Messaging has become the preferred way for people to communicate. Recent surveys show 73% of customers prefer texting a business rather than calling. This shift in consumer behavior presents a huge engagement opportunity for brands. Read on as we explore top texting services to connect with customers.
Surging Popularity of Business Text Messaging
Text messaging has exploded in popularity due to the ubiquitous usage of mobile phones. People today check their phones almost 80 times daily on average!
No wonder businesses are incorporating texting into customer communication strategies.
Benefits of texting customers include:
✔️ Increased satisfaction from quick responses
✔️ Higher open and response rates compared to other channels
✔️ Improved brand loyalty through personalized alerts
✔️ Higher ROI from timed promotions and offers
According to recent studies, 98% of text messages are opened compared to just 20% for emails.
No business can ignore adopting this high-impact, low-cost customer engagement channel.
Image source: Sample text messaging metrics report
Introducing Short Code Texting Solutions
Short code texting services provide businesses easy SMS connectivity using 5 or 6 digit numbers instead of 10-digit long codes.
For instance, simply texting "INFO" to the short code "87365" can activate automated campaigns.
Benefits of short codes include:
🔸 Easy to remember numbers
🔸 Trackable campaigns with custom keywords
🔸 Two-way conversational messaging
🔸 High deliverability carrier networks
Let‘s do a deep dive into some leading providers in this space.
Top Nine Short Code Texting Services Compared
Choice of short code texting partners offers varying capabilities, features and pricing models.
I have analyzed the most popular platforms on key parameters important for business use cases:
Short code texting services comparison across key parameters
Based on in-depth research, here are the top contenders:
1. SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting simplifies SMS marketing for businesses with short codes…
2. SlickText
SlickText offers easy-to-use automated messaging with short codes…
3. Twilio
Twilio provides enterprise-grade API access along with short codes…
4. MessageMedia
MessageMedia enables short code texting even for non-tech teams via point and click interfaces…
5. Clickatell
Clickatell provides highly reliable short code messaging tailored for call centers…
6. CallHub
CallHub delivers easy short code messaging with pay-as-you-go pricing…
7. Clearstream
Clearstream allows short code automation integrated with marketing and sales systems…
8. Reach Interactive
Reach Interactive offers consulting on effective short code messaging strategies…
9. Text Anywhere
Text Anywhere provides short codes to power global messaging…
Detailed features comparison:
Breakdown of capabilities across short code texting solutions
Key Considerations for Picking Solutions
Here are some important criteria to factor when selecting your short code texting partner:
Deliverability Rates
Ensure vendor has direct connections to telco carriers for reliable message delivery globally. Average industry rates are around 98%.
Compliance
Pick vendors ensuring messaging practices comply fully with regulations like TCPA. Fines can be steep ($500 to $1500 per violation in some states)!
Scalability
Messages per month should scale smoothly without degradation in performance or deliverability.
Carrier Coverage
Except for emerging 5G networks, most leading carriers should be covered for maximum audience reach.
Analytics & Insights
Dashboards and reports should provide visibility into granular metrics to optimize campaigns.
Omnichannel Support
With evolving customer preferences, make sure additional channels like WhatsApp can integrate along with short code texting.
Business Use Case Fit
Align specific capabilities around automation, alerts and workflows with your primary SMS messaging objectives.
Global Support
For multinational brands, short code access and deliverability across key countries is vital for consistent customer experience.
Budgets
Do the math on projected monthly SMS volumes and negotiate attractive tiered enterprise pricing bundles.
By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can determine the ideal vendor matching business needs.
Most offer free trials – so do experiment before commiting long term.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
According to leading analysts, global application-to-person (A2P) SMS messaging is expected to grow at 4.5% CAGR over the next 5 years.
Short code texting will see increased adoption from sectors like:
Leading industries driving short code texting adoption
With messaging becoming integral to consumer lifestyle, texting-based customer experiences will continue maturing.
Advancements like RCS messaging, payments via SMS and rich media integration will expand platform capabilities.
Regulations are also stabilizing providing legal clarity for businesses new to texting.
The simplicity yet high ROIs from short code texting solutions makes this a long term channel for brands looking to connect with always-on consumers.
Let‘s Chat
Hope you enjoyed this thorough guide to short code texting solutions!
What are your thoughts on text messaging adoption? What challenges do you foresee?
I would be happy to offer personalized technology recommendations based on your customer engagement objectives and needs.
Feel free to pick a time to discuss via my calendar 👇
Talk soon!
Jim
Leading Technology Advisor
