WHAT IS SMS ?
Stands for “Short Message Service.” SMS is used to send text messages to mobile phones. The messages can typically be up to 160 characters in length, though some services use 5-bit mode, which supports 224 characters. SMS was originally created for phones that use GSM (Global System for Mobile) communication, but now all the major cell phone systems support it
.
While SMS is most commonly used for text messaging between friends or co-workers, it has several other uses as well. For example, subscription SMS services can transmit weather, news, sports updates, and stock quotes to users’ phones. SMS can also notify employees of sales inquiries, service stops, and other information pertinent to their business. Doctors can receive SMS messages regarding patient emergencies.
Fortunately, text messages sent via SMS do not require the recipient’s phone to be on in order for the message to be successfully transmitted. The SMS service will hold the message until the recipient turns on his or her phone, at which point the message will be be sent to the recipient’s phone. Most cell phone companies allow you to send a certain number of text messages every month for no charge. Though it would be a good idea to find out what that number is before you go text message crazy.
6 Benefits Of Text Messaging: Why Your Organization Should Use SMS
Choosing the most effective way to communicate is essential to the business of getting things done. Today we are inundated with messages from all different forms of communication, including email, messaging apps, snail mail, social media, telemarketing and more. The benefits of text messaging are hard to ignore, and many organizations are choosing this simple and effective way to communicate . Here’s why:
Text messages get read.
Average open rates for email hover in the 15-22% range and email is more likely to hit the spam folder before anyone ever even sees it. On the other hand, open rates for text messaging towers over email at 98% – and most are read within 15 minutes of receiving them.
Text messaging is immediate.
According to CTIA, it takes 90 minutes for the average person to respond to an email. It takes 90 seconds for the average person to respond to a text message. If what you are communicating is time-sensitive, then you want to be sure your audience gets the message.
Text messaging is personal and everywhere.
91% of all U.S. citizens have their mobile device within reach 24/7 (source: Morgan Stanley). More than two out of five of you have even slept with your phone! Plus, almost all mobile phones today are SMS-enabled, which means most everyone can receive text messages.
Text messaging doesn’t require an Internet connection.
Can’t pick up a Wi-Fi signal? No problem. Text messaging doesn’t require Internet access, so even if you’re out of range, you can still receive a text.
Text messaging is download-free.
Text messaging doesn’t require a smart phone and there is no need to download anything, unlike all messaging apps.
Thinking about QR codes? Think again. Instead of hunting around for a barcode scanner, you just need to text a keyword to a shared short code (like 41411) to get an automatic text reply with a link to your website, download page, menu, form – wherever you want traffic to land.
Text messaging allows organizations to own their audience.
With Facebook organic reach dwindling to single digits, businesses and organizations can no longer freely promote to the communities they worked hard to build. Text messaging on the other hand, offers a a reliable way to reach every single person that opts-in to receive messages, no matter how many are on your subscriber list.
