Overview:
On January 21st, BlueLena hosted an information session unveiling its fully-integrated SMS/text messaging service designed specifically for publishers. The session video demonstrates how this new capability equips news organizations with a direct, high-impact channel to connect with their audiences, support two-way dialogue, strengthen reader relationships, and enhance revenue outcomes through donations and subscriptions.
If you missed the session, or want to see the video recording here:
This fully-integrated SMS/text messaging service, gives publishers a direct, high-impact channel to to grow audiences, engage two-way dialogue, increase reader revenue, and strengthen donor and subscriber retention – all part of the BlueLena platform.
Key features & use cases
Editorial engagement: Publishers can instantly deliver breaking news alerts, story roundups, event invites, and audience surveys via SMS.
Revenue & growth: Texting supports donation appeals, subscription offers, and timely campaign updates tied to editorial content.
Lifecycle automation: Automate welcome messages, reminders, payment follow-ups, renewal prompts, and re-engagement messaging.
SMS & MMS support: The platform handles both text-only and rich media messages, all tracked alongside email engagement metrics.
Why it matters
Publishers benefit from immediate reach through a channel that cuts through email and social media clutter, reinforces community connection, and extends existing audience and reader revenue strategies into SMS.
Availability & onboarding
The SMS/Text Messaging service is available now for publishers using the BlueLena audience platform and managed services. Support includes setup, compliance guidance, list coordination, and automation builds.
Ready to add SMS to your audience strategy? Reach out to your Publisher Strategist or email support@bluelena.io to get started.
About BlueLena
BlueLena is a strategy consulting and audience management platform founded in 2020 to support the sustainability of independent local media. By combining cutting-edge technology with expert-driven services, BlueLena helps over 250 news organizations across North America develop and manage subscription, membership, and donation models. Its unique shared-resource management approach provides publishers, regardless of size, with access to enterprise-level tools and personalized support, enabling them to focus on high-quality journalism while building loyal, revenue-generating audiences
BlueLena is majority employee-owned, and backed by investors including Automattic (the parent company of WordPress), the Local Media Association, and Old Town Media.