SMS 101: Everything You Need to Know

SMS

SMS is a great way to communicate with your customers. Sure, you could just call them or send them an email, but SMS provides a level of personalization that other forms of communication can’t match. You get to write the message and they get it as soon as they’re ready for it. There are some important things to keep in mind when you’re choosing how to use this powerful tool though- here’s everything you need to know about SMS!

What does SMS mean?

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SMS stands for Short Message Service. SMS messages are a two-way communication that is used for text messaging.

The messages can be sent to any phone on the same carrier, and they cannot exceed 160 characters in length. This is usually received by nearly every mobile device with an SMS function free of charge. They’ve been around since 1993 when NTT DoCoMo first introduced it in Japan.

We used to send SMS directly on smartphones, but there are now tools that help make this process easier.

One of these tools is Messenger Bot. Messenger Bot is a messaging app that allows users to send text messages from their computers. You can send bulk messages and manage SMS campaigns hassle-free because of automation. You can also set quick replies so you save time from crafting the perfect reply to a customer’s question.

What is the difference between a text message and an SMS message?

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Text messages are also called SMS messages. They are the basic text-based communication between cell phones. Text messaging is a feature that falls under data plans and many mobile carriers charge an additional fee for each message sent or received while on your plan’s allotted monthly data allowance (in some cases, this can be as high as $15 per gigabyte).

SMS stands for short message service which doesn’t include pictures but includes 160 characters of space instead of 140 in standard texts.

There may seem like not much difference between sending a regular text vs an SMS because both send 160 characters however, there is one big exception to note: Depending on what type of phone you have when you’re typing out your message it will cut off at either the end of its type or at 160 characters. If you have a phone with a text limit, it will cut off and leave your message unfinished which is why some people prefer to use an SMS because they’re not restricted by that number of words.

What is SMS on a cell phone?

SMS text messages can be sent to cell phones in two ways. The first is by using a traditional phone keypad and dialing the number that has been assigned to text messaging as an additional feature.

The second way of sending SMS texts involves pressing buttons on GSM devices, such as those found on Blackberries or Android smartphones.

SMS messages are delivered almost instantaneously when they are received on mobile devices (either a smartphone with internet access or a basic cellular handset). They may also show up as unread messages when viewing one’s inbox via webmail if the software supports it. When you receive SMS messages on your phone, you will typically hear a distinctive sound Menu”. For example, if “Menu” gives you choices such as finding out who sent the original message before replying, editing your reply before sending it, adding attachments like photos or location data from GPS navigation tools (to show others where they are), etc., then do so when applicable. When all content has been typed up indicating that an SMS has arrived.

To send messages or reply to the sender of an incoming message using this method, press “send” or “reply” on one’s cell phone after viewing the message and type in whatever text is appropriate for a response.

We all know receiving and sending SMS messages are usually done on a mobile phone, but did you know you can also send messages on a computer? You can send messages through SMS gateways.

What is Multimedia Messaging Service vs. Short Message Service?

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MMS messaging, which stands for multimedia messaging service, is just one of the many types of mobile messages that you can send to your loved ones. MMS contains several picture and video formats, as well as audio files, all in a single message. To send an MMS message, you need an internet connection. MMS messages are also used in marketing.

A Short Message Service, or SMS, is a text-based message sent via your cell phone’s service provider. If you send an MMS to someone with a basic rate plan on their mobile device the content of that MMS will count against their monthly allotment for data transmission charges including any overages they may incur if they use more than what’s included in their regular wireless plan. This can be costly because each multimedia image file would need to be uploaded and downloaded from one end of the conversation to another. With an unlimited messaging package, for instance, there are no additional costs incurred by sending messages as long as it does not exceed 160 characters per message which includes spaces and punctuation marks.

Short Message Service or more commonly known as SMS is text messages that allow sending up to 160 characters at a time. This type of secure messaging also includes instant messaging features such as typing indicators (typing statuses) and read receipts (*). You need an internet connection to send SMS messages.

