SMS vs MMS
SMS vs MMS
You probably send text messages daily, but you still might not be able to answer the question: “What is SMS?” In short, SMS is simply an abbreviation for Short Message Service, or another name for a text message. You might be doubly confused when it comes to understanding the difference between SMS vs MMS. These two terms are used interchangeably but actually refer to different types of messaging. The simplest way to understand the difference is that SMS refers to text messages, while MMS refers to messages with a picture or video. Understanding the breakdown of SMS vs MMS messages and their differences will give you more insight into how to best connect with your customers, as well as which mass text messaging service is best for your business.
What is SMS?
Let’s start with the definition what SMS is. What is the difference between a text message and an SMS message? Well, an SMS is a text message. SMS was developed in the 1980s and is one of the oldest texting technologies. It’s also the most widely used, despite a growing number of alternate ways to communicate. While you might refer to a variety of different message types as simply a “text” in your daily life, however, the difference is that an SMS message contains only text (no pictures or videos) and is limited to 160 characters. For example, technically iMessages aren’t text messages, even though most people usually refer to them as such.
MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. You can think of it as an enhancement to the standard SMS message. You’ve probably guessed it by now, but the main difference between SMS and MMS is that you can send multimedia in your messages. This includes media such as videos, pictures, audio clips and GIFs, and more. Additionally, MMS allows for up to 1600 characters of text in your message — which is a considerable amount more than a standard SMS. MMS vs SMS: A Side-By-Side Comparison By now you’re probably already starting to understand what SMS is, especially since you probably send multiple SMS messages in your daily life. However, it might be easier to see what SMS is visually, especially since two pieces of similar content can look different when using SMS vs MMS messaging as a strategy. Even though the below image is based on an iPhone screen, when comparing SMS vs MMS, Android, iPhone, and other smartphones follow the same pattern.
Should I Use SMS vs MMS?
Now that you’ve answered “What is SMS?” and “What is MMS?” it’s time to decide which type of message is best for you. Choosing between SMS vs MMS requires you to understand what your end users are more likely to engage with and what your use case is. Do you need to communicate a quick message and have people follow a link? If so, SMS vs MMS may be the right choice. If you’re looking to really grab their attention, can afford the additional cost, and need to show them something visually, MMS vs SMS is the way to go. Ultimately, what’s most important is measuring your results and making adjustments to fine-tune your strategy and get the best ROI possible. Most Usms-gh users will send a mix of SMS and MMS messages to balance their costs and engagement.
SMS sales automation
SMS sales automation
From prospecting to lead management and closing deals, your sales team can use SMS sales automation to help move customers through the sales pipeline. It works by programming text messages to be sent once specific sales steps, conditions or qualifications have been met on the sales journey. SMS shines in a wide range of sales activities, including: Sales prospecting (cold and warm) Follow-ups and reminders Relationship building Sales touchpoints Scheduling appointments, demos and consultations
Your sales team reaps some big benefits
To the buyer or prospect, SMS sales automation looks and feels like a personalized, one-on-one conversation. To you, however, it’s just one of potentially thousands of personalized messages you can send with the click of a single button. By adding automated text messaging to your sales process, you can: Drive maximum ROI. Instead of the time-consuming task of manually sending out individual messages, you can send potentially thousands of personalized messages at once to help maximize ROI.
You can add as many prospects as you like to your nurture journey. SMS sales automation programs grow with you. Get your sales messages across fast. Want to capture leads faster than your competitors, but in a less intrusive way? Instead of chasing them over the phone, send them a quick text message inviting them to get in touch when it suits. Build personalized relationships. Text messaging strikes that magic formula of feeling both personal and informal. It’s perfect for building relationships and gaining the trust of prospective clients. SMS sales automation shines at every stage of sales You can use text messaging in all stages of the sales process. Map out your entire sales journey and consider which moments are ripe for a text message or two. Here’s an example of an inbound B2B sales pipeline that could benefit from SMS sales automation In the awareness stage Using the example above, a customer downloads an eBook from your website. Instead of following up with email marketing (which, let’s face it, has lower open rates than text messaging), use SMS sales automation instead. Give the customer a few days or a week to read the eBook, then send some helpful texts with additional links to content they might find interesting.
In the consideration stage
In this stage, your customer has requested a product demo and booked an appointment with one of your sales reps. Send an automated SMS sales automation reminder one day before the meeting – it’s a helpful gesture and also reduces the likelihood of a no-show. In the decision stage The customer is so close to buying. They’ve got the contract, but they’re stalling on signing. Send a quick text reminder, asking if there’s anything you can help with. Or, to get the customer across the line, offer a discount on the original offer if they sign and send the contract back within the next 24 hours. Integrating with other platforms makes all the difference Already use other SMS sales automation tools and systems? Integrate text messaging into your preferred platform for maximum scalability and minimum effort.
