There are many different SMS text messaging providers available these days, with many different plans and programs, so it can be hard to choose. This article gives you help in knowing what to look for in an SMS provider.
How Do You Plan to Use SMS?
While SMS can seem so revolutionary, there may be a desire to start using it as once, some prior planning can help in choosing the best provider and plan on the first try. Because SMS text messaging may be a new part of your marketing plan and because your business may benefit from using SMS from other purposes as well, it’s a good idea to have a clear idea of how SMS availability might change your business communications as well as business marketing before you choose a provider and plan. There are several specific areas that it’s good to focus on.
Depending on your industry, your use of SMS for marketing might involve either sending messages to customers, receiving messages from customers, or both. Because rates are different and because bulk text marketing SMS outgoing service is different from the mechanisms you would need to handle bulk SMS coming in, your uses will shape your service requirements. It’s also important to keep in mind that any kind of communication with customers that is timely, efficient, and desired—whether or not it can itself be called marketing—works to sell your business.
Number of Texts/Month
Of course, if you just consider marketing but don’t consider using SMS for communicating between employees or with vendors, you may either miss and opportunity to revamp company communications or underestimate the scope of the program that would best suit the business’s needs.
Where You’re Texting From and To
Because international SMS service is a whole different plan from domestic SMS service, and because people with United States domestic plans also need a separate plan in order to text if they leave the country, it’s a good idea to plan in advance in order to match up with a provider that operates in all the areas in which you need service.
Texting Features
While being able to send text messages is great, some SMS providers offer the ability to send images, videos, and instant messages as well. Interactive messages are yet another feature. If these could be important to your business, they’re worth considering.
Service Features
Besides prices, its worth comparing trial periods, whether a contract is required, and whether there is a setup fee. If you anticipate that you might need support beyond technical support, i.e., assistance in setting up marketing campaigns, having those services available can be very helpful.
Bundles
When you put all these factors together, you’ll begin to have a sense of what you need. The next step is to consider what other services might be needed to work along with SMS text messaging, as well as looking at communication and telecommunication services currently used by the business and determining if perhaps a single provider can meet multiple needs at a reduced cost.
SMS Providers to Individuals
If you have a very small business, you may choose to start off your SMS marketing by employing an SMS account designed for an individual. This can be a way to get your SMS use off the ground, but it’s worth looking at business providers to see some of the special features they offer.
General Marketing SMS Providers
Some companies—like golive! mobile and moto message—provide a general solution for businesses that wish to use text messaging for marketing. Typically, you’ll find that there are various levels available, with entry levels designed for small businesses, and upper levels for larger establishments. Other features to look for include the ability to send multiple types of messages, including text, videos, instant messages, audio (including MIDI, MP3, and WAV files), voice calls, and images in a variety of formats including BMP, GIF, and JPG.. Analytics to track your campaigns are also important. Also important are ways to sort and group your customers in order to deliver the most relevant content.
Industry-Specific Texting Services
Another way to approach looking for an SMS provider is to find one that has created applications specific to your company’s industry. For example, TextPower has specific solutions for performing arts groups to connect with potential customers before their seats go empty, power companies to provide warning when alerts are issued, real estate offices to help sell properties, and bar and restaurant owners to connect with customers, as well as providing general emergency alert solutions and interactive marketing solutions.
Sources
golivemobile.com
motomessage.com
textpower.com