Short Message Service (SMS)


SMS (Short Message Service), commonly referred to as "text messaging," is a service for sending short messages of up to 160 characters (224 characters if using a 5-bit mode) to mobile devices, including cellular phones, smartphones and PDAs.
 
SMS is similar to paging. However, SMS messages do not require the mobile phone to be active and within range and will be held for a number of days until the phone is active and within range. SMS messages are transmitted within the same cell or to anyone with roaming service capability

SMS stands for Short Message Service and is a more technical term for what we know as a text message. The SMS API bridges the gap between the Internet and the carrier network in order to send and receive SMS messages. iChitChat can give u the best solution for SMS. It's proven company with long years in telecom industry. 


Companies and SMS 


Messaging, through SMS (Short Message Service) or messaging apps , has taken over phone and email as the primary technology for private communication. And B2C communication is likely to follow.
 
Many people feel more comfortable texting than calling – especially Millennials and Gen Z . Today, over 5 billion people send and receive SMS messages globally.
 
Like other modes of mobile messaging, SMS aligns perfectly with our mobile-sedentary lifestyle. This explains why the open rates of mobile messaging ( 98% ) blow those of email ( 15-25% ) out of the water.
 
SMS has the same benefits you get from apps like WhatsApp and Messenger, but also features a few unique strengths:
 
It works on all mobile phones
It’s internet independent
It doesn't require an app download
Add the fact that SMS has become practically free in most mobile phone plans and it becomes obvious why it’s one of the most accessible channels for customer communication.
So let’s get started Here are several ways you can communicate with your customers using SMS:


Internal Communication


SMS is already used by many companies for communicating important information, sometimes for updating staff of company performance and team communications but SMS can also play significant role in any business continuity plan.  SMS is an immediate notification channel that can be used where there is a need to notify large groups of people during emergencies.


Notifications


SMS has been used by companies for many years for sending notifications.  They can be used for critical alerting and for sending notifications to both customers and staff in real time. Great examples are health organisations sending information on updates and informing the population on any precautions or restrictions that they should be adhering to.


Reminders


Sending reminders via SMS allow organisations to reach customers in the knowledge that their message will be delivered and on time.  Reminders can be sent for appointments, payments falling due, and also for providing positive updates on health services, or for special deliveries.


Customer Contact & Confirmation


When customers place orders online or by other means, they appreciate the SMS confirmation of their order and how they can track their delivery.  Some companies have been using SMS to send positive messages to their customers, for example birthday messages or special discounts and promotions to loyalty club members.  During a crisis, customers still want to hear from their favourite brands, but customers will receive high volumes of email marketing communication, so cut through the noise and send simple but effective SMS messages.


Surveys


Customer feedback is key.  Even during a crisis, the ability to gauge your customer perspectives allows you to tailor your communications based on what your customers want to hear.  Initiating a survey via SMS increases response rates and allows much better engagement with your key audiences.  Surveys can be done through bespoke tools which can then initiate coupons and discount codes to reward and thank your customers for participating!
 



There’s a reason why more and more companies are turning to text support for their customers. SMS customer service messaging is incredibly convenient for both customers and businesses. It’s an affordable support option, and it’s also easy to use. For companies, it’s a very time-efficient model for offering clients the support they need before, during, and after the buying process. Plus, SMS message for customer support requires what the vast majority of consumers already have – a smartphone. Everyone should offer a customer support hotline. But for some, text messaging support can be even more advantageous. It’s a far more affordable support option for startups and small businesses too.
 
Automated text, mass text, and SMS messaging options can work for different types of businesses. Established brick-and-mortar businesses have it easier, and also harder than less established, digital companies. On a positive note, brick-and-mortar businesses that have been around for years already have an established customer base. Also, brick-and-mortar businesses have many options when it comes to entering the digital sphere.
 
Unfortunately, though, if established brick-and-mortars don’t evolve, they may start losing customers to more modern competitors. Brick-and-mortar companies that implement text support options can increase loyalty within their existing customer base.
 
Online businesses and brick-and-mortars offering SMS messaging for customer support can also help them capture more market share.


Customer support is absolutely critical to running a successful business. More than half of surveyed customers state their expectations for support are higher than they were a year ago. Investing in better customer support models is also crucial to improving your brand image. For example, a customer support promoter is more valuable than a detractor. Surveys have found that a promoter is up to 1400% more valuable to brands than a detractor. Offering convenient and easy customer support through text is one way to exceed customer expectations. When your brand delivers, happy customers are an excellent word-of-mouth form of advertising.