SMS (Short Message Service) is one of the easiest ways to send information to a customer or a target audience. Why is it? Because any mobile phone has SMS service and it does not require the user to have an internet connection or use sophisticated apps. People of various age groups can operate the mobile phone to open and read an SMS.
Business enterprises who wish to stay in touch with their customers, expand their base, go wider into the market by appealing to the target audience opt for SMS services to send promotional and informational messages.
There are numerous service providers in the industry who offer a platform for business enterprises to connect with various messaging apps by providing them with gateways and API integrations.
Bulk SMS gateway API is one such integration offered by the service providers to facilitate enterprises to send messages to customers in bulk. The messages can also be customized to suit the specifications of different groups of the target audience. Informational messages such as details about order bookings, deliveries, cancellations, etc. are sent to customers using this gateway.
Banks and financial institutions use the services extensively to send OTP (One Time Password) to customers. These have to be sent over a secure, authenticated system and have to reach the specified mobile number immediately. Any delay could cause a failed transaction much to the irritation and annoyance of the users.
The following can be said as the advantages of using Bulk SMS gateway API as one of the communication channels to interact with customers.
Cost- Effective Method
1)This is one of the cheapest methods of communication, thanks to the GSM phone/ mobile rates and special VPN SMS rates offered by the telecom companies.
2)Enterprises can send millions of SMS for a cheaper price when compared to other channels.
Faster Alerts
1)Alerts can be sent instantly to a huge number of people or to the specified numbers as soon as a transaction has been processed.
2)This is one of the fastest ways to update a customer about a purchase or a booking.
Simple to Use
1)The API integration is a one-time simple process which enables enterprises to use the system easily in very little time.
2)Moreover, the platform provided by service providers can be used to send messages across more than 40 channels using the integration process.
Customized Messages
1)Sending customized messages to users is easy. Simply bring together the numbers in the database to create different groups.
2)Send messages to everyone in the group with a single click.
Independent of Other Systems
1)An SMS gateway is not dependent on other systems. Having an SMS gateway for an enterprise will allow them to send messages to users whenever they wish to do so.
Highly Convenient
1)SMS messaging is highly convenient for both the enterprises and customers.
2)Customers can read the message in a few seconds from their existing locations. There is no need to have an internet connection nor do they need to wait near computer systems to receive and read the SMS.
Promotion of a Business
1)Sending promotional messages within the limited word count helps in sharing only the most important aspect of the business or the products and services with the target audience.
2)Customers can retain messages for future references and contact the enterprise.
3)Special codes, discount offers, coupon codes, etc. can be sent to customers. When a customer makes a purchase, they can show the code in their SMS and avail the discount.
Two Way SMS/ Long Code SMS
1)Allow customers to respond to the SMS by replying to it. This increases customer interaction and allows enterprises to take customer feedback via SMS.
Build Bots to Send Automated Messages
1)Avoid wasting human resources on typing the same messages again and again. Create bots and use them to send regular automated messages to customers.
The SMS gateway is secure, and data is encrypted to keep the information such as passwords in the SMS safe. Verify phone number using two-factor authentication for data security.