For example, USMSGH integrates with some of the most popular sales automation tools in use today. It means you can easily add text messaging to your existing workflows and sales processes. You can even add SMS sales automation to your internal triggers to let sales leads know when a customer needs a follow-up. Here are three powerful integrations between USMSGH integrates and sales tools.
2-Way Bulk SMS
2-Way Bulk SMS
2-Way Bulk SMS lets you send and receive messages to and from hundreds of people at once through a web-based platform that uses API. Your customers can reach you by sending simple keywords via a short code or long code. In response, you get to reply to these messages through your computer or phone application that uses the system. In terms of using bulk SMS for business, the capability of communicating to clients or potential customers in bulk is quite an efficient way of reaching your target especially when you have limited resources or manpower to carry out your promotional strategies. The added convenience of receiving replies directly (and instantly) from your recipients, increases the possibility of quick sales, repeat business or increased conversion.
Why Should You Use 2 Way Bulk SMS
2-Way Bulk SMS provides a quick solution to customer concerns. With a single keyword, you get to know what they need and promptly give them a suitable response. You are also highlighting convenience and practicality on the part of your end-users. In the past, people had to contact businesses through phone calls or snail mail and both methods were too time consuming and counterproductive to queries and concerns that needed immediate attention.
The possibilities are endless when you begin to maximize the advantages of two way communication in honing B2C relations and expanding the influence of your business. Here are some of the biggest benefits that you can possibly gain from 2-Way bulk sms: 1. 97% Read Rate 2. Practical and Budget-friendly 3. Convenient and foolproof 4. Enhanced Communication with Customers 5. Fast and Hassle-freeresses. IP addresses filter . Sending messages will be possible only from the whitelisted IP addresses (attempts at sending messages from other IPs will result in the following response: ERROR:105). IP addresses should be separated by semicolons
There are several companies that provide 2 Way Bulk SMS applications for you to read, reply, and even monitor the messages you send and receive. Some interfaces are also available for both web and smartphone. You don’t need rocket science or additional software to operate it or deliver your message, in the same way that text messaging is an activity that is already a staple in your customers’ daily routine. Simple, quick, and easy. Out of all the constantly changing advertising trends, SMS is something that has been quite constant and flexible throughout. It is a simple and immediate exchange of messages. By using 2-Way Bulk SMS, you can send a message to a hundred customers within minutes. You can upsell more products and even convert more leads without having to stress out your marketing and support representatives.
Regardless of size, every business could use a helping hand from their customers. Since 2-Way Bulk SMS lets recipients reply directly to businesses, it effectively bridges gaps between the two. The more customers get the chance to interact with brands they support, the more likely they are to willingly participate in future promotions and efforts to sustain the business.
Conclusion
Quite frankly, there are several more advantages of 2-Way Bulk SMS marketing awaiting to be discovered. The key is to have a clear vision of how you want to grow your business so you can incorporate 2-way bulk SMS accordingly for your company’s objectives and customers’ demands. Once you decide to promote your business and reach out to customers using text messaging, be sure to the New Media Services team a message. Our very own LOOP (Live Online Operator Platform) platforms have helped countless companies carry out accessible communication channels, including bulk sms service for business, for long-term growth and stability.
Combining Email Marketing with SMS
Combining Email Marketing with SMS
Combining email marketing with SMS packs a pretty potent punch. Here are the top five benefits of mixing both of these channels into your marketing strategy. Each new generation has increased interest in receiving brand communications via SMS. Companies need to keep up with the times if they’re going to effectively engage their audience and get the results they need. That means setting up a bulk SMS system that integrates with other marketing efforts. Combining email marketing with SMS has the potential to drive significant ROI. It’s a particularly effective channel to communicate personalized offers, event updates, or time-sensitive information. Its strengths can fill some of the gaps in your email campaigns to make your marketing strategies more powerful. Given the popularity of mobile devices, it’s no surprise the two methods work together well. You can make the most of email and SMS marketing by understanding the best use cases for each. Because their strengths are complementary, using both communication channels strategically can result in more effective campaigns and more engaged customers.
Combining email marketing with SMS are entirely permission-based.
Whether your customers fill out an online sign-up form to a weekly email newsletter or tick a box to receive SMS shipping notifications, they’re providing consent for you to communicate with them on these platforms. The list your company compiles from these sign-ups is higher quality than anything you can gather through social media and search engine cohort builders. Rather than targeting your audience with ads they don’t want to see, an email marketing and SMS approach offers a personalized solution to interact with the right audience. Those who opt in are interested in what you have to say, making them perfect prospects. Social media and search ads must appeal to someone who has no connection to your brand. Combining email marketing with SMS marketing come with a guarantee your end audience already knows the basics of your brand. Communications for these mediums have more real estate for you to build your brand and story. Even short missives, when done well, can increase consumer sentiment and boost your company’s image among fans.
