SMS is, without a doubt, one of the least used messaging services at the moment, thanks to the newer, instant messaging channels. There is a valid reason for this: SMS is quite basic in its features compared to the newer techniques with all their rich features.
Despite this, basic communication techniques work wonders when engaging your customers. This could be one of the reasons why SMS still works, despite all the new channels that have come up.
A Closer Look At Sms and Its Popularity
SMS is an abbreviation for Short Message Service, which is a phone service that allows users to send and receive simple messages. Typically, these are plain text messages without any fancy media, and each message reaches a maximum of 160 characters.
Most business owners prefer it to other channels since every mobile phone has a native ability to receive a text message. This makes SMS the most practical way to send information and be sure it will reach your clients. For this to work effectively, however, you should consider utilising data cleansing solutions like the APIs that TrestleIQ offers.
Wondering how popular SMS is? Well, in the United States, close to 81% of Americans still text regularly. This doesn’t account for the users who receive text messages and open them, but choose to reply using a different channel.
So, Then, How Can SMS Benefit Your Business?
There’s a lot you can use SMS for in the world of business. In most cases, it’s used for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging. This is different from Person-to-Person (P2P) messaging in that A2P messages are typically automated.
That said, here’s how you can leverage text messages for your business:
1. Update and Alert Your Customers
SMS has a high open and engagement rate, not to forget that it’s rather timely and perfect for sending out time-sensitive information such as order updates or account alerts.
Besides this, SMS typically only requires access to the service provider’s mobile network without an internet connection. As such, your customers will always receive their messages, as long as their number is still active.
2. Engage Your Customers
Given the importance of customer engagement in business, you should consider finding a service or channel that enhances customer engagement, whether for support or marketing. SMS is even ideal for two-way conversations with customers so you can catch their queries or seek feedback regarding their customer journey.
Since this is a quick and more personal way of communicating, it easily builds trust and loyalty. You probably never knew this, but 53% of consumers view a brand more positively if it uses mobile messaging to communicate. Consider linking your SMS platform to your CRM so you’re able to personalise and customise messages for a better customer experience.
3. Enhance Security
So many businesses use SMS to enhance the security of their customers and business as well, typically through Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). For instance, a customer forgets their password and tries to reset it. The most basic way to confirm their identity would be to send a code through SMS that they have to enter accurately to proceed.
Additionally, you can use SMS codes to secure large transactions in a similar manner. That way, you not only keep your customers’ information safe but can also avoid fraud-related repercussions.
Experience the Power of SMS With Trestle
There’s no doubt SMS is here to stay. Well, a different technology might surface with time, but as long as we need phone numbers to make calls, you should consider leveraging the power of SMS to optimise how your business runs.
While that sounds quite straightforward, you have to ensure your contact list only has accurate and reachable phone numbers, or else your delivery rates will keep plummeting. Check out trestleiq.com to see how they can help you keep your delivery rates high.
