Business SMS is a cost-effective channel to communicate with anyone. This includes your peers, customers, vendors, and employees. It is the fastest way to communicate in an effective manner with real-time information fit into 160 characters or less. It has now become the leading global channel for small and medium business owners to limit calls, emails and face-to-face meetings. Plus, with the freedom to add links to websites, social media pages and locations, users have an opportunity to not only exchange valuable information but induce call-to-action.
5 Amazing Business SMS Stats
- In 2020, 5 billion people exchange SMS on a daily basis, which is around 65% of the world’s population
- Majority of software apps and websites use SMS for 2-factor authentication
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, SMS usage grew by 23% in the United States
- 90% of emails end up in spam leading to delays or missed information
- 70% of millennials prefer to engage with businesses using SMS
What you can do with Business SMS?
A lot has changed in the last three decades. SMS has evolved from a personal communication channel limit to cellphones, to a desktop business communication accessible online or on desktops. Here’s what you can do with it in 2020:
1. Send SMS Online
By signing up for a Business SMS service, users can exchange messages with their audience. They can upload their database as well as build one using Keywords, QR codes and signup widgets. To use an online service requires no formal training as its platforms are usually self-explanatory and optimized to be user friendly.
2. Email-to-SMS
Email to SMS allows users to seamlessly integrate with existing email software such as Gmail, Exchange, and Outlook as well as custom email software owned by companies. The function of Email to SMS is to simply allow users to send text messages directly from their email accounts.
3. SMS API
SMS APIs have taken business SMS to a whole new level. With an SMS API, users can automate the exchange of SMS with websites, applications and software. Most major apps in the world today use this feature to send automated OTPs, verification codes, reminders, digital receipts, shipping and delivery notification. Services provide their integration documents for developers to hook up their systems and initiate the automation process.
Use Cases of Business SMS in 2020 and Beyond
Business SMS in 2020 has become a lifesaver for thousands of businesses due to lockdowns, remote work and essential business only norms caused by the pandemic. The following have been the top use cases of the channel:
1. Crisis Communication
In 2020, texting among other channels helped business prepare and cope with the COVID-19 crisis. This modification to conventional communication strategies proved to be a lifesaver for them in their aim for continuity. Different industries have used business SMS to not only communicate with their customers but also engage with employees and staff remotely. The most popular messages include WHO and CDC guidelines for precautions and social distancing protocols.
2. Marketing Campaigns
The coronavirus crisis has led to unpredictable shifts in consumer behaviour. Businesses have had to make changes to their marketing strategies. At the beginning of July 2020, global business giants such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, Lego and Starbucks have paused the social media advertising. Restaurants have also shifted to a takeout and delivery model, which is amplified their use of business SMS for order placement, promotions and staff communication. The same way, travel and industries have started using the channel for real-time notifications, updates and reminders as well as peer-communication.
3. Customer Service
With stores and business fronts either closed or with limited opening times, businesses are experiencing a significant increase on call and email loads. Introduction of SMS can reduce the load and with SMS API integration, you can automate the entire process as well.
Many people believe that SMS is an outdated technology. What they don’t realize is that even after three decades since its inception, no channel has managed to match its effectiveness. Others think that it is unprofessional without realizing that some of the biggest brands in the world use it regularly including their competitors.