These are just some of the things you need to consider when choosing between SMS and MMS messaging for marketing.

What is the difference between SMS and OTT?

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OTT stands for over-the-top.

OTT is a term used to describe internet communication services that are delivered across the Internet rather than being managed by traditional phone companies or cable providers. OTT offers more control, features, and options than SMS messages can provide as an alternative form of communications such as voice chat, video chats, sharing photos and other files with friends/family, etc. OTT applications are messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

SMS stands for short messaging system – this has been around since 1986 when it was introduced in Germany by Dr. Friedhelm Hillebrand from Siemens AG.” SMS is used for messaging between mobile phones.

With the rise of SMS and internet-based messaging services, it has become more difficult to know which is the most effective for marketing purposes.

The best thing to do would be to offer them a free subscription so they can enjoy all of the benefits that come with it.”

SMS messages are limited in length and number, but this isn’t necessarily bad because people usually only use SMS messaging for short interactions like replying “yes” or “no”. Texting also allows customers 24/hour access to interact with brands, unlike email where there’s a time delay before sending out emails. Sending texts via mobile devices is also less intrusive since voice calls require consumers’ full attention while texting does not. Since SMS is a “push” service, marketers can deliver messages to consumers when it’s appropriate for them.

Benefits of SMS Messaging in Marketing

SMS marketing is a fast, efficient way to reach your customers. It doesn’t require any special equipment or software, and it’s quick and easy for both the sender and recipient!

The Text Request Status Report showed 49% of responders prefer text messaging because they are “easier to read” while only 12% chose texting due to their faster delivery. And if you’re looking at impressions vs clicks, then SMS has an advantage with almost twice as many people viewing messages in transit compared to those who click on links delivered via SMS. The key takeaway? When sending out bulk or multiple SMS messages, text messaging provides a better return on investment.

Cost-effective

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SMS texting is a cost-effective way to reach your customers and prospects. Text messages are typically delivered to the recipient in just a few seconds, without incurring long-distance charges or high phone bills.

If you’re not convinced about the cost savings, compare it to other marketing channels such as email which require an internet connection that may incur data usage fees if you have a limited plan with your provider.

Personal

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SMS is a very personal message and it is the most common form of text messaging.

Personal messages are different than group messaging where everyone in a conversation can see what others have written and there’s no need for replies. Group chats also allow people to switch between writing or reading at will without interrupting the flow of dialogue, which isn’t possible with an individual message thread because you’ll always be responding by replying (hence “conversation”).

A personal message to your customers is a great way to keep in touch with them and foster relationships.

Direct delivery

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Another advantage of using SMS in marketing is that messages can be delivered directly to the recipient’s phone. Unlike email, which goes through a server, or social media posts that are filtered by algorithms and may not reach all of your followers in real-time, SMS texts go right out to people without any intermediaries getting involved.

High open rates

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SMS marketing is a highly effective way to reach your customers. An SMS campaign can produce up to 150% more open rates than email marketing and 900% higher click-through rates when compared with social media posts! This is because people are far less likely to miss an SMS notification, as it will appear on their screen or handsets right away, whereas they may not see that notification if the same message was coming in via email or through social media.

This kind of direct communication also means you have the opportunity for two-way conversation; following up with customers quickly and responding directly to any issues they’re having with your product. You’ll be able to monitor feedback as well – so replies must be clear and concise enough for users who might be reading them on their handsets.

A campaign with SMS marketing can be a great way to engage your customers, and reach out through this channel where they probably haven’t been reached before!

Conclusion

SMS marketing is a great way to reach customers and engage with them. You’ll have the opportunity for two-way conversations, as well as monitoring feedback by replying directly on your customer’s phone in clear and concise messages.

This kind of campaign can be a cost-effective way to market if you’re looking for an alternative to email marketing or social media outreach that will get noticed!

If you’re not sure where to get started, Messenger Bot is here to help. Get started today with Messenger Bot!

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