What is SMS

Cellcast is a provider of wholesale SMS services in Australia and stands out as one of the few suppliers in this field. The company leverages local carriers to deliver superior service and performance to its clients. Cellcast offers comprehensive white label solutions and rates to all its channel partners, and welcomes resellers to join its network. The company's services include bulk SMS packages for one-time campaigns, as well as segmented client accounts for self-service SMS blasts.

SMS technology has an interesting history and is known to have evolved from the late pager technology. This technology allowed individuals to send short communications through wireless telegraphy, which refers to the sending of electric signals through radio waves. The radio pager technology, which preceded SMS, paved the way for modern-day phone communications. SMS became one of the key features of mobile phones and has since become a primary mode of communication for many people around the world.

To enable mobile SMS communication, standardized radio frequency communications were established based on protocols set by the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). These protocols allowed for the sending of SMS messages containing only 160 characters. This character limit was set due to technical constraints at the time of SMS's inception, but it has since become a defining feature of the technology.

To send and receive SMS messages, a GSM mobile device and a cell network subscription are required. The rates for sending SMS messages are determined by the network provider and are typically based on the number of messages sent, rather than the size of the content. The charge for text messages is deducted from the credit purchased within the user's account, which can be either post-paid or pre-paid. If you wish to arrange a post-paid account, please speak with a member of the customer support team.

While most SMS practices have remained unchanged over the years, the use of bulk messaging and mobile campaigns has grown by 88% since 2016. This growth can be attributed to the need to keep up with the increasing noise and competition for attention that we face through social media and email platforms, which have become overpopulated with marketing and promotional messages.

Using SMS Marketing

Most smartphones today come equipped with text messaging software, providing users with the ability to both send and receive SMS messages. To send a bulk SMS message through Cellcast, users need to login or create an account, navigate to the "Create Campaign" section, and craft their message. Once the message is complete, recipients' numbers can be added and the message can be sent with the press of a button. With this simple process, businesses can further enhance their communication efforts through the use of SMS messaging.

Broadcasting Notifications

By using a user-centric API, businesses can orchestrate notifications across multiple channels, including SMS, push notifications, messaging apps, and more. With this multi-channel approach, businesses can send group notifications and high-priority alerts to ensure that their messages are received by the intended recipients. This approach also makes it easier for team leaders to communicate with their teams by broadcasting notifications. These notifications can be forwarded to some or all employees and can include important information such as memos, meetings, and reminders.

Vouchers and Coupons

Businesses can use SMS marketing to promote their products and services by offering enticing deals and discounts to customers in the form of voucher numbers and coupons. This approach can help businesses increase their customer base and drive sales.

Programmable SMS

Exchange text and picture messages using your preferred programming language. It can be used for various purposes such as sending arrival alerts, appointment reminders, and SMS marketing campaigns.

Opt-Out/Unsubscribe

Cellcast provides clients with custom SMS surveys for customers who choose to opt-out. This way, valuable feedback can be gained from customers regarding their preferences and reasons for unsubscribing. This information can then be used for remarketing purposes once the campaign ends, which adds even more value to the service.

No Internet Access Needed

SMS messages are transmitted over a cellular network using GSM technology, which means they do not require internet access to be sent or received. This makes SMS a reliable communication channel in areas with poor or limited internet connectivity, as long as there is cellular network coverage.

Storage

SMS messages can be saved as drafts and scheduled for later delivery, which allows marketers to plan and execute their campaigns in advance. Additionally, SMS messages can be stored in databases for later reference, making it easier to track campaign history and performance.

Real-time

SMS messages are delivered almost instantly, which makes them a great option for time-sensitive information and urgent messages. This can help businesses create a sense of urgency and improve customer engagement by informing them of important updates and offers in real-time.

Why SMS Marketing?

SMS is widely considered as one of the best marketing platforms due to several reasons. It has a high open rate, with recipients almost always reading the messages they receive. SMS messages are more personal than other marketing strategies and can result in increased engagement from recipients. The short and concise nature of SMS messages also works in favor of businesses, forcing them to be direct and to the point, which can boost conversion rates in the long run. Additionally, SMS marketing is cost-effective and highly targeted, thanks to the ability to filter client lists. Cellcast MMS & SMS mobile marketing platform is one of the few companies in Australia that knows how to effectively leverage the mobile market to drive unparalleled results for businesses.

Real-time visibility and guaranteed delivery are key components that make SMS a popular and effective marketing channel.