When you’re trying to get the word out about your brand or organisation, you need a cost-effective tool that not only reaches your target audience instantly, but provides you with high open and response rates. This is why more companies are opting for bulk short message services (SMS).
When you use bulk SMS services, you can automate your SMS campaigns to engage your customers proactively and in the event of an urgent update. These services, like 160.com.au, can help you utilise bulk SMS application programming interfaces (APIs) to streamline your bulk SMS processes.
Bulk SMS API Versus Bulk SMS Services
There are the differences between how bulk SMS services work and how a bulk SMS API works. Both are key tools in implementing bulk SMS messages to both national and international audiences.
Bulk SMS Services
Bulk SMS services usually take place on a web-based platform that allows its users to send out short SMS messages to a wide number of recipients across a variety of locations. One of the benefits of these services is that they’re more user-friendly and are best suited for smaller businesses and individuals.
These web-based platforms are usually intended for end-users and come with an intuitive, straightforward interface and easy-to-use features.
Bulk SMS API
Bulk SMS API services, however, are better suited for developers and programmers. They use programming interfaces so that the SMS capabilities can seamlessly integrate into a company’s own existing applications and systems.
By using APIs, users have greater customisation and automation capabilities. However, navigating these features and abilities does require continued technical expertise to maintain. A bulk SMS API is better suited for developers and established businesses that require more integrated SMS functionality.
Benefits of Investing in Bulk SMS API
Bulk SMS API is ideal for large businesses and organisations that may need to send thousands of notifications instantly. With bulk SMS API, you don’t need to draft each message and send it out individually–you instead use your API to automate the sending and you only need to draft your message once.
There are several benefits to investing in a bulk SMS API, including:
Higher Open Rates
When compared to email open rates (which range between 20% and 30%), bulk SMS messages are opened more often. In fact, 98% to 99% of SMS messages are opened by users. This is because emails have aggressive spam filters that tuck your message out of sight before users are even aware you’ve reached out.
Studies show that 67% of users prefer when a business texts them versus calling and emailing, and 45% of potential customers will select a brand after receiving an SMS message from them.
Customisable Campaigns
With bulk SMS campaigns, you have full control of what is sent out and when. You only need to keep your message under 160 characters and include a call to action (CTA) to maximise your impact.
Setting up templates for your messages is quick and easy with the help of 160.com.au, because we offer multiple free resources and guides to get you started. This includes the ability to create unlimited unique templates that you can adjust to suit your needs.
Cost-Effective Marketing Strategy
Traditional advertising methods are expensive and have a lower return on investment (ROI) than SMS messages. Most audiences will spend more time focused on their phone screen than television ads or printed publications, both of which are more expensive to develop and implement than bulk SMS messages.
SMS messages also allow users to opt-out or opt-in for the messages, which prevents you from wasting time on cold leads and protects your target audience from marketing they don’t resonate with.
Convenient for You and Your Users
With templates and automation available to you and straightforward CTAs for your audience, bulk SMS API services are the ultimate marketing convenience. When your messages are concise, your target audience receives crucial information and knows what to do with it, whether that’s to RSVP or log on early to receive exclusive discounts.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level but aren’t sure where to start, visit 160.com.au. We offer both bulk SMS API for developers and bulk SMS services on a web-based platform so businesses small and large can optimise their marketing strategies today!