SMS, or short message service, is one of the most widely used methods of communication in the world with around 18.7 billion text messages sent on average each day, according to 99Firms. Originally, text messages were a way for people to communicate on a person-to-person (P2P) basis. Now, businesses are implementing text message solutions into their marketing strategy and other customer-focused functions, such as order confirmations, delivery updates and appointment reminders.
But how do businesses send such high volumes of SMS messages from a single device? With application-to-person (A2P) technology, companies can manage their text message initiatives from a single online platform. This enables businesses to customize SMS templates, automate their text message services and send bulk SMS from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device.
These capabilities aren't possible without SMS integration. SMS integration leverages your communication to the modern era, allowing you to reach customers from a familiar, unobtrusive platform in a fast and reliable way. But first, let's understand this concept in more detail.
Understanding SMS Integration
SMS integration is the process of implementing SMS into a company's communication platform servers. Businesses have the option to simply link their platforms to an SMS gateway using customizable API script calls from your servers to an SMS gateway, or make use of SMS broadcast services where they subscribe to an existing SMS message broadcast platform, that they populate with their opt-in recipient lists without script calls from a server, and replies on incoming responses.
The more seamless is full integration into a company's existing communication platforms, but that infers that a company is of a size that currently uses one. It avoids manual list management, which regardless of size, opt in/out management is essential to broadcast messaging.
Recipients have always given their consent to receive automated broadcast messaging, and reserve the right to opt-out.
Smaller broadcast messaging requirements are typically aimed at companies that don't have large scale communication platforms like PBX and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) call management systems. For these companies, an online group messenger is ideal
No matter what size your company is, leveraging text messaging in your business communication strategies can make a huge impact on you. The best text message companies are aggregators that have SMS Gateway broadcast systems that can be easily tailored to your business, to streamline your communications.
The Benefits of Integrating SMS Into Your Systems
There are more benefits to SMS integration than simple implementation. Here are some reasons why utilizing an SMS service can benefit your business initiatives.
1. Saves Time and Money
Through automation, companies can save time and resources by optimizing their communication operations. By utilizing these digital tools, the work is taken care of so your teams can focus their efforts on achieving business goals elsewhere.
2. High Response Rates
SMS gets very high response rates with reports showing that the majority of text messages are opened and responded to within three minutes of being delivered. Additionally, 98% of all text messages are opened, according to Gitnux. When comparing SMS open rates to other channels, such as email, the difference is night and day.
3. Wide Audience Reach
Due to the sheer popularity of mobile phones, businesses can now connect with individuals who may not have access to the internet or utilize other forms of technology. SMS enables international communication so you can widen your audience reach to a global scale.
4. Supports Other Channels
Text messages can also encourage recipients to tune into other channels. For example, a text could say "The Big [company/product] Sale is now on! Find your 50% off discount codes in our app!" This should then drive interested customers to interact with your company's mobile app and drive sales to your website.
5. Reliable Form of Communication
One of the key benefits of SMS is its fast and dependable deliverability, which makes it perfect for short and sweet communication with your customers. It allows you to send a single message to thousands of recipients instantly — and with such high open rates, text message reachability is unlike any other form of communication.
Key Features of SMS Integration
With SMS integration, you gain access to a wide range of automated customer support capabilities. This includes:
Two-Way Messaging: Perfect for customer service, SMS integration allows you to send and receive text messages with your stakeholders.
Automatic Assistance: If a customer texts you a frequently asked question, pre-programmed answers will provide the recipient with an immediate solution while saving your team time and resources.
Delivery Reports and Analytics: Get specific insights into the outcomes of your SMS campaign, helping you monitor, adjust and achieve more from your SMS communication based on valuable data.
Message Personalization: Talk to the customer directly by adding the recipient's name to the message, or send personalized messages based on customer profile data.
Choosing the SMS API Platform for Your Business
If you want your business to send and receive SMS messages, Swift SMS Gateway can help find the best solution for you. With our various API plans and worldwide coverage through 800+ carriers, we can integrate an SMS system that fits your needs.
Get in touch with Swift SMS Gateway to find out more, or try our free demo here!
