next send.