Over the last 20 years, we’ve come to rely on the Short Message Service (SMS) for everything from shopping lists, to appointments and shopping. According to Statista, over 6 billion text messages are sent every day. It may seem simple, but it is vital to communications and SMS isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, many people prefer using simple text messages over voice calls or video calls because they are faster and more convenient. As technology continues to advance, there are new ways to integrate SMS services into mobile apps and websites. An SMS API is a tool that communicators everywhere can use to connect their applications with an SMS service so that users can send and receive text messages through their app instead of a standard phone number. In this blog post, we will explain what an SMS API is and how they work.
What is an SMS API?
An SMS API is a software development tool, often made available as a part of a Software Development Kit that allows developers to integrate text messaging services into their apps. It can send, receive, and read SMS messages, allowing you to send and receive texts from your app instead of a standard phone number. It also allows you to send bulk messages, schedule messages, and customize outgoing text messages. SMS APIs are useful for many different situations, like integrating marketing campaigns, facilitating two-factor authentication, and building automated customer service tools. Enterprise grade SMS services are more reliable than standard text messaging and enable you to manage bulk sends securely and compliantly.
How do SMS APIs work?
SMS APIs work by using a URL to send and receive short messages. Your application will send data to a URL that contains the recipient’s mobile phone number, the message to be sent and the sender ID that the message is coming from. This data is then sent from the API via various networks to the telco to have the message delivered to the phone. The API has a set of instructions that a computer follows to send and receive messages. These instructions are called the “code.” You can create your own code or instructions that can interpret a message and send a customized response – think of it like ‘if this, than that’. The code is programmed to receive messages formatted in a specific way based on what you define.
Why Are SMS APIs Important?
A significant advantage of using SMS APIs is that they help you achieve scalability. Once you’ve integrated them into your software, you can efficiently manage thousands of customers through the same system. SMS APIs can also help you improve customer retention. You can send out marketing campaigns and reminders to keep customers coming back. SMS APIs make communication with customers much easier. You don’t have to go through a different phone number for each customer. Instead, you can send SMS messages through a common system. This helps you keep track of important messages, like orders, payment confirmations, and customer service inquiries. SMS APIs can be used for many different purposes. You can integrate them with customer relationship management (CRM) software, marketing and sales software, or e-commerce software. You can also use them for customer service, marketing campaigns, and employee communications.
Why Do Developers Use SMS APIs?
The biggest advantage of using an SMS API is that it integrates with almost any software. If your application is compatible with an SMS API, you can seamlessly integrate text messaging services.
SMS APIs are also much more affordable than setting up your own text messaging system. If you have a large customer base, managing thousands of phone numbers can be difficult. A single SMS API can send and receive messages for thousands of customers.
If you have a small customer base, you can still use an SMS API.
Here’s a few ways you can use an API for campaigns or messages big or small
- to send automated messages to yourself at certain times or from an action, like an alert
- to send bulk messages to customers or staff
- to send out time sensitive notifications, marketing campaigns, and reminders to all of your customers at once.
This is much more efficient and cost-effective than sending out these messages manually.
SMS API benefits
Scalability
An SMS API can manage thousands of customers through the same platform. This makes it easy to scale your software and accommodate increased customer numbers. – Advanced features – SMS APIs offer advanced features like scheduling and filtering messages. You can send messages at a certain time, filter incoming messages, and save important messages for later use.
Customer retention
You can send out automated messages to keep customers coming back. These messages can include promotions, notifications, and reminders.
Easy communication
Customers don’t have to go through a different phone number to speak with you. You can send and receive messages through a single system.
Compatibility
SMS APIs are compatible with a variety of software, including CRM, marketing and sales, and e-commerce platforms.
Affordable
SMS APIs are much more affordable than setting up your own text messaging system.
How to choose the best SMS API for your app?
When selecting an SMS API, it’s important to choose one that integrates with your app and supports the features that you need You should also ensure the that API is compatible with your security and data protection needs. Some providers offer a free trial period, so you can try out their service before committing to a long-term contract. You should also consider the cost of the API. Make sure that you are budgeting for a service that is affordable for your company. You also need to consider the scalability of the API. You want an SMS API that is able to grow with your business.
How to use an SMS API
When using an SMS API, there are a few different ways that you can integrate it into your software.
You can
- use a third-party integration
- access the API directly, or
- build your own API (which we don’t really recommend).
Third-party integration
The easiest way to get started with an SMS API is to use a third-party integration. Many CRMs offer tools to connect to SMS APIs and is often the easiest way to start sending to your customer base.
Access the API directly
You can also access the API directly to send messages. This requires some programming experience, but it is a good option.
Conclusion
The Short Message Service (SMS) standard may be 20 years old, but it’s still very popular. According to a study from Statista, over 6 billion text messages are sent every day. The usage of SMS isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, many people prefer using simple text messages over voice calls or video calls because they are faster and more convenient. As technology continues to advance, there are new ways to integrate SMS services into mobile apps and websites. An SMS API is a tool that developers use to connect their applications with an SMS service so that users can send and receive text messages through their app instead of a standard phone number.