SMS API integration automates effective text broadcasting from your business applications to the public and a cornerstone of A2P messaging. Swift SMS Gateway provides simple integration to your business platforms. From things as simple as your business telephone line, to your IVR (Interactive Voice Response) systems and your CRM (Contact Relationship Management) application platforms, you can connect text messaging to your business easily.
SMS (Short Message Service) it the technical name for what is commonly known as text messaging. Texting is one of the most widely used methods of communication in the world with around 18.7 billion text messages sent on average each day, according to 99Firms. Originally, text messages were a way for people to communicate on a person-to-person (P2P) basis. Now, businesses are implementing text message solutions into all communication areas. This is beyond marketing strategies and other customer-focused functions, such as order confirmations, delivery updates and appointment reminders.
How is Text Broadcasting Done?
It’s impossible to send such high volumes of SMS messages from a single mobile phone. With Application-to-Person (A2P) technology, companies can manage their text message initiatives from a single online platform.
Three fundamental things necessary in text broadcasting:
- Customize SMS Templates – So that a broadcast message can be personalized to recipients.
- Automate Their Text Broadcast – So that send times can be managed by region based on area code and auto-responders can reply to incoming responses from recipients.
- Manage Opt-In/Out – So that your recipient list is kept up to date.
These things are capabilities that are impossible without SMS integration.
SMS integration connects your business to the modern era of text messaging.
This allows you to reach customers from a familiar, unobtrusive platform in a fast and reliable way. But first, let’s understand this concept in more detail.
Understanding SMS API Integration
SMS API integration connects texting into a company’s communication platforms. It starts with what your existing business communication applications you have.
From basic to advanced:
- Connecting SMS to your existing business telephone line using Landline SMS. Even a normal 10 digit line will work, or Toll Free.
- Connecting SMS to your CRM (Contact Relationship Manager) used on your front desk as a communications channel.
- Connecting SMS to your IVR (Interactive Voice Response) platforms on call management and messaging.
If you have IVR, or CRM applications with script calls setup from those platforms, or from the SMS gateway’s on-line portal directly. Replies on incoming responses can be collected back to those systems, or interfaced into other channels like email, so you receive the responses.
Your business has the option to simply link your platforms to an SMS gateway using customizable API script calls from your business systems to make use of text broadcast services. You manage and populate your opt-in recipient lists, either into your existing applications.
Swift SMS Gateway has a huge library of pre-written customizable SMS API scripts that are easy to understand and well documented
The most seamless is full integration into a company’s existing communication platforms, but that infers that a company is of a size that currently uses one. It avoids manual list management, which regardless of size, opt in/out management is essential to broadcast messaging.
Recipients have always given their consent to receive automated broadcast messaging, and reserve the right to opt-out.
Smaller broadcast messaging needs are typically aimed at companies that don’t have large scale communication platforms like PBX and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) call management systems. For these companies, an online group messenger is ideal.
Your existing business telephone number landline can even be connected to SMS text messaging seamlessly. Your text message aggregator, can configure your business telephone number so that anytime someone texts you, it arrives in your inbox, and you are alerted.
No matter what size your company is, leveraging text messaging in your business communication strategies can make a huge impact. The best text message companies are aggregators that have SMS Gateway broadcast systems that can be easily tailored to your business, to streamline your communications.
Five Benefits of SMS API Integration:
1. Saves Time and Money
Through automation, companies can save time and resources by optimizing their communication operations. By utilizing these digital tools, the work is taken care of so your teams can focus their efforts on achieving business goals elsewhere.
2. High Response Rates
SMS gets very high response rates. Reports show the majority of text messages are opened and responded to within three minutes of being delivered. Additionally, 98% of all text messages are opened, according to Gitnux. When comparing SMS open rates to other channels such as email, the difference is night and day.
3. Wide Audience Reach
Mobile phones are popular. Businesses can now connect with individuals who may not have access to the internet otherwise. SMS enables international communication, so you can widen your audience reach to a global scale.
4. Supports Other Channels
Text messages can also encourage recipients to tune into other channels. For example, a text could say “The Big [company/product] Sale is now on! Find your 50% off discount codes in our app!” This should then drive interested customers to interact with your company’s mobile app and drive sales to your website.
5. Reliable Form of Communication
A key benefit of SMS is fast and dependable deliverability. This makes it perfect for short and sweet communication with your customers. It allows you to send a single message to thousands of recipients instantly. With such high open rates, text message reachability is unlike any other form of communication.
Key Features of SMS API Integration
With SMS integration, you gain access to a wide range of automated customer support capabilities. This includes:
Two-Way Messaging: Perfect for customer service, SMS integration allows you to send and receive text messages with your stakeholders.
Automatic Assistance: If a customer texts you a frequently asked question, pre-programmed answers will provide the recipient with an immediate solution, while saving your team time and resources.
Delivery Reports and Analytics: Get specific insights into the outcomes of your SMS campaign, helping you monitor, adjust and achieve more from your SMS communication based on valuable data.
Message Personalization: Talk to the customer directly by adding the recipient’s name to the message, or send personalized messages based on customer profile data.
Choosing the SMS API Platform for Your Business
If you want your business to send and receive SMS messages, Swift SMS Gateway can help find the best solution for you. With our various API plans and worldwide coverage through 800+ carriers, we can integrate an SMS system that fits your needs.
Get in touch with Swift SMS Gateway to find out more, or try our free demo here!
