How to Get Free Text Messages for Your Business

Looking for a way to text customers without paying? You’re not alone. Plenty of small business owners and marketers assume there’s a simple, free version of business texting—kind of like how Google Voice lets individuals send messages at no cost.

But here’s the truth: there’s no reliable, scalable, or legal way to send true business marketing texts for free.

What you can do is take advantage of free trials and zero-cost tools to test out SMS marketing before you commit.

In this guide, we’ll show you:

• What actually works for free (and what doesn’t)
• The risks of using the wrong tools
• How to start texting customers like a pro without spending a dime upfront

1. Try Real SMS Marketing Software for Free

Let’s get this out of the way: your best bet is to sign up for a free trial with real SMS software. You’ll get access to the tools designed for business use without pulling out your credit card.

With a proper SMS platform, you can:

• Schedule messages
• Send to multiple contacts at once
• Personalize texts with names and tags
• Track delivery and response rates

Most legit platforms offer a free trial or a starter plan with a limited number of messages. You won’t stay on it forever, but it’s the perfect way to test the waters.

Want to see how it works? Check out how to send mass texts from your computer using TextSpot.

TextSpot’s free trial gives you access to a generous message allotment and full feature set with no sneaky catches or required upgrades.

2. Use Google Voice (But Don’t Expect Much)

Google Voice is the first tool people think of when they want to text for free. It’s easy to use, you get a number, and yes, it works. Kind of.

But here’s the thing: Google Voice wasn’t built for business texting. It’s more of a personal workaround than a professional tool. You can’t:

• Mass text your customer list
• Automate campaigns
• Track responses in any meaningful way

Plus, it blurs the line between personal and business use, which can get messy. If you’re just starting out and want to text one or two clients manually? Sure. But as a marketing tool? It’s a non-starter.

3. Poke Around Free Online SMS Sites (Carefully)

There are websites out there that let you send texts from your browser—no account, no fees, just type and hit send. Sounds great, right?

Sites like:

• OpenTextingOnline
• MySMS 
• Text’em (note the lack of HTTP—yikes)

But here’s the not-so-fine print:

• Many don’t support replies.
• Delivery is unreliable.
• Some look…sketchy.
• You can’t brand your sender name or personalize messages.

And let’s be honest. If your first customer touchpoint is a mystery number from a sketchy-looking platform, that’s not the vibe you want.

Curious about what actual marketing platforms can do that simple free texting apps can’t? Check out our guide to some of the top options.

4. How to Make the Most of Free Business Text Messaging

Once you’ve got your free trial set up and your fingers are itching to type, make it count. Here’s how.

Evaluate the Features

Every platform’s a little different. Can it:

• Handle your contact list size?
• Let you personalize messages?
• Support automations or drip campaigns?
• Integrate with your workflow and other apps?

Take notes on what works and what feels clunky. You’re not just test-driving; you’re scouting your long-term texting partner.

Treat SMS Like a Real Marketing Channel

Texting isn’t just blasting out “Buy now!” messages. It should be part of your bigger game plan, just like social media or email. Plan your send, think through your messages, and give people a reason to care.

Use your free trial to build an actual campaign:

• Announce a product
• Share an exclusive offer
• Ask for feedback

SMS is a real marketing channel. The trick is using it well. 

Stay Flexible & Keep Testing

Marketing trends shift fast. What worked last year might get you ghosted today. (And, let’s be honest, we can’t all pull off the unhinged vibe like Wendy’s.)

Keep your eye on what’s working—both for your brand and in the marketing industry more broadly—and be ready to pivot. SMS is short-form, but it’s not set-it-and-forget-it.

Test timing. Try A/B messages. Track clicks. Rinse and repeat.

Stay Compliant

Even if you’re using a free trial, the legal stuff still applies:

• Get permission before texting anyone
• Make it easy to opt out
• Don’t send messages at ridiculous hours (3 AM texts = unsubscribe city)

Noncompliance = spammy vibes and possible legal issues. 

Want to get better at SMS marketing? Here’s a quick-start guide to supercharging your lead generation. 

Avoid These Common SMS Mistakes

Let’s make sure you don’t tank your trial (or your credibility).

• Forgetting opt-ins: It’s not optional. It’s the law.

• Writing like an email: This isn’t a novel. Be clear and concise.

• Being inconsistent: Don’t disappear for six months, then blast out a promo.

• Overdoing the slang or emojis. Don’t give your audience the ick, bestie. Keep it friendly but professional.

• Using sketchy-looking numbers: Legit platforms exist to keep your messages clean and credible.

Be smart. Be seen. Be read. And avoid getting flagged as spam.

Free Trial Checklist: 5 Things to Do Right Away

Make the most of your free trial by actually trying things. Here’s your mini game plan:

1. Import a small contact list (with permission). Real people will give you real feedback.
2. Send a campaign, like a welcome message or soft promo.
3. Try a scheduled message to see how automation feels.
4. Test replies by asking a question and seeing how easy it is to respond.
5. Check your analytics. Look for delivery rates, opens, or clicks.

Doing this helps you compare platforms apples-to-apples. Plus, it gives you a mini head start on your future SMS strategy.

Level Up Your Business Marketing with TextSpot

All right, pitch time. But only because it’s worth it.

TextSpot is built for small businesses who want clean, powerful, easy-to-use SMS tools.

You can:

• Schedule texts
• Set up recurring messages
• Send bulk campaigns
• Get real-time responses
• And a lot more

And the free trial? It’s actually useful. You get a solid number of texts, no credit card required, and full access to core features. No bait-and-switch, no upsell traps.

Start your free trial here and see what better texting looks like.

TL;DR

You can’t really text for free as a business — but you can:

• Use a real SMS platform’s free trial (start here ✅)
• Fiddle with Google Voice if you must
• Tiptoe through sketchy online tools (not recommended)

Start smart, text smart, and see what clicks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WhatsApp or Messenger for business texting?

You can, but it’s not the same as SMS marketing. Messaging apps require both parties to be on the platform, and you won’t reach everyone.

Is it legal to mass-text customers?

Yes, but only if they’ve opted in. The TCPA and CTIA have strict rules. Get permission, provide a clear opt-out, and never buy contact lists.

What happens when my free trial ends?

You’ll hit a message or time limit. After that, you’ll need to upgrade, but most platforms (TextSpot included) give you plenty of room to test before committing.

Can I port my Google Voice number into an SMS platform?

Maybe, but it’s complicated. Google Voice numbers can be tricky to port. For most businesses, it’s better to start fresh with a dedicated number.

What’s the difference between free and “free-ish” texting?

Truly free tools usually come with major trade-offs: janky interfaces, zero reliability, and no features. Free trials from paid platforms give you actual functionality, minus the risk.