Customer data and list growth can be shared between the two.
As you grow your Combining email marketing with SMS program, you have the opportunity to test and learn what type of content drives engagement and conversion. Over time, you’ll be able to gain insight into your subscriber behaviors and interests to boost both email and SMS success. You can then take the subscriber list and accompanying insights from your Combining email marketing with SMS marketing off to a good start. Yes, you’ll still have some fine-tuning to do, but you won’t need to start from scratch like most companies do with their email marketing campaigns — that’s a big advantage. You can complement the launch of your text message campaigns with an email blast that asks subscribers for their phone numbers (and consent). Your SMS success can help optimize future email marketing as well. When you offer good incentives for SMS sign-up, you can expand your reach beyond your base of email subscribers.
Text Message Marketing
TEXT MESSAGE MARKETING
Text message marketing is more personal than other forms of marketing and can help a business gain traction. SMS messages should follow a structured, efficient marketing campaign. Text marketing involves bulk text messages sent to qualified leads. Text message marketing is the ongoing process of communicating business news, sales, promotions or other relevant information to your customers via SMS (short message service) text messages on their mobile devices. It is a type of digital marketing strategy that helps build brand awareness on a more personal level. Consumers must opt in to your messaging before you begin sending texts to them.
You can send bulk messages to groups of customers or audience segments, or customize the experience even more by sending individualized messages. This tactic allows you to bypass other marketing noise – social media ads, email marketing campaigns, etc., – and go directly to consumers’ phones. Text message marketing relies on a database consisting of your customers’ names, cell phone numbers and other information (geographic region, customer categories, customer interests) that helps you track the sales process. Text message marketing targets a specific audience. As with any marketing endeavor, the more information you have on hand and the more specific your customer segments are, the better. Similar to how Facebook ads target people within a certain area, by age, and by interests, the best text message marketing is highly customized and geared toward a specific target audience.
Text message marketing acts as part of an overall marketing campaign. As a marketer, the most important thing to remember about all mobile marketing (i.e., marketing that relies on technical and digital methods to reach mobile users, as opposed to printed materials) is that it should be part of an overall marketing campaign. No company should start text messaging marketing without a game plan on how it all fits together to reach new customers. Text messaging isn’t appropriate for every marketing scenario. Yoni Ben-Yehuda, head of business development at Material Good, advises marketers to use it for things like a delivery status, a secondary message after you download a certain mobile app or program, a receipt of purchase, or an exclusive discount. Text message marketing is only effective for brands with an audience that prefer this form of communication.
Tips to improve your Text Message Marketing
Once you’ve legally collected subscriber numbers, you can send out an SMS text message marketing campaign. Here are some helpful SMS marketing best practices.
PROVIDE VALUE
In both SMS marketing and MMS text message marketing, there’s a reason your subscribers signed up for your texts. It may be to receive updates and information, but most of the time, it’s to receive value in exchange for them giving you their phone number. It’s essential to provide value in your SMS text message marketing campaigns to prevent subscriber churn and increase subscriber satisfaction. Providing value by offering an incentive to sign up is also a great way to build SMS subscriber lists.
Tip: State the offer first, then the texting details. For example:
Take [discount amount] off when you [take an action]. EXP [date]
GIVE A CLEAR CALL TO ACTION (CTA)
As a best practice, every message should include a clear call to action directing the recipient to take action. This is your chance to help your subscribers take the next step. A good call to action should include the action they need to take to receive the value.
Tip: The call-to-action should be cohesive with the offer provided. For example:
A store might want to increase foot traffic, so their call to action could be, “Visit a store today, save 15% w/code 67859.”
ADD AN EXPIRATION DATE TO INCREASE URGENCY
Especially for promotional text messages, including an expiration date is a text message marketing best practice to increase urgency and strengthen conversion rates. Without an expiration date, subscribers might not know when to redeem the offer, or worse, they might never take action.
Tip: Experiment with the language and placement of your expiration date. For example:
Try “END” or “EXP” for urgency and mix up the date notation; “END Midnight” or “EXP 12am Tonight.”
USE SUBJECT LINES
With MMS messages, you can include a subject line, a perfect way to add even more effective mobile marketing. The subject line can be up to around 40 characters, which allows you to really hook customers and entice them to keep reading the message. On some mobile phones, the subject line appears in bold type, so it attracts the customer’s attention to the message. In an SMS message, a subject line isn’t an option.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CHARACTER LIMITS
SMS messages have a limit of 160 characters per message. So be sure you get straight to your message to avoid long chains of SMS.
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