Suppose someone texted you with a link and a request to click it. Would you tap it? Definitely not! It might be spam or fraudulent links that can access your device, sensitive information, or your private chats.
On the other hand, someone messages you on WhatsApp containing a link and asks you to click it. For once, you will click the link due to the verified sender. That’s it!
This is the general difference between an SMS message and a WhatsApp message. SMS messages label the senders as fraud or spam, but WhatsApp shows a verified account, which is reliable and trustworthy. WhatsApp is currently used by most users, with a huge database of active users.
Compared to SMS, WhatsApp has the highest open rate of 90% and a 15-20% click-through rate. These are the basic differences between SMS vs. WhatsApp Bulk Messages. The blog will comprise the features, benefits, and other factors to understand while using both platforms.
Stick to the article to know more……..
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What is SMS Message?
SMS message is termed as ‘Short Message Service’, a text message format shared between mobile devices. This information is often restricted to 160 characters and shared over cellular mobile networks. SMS is a general way to interact with people and is supported by all mobile devices.
SMS marketing is used by small businesses to send messages to clients’ phone numbers. It has been a stable means of conversation for companies for decades.
Key Features of SMS Marketing:
- Universal Compatibility: Consistent with each mobile device, with no internet connectivity.
- High Delivery Rate: Text messages are directly shared with phone numbers.
- Short and Direct: Limited to 160 characters, making SMS short and to the point.
- No App Required: No demand for customers to install an app to receive messages.
- Suitable for Urgent Alerts: Perfect to get OTPs, order confirmations, and time-sensitive deals.
The Limitations of Traditional SMS Marketing:
- Limited Characters: A text message is limited to 160 characters, restricting the amount of information that can be fetched.
- No Multimedia: SMS does not allow adding multimedia elements, unlike WhatsApp, which makes it less attractive.
- Cost Implications: Sending bulk SMS can be costly, mainly when sending the messages globally.
- Lack of Interactivity: Text messages don’t provide creative features such as read receipts or quick feedback. It makes a one-way communication tool.
What is WhatsApp Bulk Messaging Service?
WhatsApp bulk messaging service helps businesses to send multiple messages to different audiences simultaneously for the purpose of marketing, customer communication, and huge interactions.
The process boosts operations by simplifying the effective dispersal of updates, announcements, and promotional messages.
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WhatsApp has two services: the WhatsApp Business app and the WhatsApp Business API. These tools align with the industries of all sizes and communication needs.
Secondly, a dedicated WhatsApp business number allows simplified interactions with clients and users, allowing target audience conversation with the ability to send bulk broadcast messages on WhatsApp.
Benefits of WhatsApp Bulk Messaging Over SMS Messages
In the revolutionized world, using a creative conversation method is entirely helpful for businesses expanding their reach and improving customer conversations.
WhatsApp bulk messages just do it the same way, which offers multiple benefits for all sizes of firms. See them below.
1. Effective and Quick Conversation
WhatsApp, compared with SMS, as a bulk messaging service, enables businesses to send quick and efficient messages to a large group. This aspect is helpful in cases when:
- Market research surveys: Questionnaires can be distributed to a great number of individuals, and responses received.
- Event promotions: Invitation to people in your events, conferences, or webinars with just a single click.
- Marketing campaigns: Schedule specific promotional messages to customers and followers.
- Customer care: Talk to many customers at once, giving them information, deals, or solutions.
2. Worldwide Reach
Spreading the messages around the world, WhatsApp has achieved more than 2 billion users globally, and it transcends borders. A user working here in India can easily get in touch with another in the US in just seconds.
In terms, SMS marketing is usually limited by network providers or regional limitations.
3. Versatile Messaging Approach
WhatsApp bulk messaging can be employed in the development of customized marketing campaigns. It will allow you to send tailored promotions and product news to different customers to assist in getting the attention of more individuals and boost sales.
- Automated Customer Service: Make customer care easier by drafting automatic replies, frequently asked questions, and tutorials on solving problems through WhatsApp bulk messaging. This helps in problem-solving and makes the customers happier.
- Employee Communication and Announcements: Speak to all employees simultaneously through the mass messaging on WhatsApp. Move critical announcements, changes in policies, and event invites. This will help pass information and involve the employees more.
4. Cost-Effective
Organizations spend less than they will on print ads or SMS campaigns targeting people right away. There are the reasons:
- Companies don’t need to depend on pricey mailers or paid email solutions, but can still keep their users interested.
- They don’t have to invest a lot in digital ads. Apart, they can focus on connecting to people one-on-one in a manner that gets them to act.
- Reduces the running expenses by using automatic reminders, which means fewer manual phone calls and follow-ups are required.
5. Click-Through Rate
WhatsApp & SMS have the same message opening rates, but a big difference in the level of communication that tools get to the table. WhatsApp messages have a normal click rate of 25-40%, but SMS has a CTR of just 2%.
6. Effective Features
From blue ticks that show the message has been read and indicate the ability to create engaging polls, WhatsApp gives a list of creative features that SMS just can’t match.
7. Competitive Price in India
Looking at the WhatsApp bulk message rates in India, companies will have an advantage of low pricing systems.
This cost-effectiveness means that companies of any size can enjoy the benefits of bulk messaging without sacrificing their bank accounts to get Sms or WhatsApp to do their marketing promotions and messages.
