“Merry Christmas.” More than 30 years ago, that was the content of the very first short messaging service (SMS) message. Almost immediately after, the new and ingenious invention was implemented into mobile phones by manufacturers around the world. End users loved its quick and effective performance, and it was easy to use. Fast forward to today and much has changed in the world of mobile…, SMS: The standard - for now, SMS is the most established and widest-used form of texting. It’s considered the default messaging type worldwide. Because it’s so common, you can use SMS to reach almost any user without them being connected to a WiFi or data network to receive a message. It also serves as a fallback option when messages over other channels don’t get delivered. SMS can be conversational , but not with the…, RCS: What it is and why it’s the future, The RCS messaging protocol is an advanced service that upgrades the messaging experience for Android users, creating a better experience and functioning more like an OTT app like iMessage or WhatsApp than SMS. However, the difference with RCS is that, users can use it right within their phone’s native messaging app., This means that users can access the more modern features of RCS – like real-time, branded messages, high-resolution video, read receipts, group chats, typing indicators, end-to-end encryption, and more – without having to download a new third-party app. These features make rich communications so powerful, potentially explaining why RCS users are more engaged than SMS users. In fact, those who…, Key features and characteristics of RCS, RCS gives brands the opportunity to send high-quality, multimedia content to guide users through their conversations. These feature-rich messages are received either via WiFi or an operator's cellular data connection (4G, 5G), unlike SMS which is carried by signaling. RCS business messages function to boost customer engagement, with features such as: Rich cards Suggested replies Suggested…, Compare RCS vs SMS, As a subscriber, receiving an RCS message vs SMS message can be quite different. For one, SMS messages are sent over the cellular network, while RCS content requires data connectivity, so they’d have to have a device with mobile data capabilities or an internet connection. Some other key differences come down to reach, media capabilities, and branding opportunities. Take a look at this chart for…, RCS , SMS , Usability No app to download; found in the native messaging app on an Android user’s mobile device. No app to download; found in the native messaging app on a user’s mobile device. Reach One billion active Android users. 100% of mobile phone users on the planet (approx. 7.3 billion people ). Text capabilities Send up to 250,000 characters in a single message. Send up to 160 characters…, What can SMS vs RCS offer your business?, Depending on your customers’ needs and preferences, both RCS and SMS might suit your business. Many businesses combine RCS and SMS as part of their broader messaging strategy to cover all their bases. While SMS is a reliable option for basic text messages up to 160 characters, RCS chat offers enhanced features and the ability to send longer messages to your audience with Android devices. That…, RCS use case - Cdiscount, RCS is a more complete and enticing experience than SMS, which is why RCS users are more likely to be engaged and convert than traditional SMS users. In this way, RCS isn’t replacing SMS, but instead complements it as part of a complete messaging solution . Retailer Cdiscount needed a way to revitalize its marketing strategy and avoid a situation where revenue flatlined or dropped. They used SMS…, 9% increase in cart size, and a, 4% increase in revenue overall, – numbers that indicate how RCS can drive customers to be more engaged and eventually convert. How RCS helped Cdiscount improve their conversion rate RCS's engaging features significantly improved Cdiscount’s conversion rate, resulting in measurable increases in revenue! , SMS use case - AAA, The American Automobile Association ( AAA ) used the reliability and widespread use of SMS to significantly increase its customer support function. AAA found that users were texting its helpline, which wasn’t enabled for text communication – so messages were simply lost and went unanswered. By implementing a two-way SMS solution - which 89% of people prefer to talking on the phone - AAA was able…, 8% conversion, from SMS out of AAA’s 62 million users and, saved AAA, $30,000, in soft costs. Customers choose SMS texting because it’s affordable and scalable, and it converts with as much as a 98% open rate and 19% click through rate. How SMS helps AAA engage customers and save money. AAA implemented two-way SMS communication to drive meaningful customer experiences. , Which media and devices support RCS and SMS?, RCS is a collaboration between Google and mobile operators, and although today it’s only supported on Android devices, support is growing all the time. In fact, in November 2023, Apple announced that it would be rolling out RCS support on iOS sometime in 2024 – though some of the details are still unclear, it holds the promise of an improved messaging experience for users with both Android and…, Find a solution no matter your messaging strategy, No matter your goals, there’s a messaging solution that will help your business achieve conversational commerce success. If your needs are more conversational, RCS has expanded capabilities that liven up marketing communications for an enhanced experience. If you primarily need to send notifications like fraud or delivery updates, then an easy-to-integrate SMS API may meet your needs. Or, if you'…
Type: Blog Article