About SMSMerge
SMSMerge is a streamlined SMS messaging platform that enables Australian businesses to convert Excel spreadsheet data into personalised text messages without the complexity of traditional SMS marketing platforms.
Technology Stack
SMSMerge was built entirely through vibe coding—AI-assisted development that accelerates delivery while maintaining quality:
- Framework: Next.js for fast, SEO-friendly React applications
- Database: NEON Postgres for serverless PostgreSQL
- ORM: Prisma for type-safe database access
- Hosting: Netlify for seamless deployment and edge performance
- SMS: Twilio for reliable message delivery
- Development: 100% vibe coded with AI assistance
The Challenge
Most SMS platforms are designed for ongoing marketing campaigns, with complex features that overwhelm users who just need to send occasional messages:
- List management requirements before sending
- Campaign setup wizards that slow down simple tasks
- Learning curves that waste time for infrequent users
- Overkill features for ad-hoc communications
Our Approach
We stripped away everything unnecessary to create the simplest possible SMS sending experience:
- Three-Step Workflow: Paste, customise, send
- No Account Management: No lists to maintain or campaigns to configure
- Automatic Merge Fields: Generated from spreadsheet column headers
- Instant Preview: See personalised messages before sending
- Twilio Integration: Reliable message delivery infrastructure
Key Features
SMSMerge includes only what’s essential:
- Spreadsheet Paste: Direct copy-paste from Excel or Google Sheets
- Dynamic Merge Fields: Automatic detection of data columns
- Message Preview: See exactly what each recipient will receive
- Scheduling: Send immediately or schedule for later
- Delivery Reports: Simple confirmation of message delivery
UX Philosophy
The design embodies Steve Krug’s principles:
- Self-Evident Interface: No instructions needed
- Minimal Choices: Only essential options presented
- Error Prevention: Smart validation prevents mistakes
- Instant Gratification: Messages sent within minutes
Use Cases
SMSMerge is perfect for:
- Loyalty Distributions: Quick customer reward notifications
- Staff Notifications: Internal team communications
- Event Updates: Last-minute event information
- Customer Offers: Personalised promotional messages
- Sales Follow-ups: Quick check-ins with prospects
Results
The focused design approach delivered:
- Three-step workflow from data to sent messages
- Sub-second load time for the application
- Less than two minutes from first visit to first message sent
- Near-zero user errors due to smart validation
- High user satisfaction for ad-hoc messaging needs
SMSMerge demonstrates that sometimes the best solution is the simplest one—removing complexity rather than adding features.