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SMS Vs. WhatsApp Bulk Messages
For your better understanding, see the summarized differences between SMS vs. WhatsApp bulk messages for marketing.
| SMS Messages | WhatsApp Bulk Messages | |
| Channel | Phone number | |
| Delivery | Uses phone’s default messaging app, does not need internet connectivity | Needs internet connectivity |
| Multimedia | Fixed support for multimedia messages | Keeps larger and more varied multimedia messages, consisting of WhatsApp catalogs that can be revised from time to time |
| Cost | Generally charged per message sent | Free or charged per 24-hour conversation |
| Engagement | Little engagement, typically one-way communication | Real-time, creative engagement, ability to have one-on-one conversations |
| Open rates | High open rates, typically up to 98% | High open rates, normally up to 99% |
SMS Messages Vs. WhatsApp Messages: Pricing
A significant difference in the pricing of both tools, SMS Vs. WhatsApp messages are given below:
SMS Marketing Messages
SMS marketing messages are charged on the basis of the outgoing message. It ranges in price between 0.25- 0.50 cents per message, depending on the carrier you select.
This implies that when you want to deliver your marketing messages to a huge number of customers, you will have to allocate a huge budget towards your SMS marketing.
One of the considerations of SMS marketing is the budget planning, in order not to spend too much and be able to reach the target audience.
It can be useful to work with an SMS marketing provider when it comes to controlling expenses. The providers also have packages or bulk pricing plans, which may result in cost savings when delivering the message to a bigger audience.
They also offer useful services such as message tracking and analytics, which enable you to monitor the success of your campaigns and help you to decide how to spend your marketing budget wisely.
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WhatsApp Bulk Messages
The cost of WhatsApp bulk messages could be free if you choose the WhatsApp Business app to send them. But the app allows sending only up to 256 recipients at a time. If you wish to send it to large customers, choose WhatsApp Business API.
To use WhatsApp API, businesses will be charged by Meta, and a monthly subscription fee is needed for the WhatsApp business solution provider, like WorldofSMS, assigned by Meta.
The cost per conversation differs based on the country and type of sent messages. That’s why a more budget-friendly solution is needed for companies to scale.
SMS Vs. WhatsApp Bulk Messages: Pick The Right Solution
SMS vs. WhatsApp bulk messages have their drawbacks and benefits, yet the fact is that you do not have to choose either of these two.
With both SMS and WhatsApp marketing on WorldofSMS, you may reach your marketing objectives. You may compare the results and find out which strategy of instant messaging is better to use in your business, products, or services.
There is no better way of determining the most effective solution than trying it out on your customers.
As an omnichannel social commerce platform, WorldofSMS knows your business needs. An SMS and WhatsApp marketing message can be done via a WhatsApp Business API.
Why Choose WorldofSMS As Your WhatsApp Messaging Partner?
Well, seeing the insightful details offered and achieving a clear knowledge of sending WhatsApp bulk messages, WorldofSMS is integrated with extensive expertise and a helpful team.
They improve the marketing potential, transforming inactive clients into active users, and ensure a prosperous future for the business.
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WorldofSMS, as the official WhatsApp solution provider, delivers comprehensive features to guide customers through the shopping experience effortlessly. Marketing through SMS and WhatsApp bulk messages using WorldofSMS, you can leverage these features:
- Shared team inbox to smoothly transfer tasks.
- In-chat payment links.
- Automated workflow and chatbots.
- Social CRM tools.
- Integration with CRM and other eCommerce platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How are WhatsApp messages more effective than SMS?
A. WhatsApp bulk messages intend to achieve better engagement and open rates than SMS messages. SMS text messages are perfect for urgent messages and do not require proper internet connectivity.
Q2. Does WorldofSMS help to send bulk messages on WhatsApp without getting blocked?
A. Yes, WorldofSMS allows sending messages without getting your account blocked. But in that case, if businesses follow WhatsApp’s regulations and use the WhatsApp API.
Q3. How to use WhatsApp marketing for business?
A. Based on the business requirements, they can use WhatsApp marketing services to promote products while also using them to enhance customer service and auto-reply features, and set event alerts. It offers product demonstration features as well.
Q4. What is the cost difference between SMS and WhatsApp messages?
A. The cost difference between SMS and WhatsApp messages is that SMS charges through carriers need a bulk message package, but WhatsApp incurs charges depending on usage via APIs.
Q5. Is WorldofSMS a reliable WhatsApp business solution provider?
A. Yes, WorldofSMS, as the official WhatsApp solution provider, delivers comprehensive features to guide customers through the shopping experience effortlessly.
Conclusion
To develop effective communication, one needs to have a proper combination of tools and strategies. WhatsApp Bulk Message has the best engagement and personalization rates, whereas SMS Bulk Messaging is reliable and has an instant delivery rate. When combined, they become an effective tool, especially in businesses seeking to reach out to their audience.
At WorldofSMS, we give you all that is required to run effective campaigns, including flawless integration and automation, premium support, and analytics. Looking to engage customers in real-time or reach out to large masses? We can help you with that.
Want to get serious with your messaging strategy? Our executives will help you to find out more about the WorldofSMS WhatsApp services and how the right blends of messaging can transform your campaigns today!
