Month: December 2023

Why is SMS delivery and reliability so important?

SMS delivery and reliability are essential for assessing the performance of marketing campaigns.

They confirm how many messages reached the intended recipients, helping you to evaluate content, timing, and frequency effectiveness.

Additionally, delivery reports help segment contacts based on responsiveness, allowing tailored follow-up messages or incentives.

If you want to learn more about Bulk SMS Marketing and how to ensure reliable SMS delivery, you can check out this comprehensive guide on Bulk SMS Marketing: The Definitive Guide.

Common reasons for text messaging delivery failures

Achieving a 100% delivery rate in SMS campaigns is challenging.

And global messaging through A2P platforms or SMS APIs is a complex process with hidden elements you may not know about.

Here are some of the most common reasons SMS messages fail to reach their intended receivers.

Causes of SMS Delivery Failures

Carrier/content filters:

• Mobile operators use spam filters to block messages with sensitive content, such as political, religious, or sexual nature.
• Operators may block recurring messages sent through A2P routes, leaving out only P2P messages.

To minimize the impact of these filters, use valid and legal content, avoid sensitive words, and send messages through A2P-enabled routes.

The validity of the number:

• Messages may fail to deliver if the number is not valid or does not exist. Reasons for invalid numbers include missing international country codes, porting to a new network, using landline numbers, or incorrect phone numbers.

Government regulations:

• Different countries have rules that may block specific messages or sender IDs, such as the Do-not-Disturb feature.

Routing factors:

• Messages may be routed through networks not supporting message delivery, leading to failure. Using direct connections and ensuring correct routing can help improve delivery.

User out of reach:

• Mobile operators typically use a “store and forward” model, where messages are held for 48 to 72 hours. If the recipient’s device is unavailable during this time, the message may be discarded.

Local regulations:

• Some countries have specific rules, like time restrictions on message delivery, which can affect whether messages are delivered.

Technical limitations:

• Messages might not be delivered due to issues like full memory, coding errors, temporary disconnection from the network, or lack of support for certain message types or characters by the recipient’s phone.

Encoding issues:

• Local carriers may not support certain encodings, leading to message delivery problems.

Roaming:

• Users who are roaming may be harder to reach due to the design of telecommunication networks, potentially resulting in message delivery failures.

Troubleshooting Text Message Delivery Issues

To fix text messages not being delivered, you can consider the following steps and solutions based on the information provided:

Compliance

Make sure that your SMS campaigns follow local laws and industry standards. This includes obtaining proper authorization from recipients and offering opt-out choices. Noncompliance might result in delivery issues as well as legal implications.

Sender reputation

Send relevant and helpful SMS messages to maintain a positive reputation. Sending unsolicited or spammy information might damage your reputation and result in decreased deliverability rates.

Opt-in subscribers

Build your subscriber list with people who have specifically requested to receive SMS messages from your company, reducing the risk of SMS outbound failure by ensuring that users are engaged and interested.

Clean and up-to-date data

Clean up your contact list frequently, removing invalid or inactive phone numbers. Outdated or incorrect numbers can lead to failed deliveries. Use SMS service providers with systems in place for verifying and updating phone number databases.

Sender ID

Make your Sender ID more recognizable and trustworthy. Using a distinctive Sender ID improves the chances of your communications being delivered.

Mobile network connectivity

For greater deliverability across multiple locations, ensure your SMS service provider has reliable network operators.

To ensure seamless delivery across multiple locations, consider using our SMS API service for enhanced mobile network connectivity.

Delivery reports and monitoring

Regularly track and analyze delivery reports provided by your SMS carrier. These reports include information on delivery rates, failed deliveries, and other metrics that might assist you in optimizing your SMS campaigns.

Message content and formatting

Send SMS messages that are brief and clear while sticking to character limitations (often 160 characters). Using special characters or excessive abbreviations can result in message truncation or delivery issues.

Timing

To improve deliverability, consider timing your SMS messages. Avoid sending messages during late-night hours or when recipients are less likely to be available or receptive.

Testing and optimization

To improve deliverability rates, use A/B testing and experiment with alternative message formats, timing, and targeting. Optimize your SMS outbound marketing regularly, depending on data and feedback.

Ways to Improve Your SMS and MMS Delivery Rate

Invalid numbers

Ensure you send messages to valid phone numbers with the right country prefix (e.g., “1” for the United States) to improve SMS and MMS deliverability.

Avoid sending messages to landlines or wrong/disconnected numbers. Be wary of carrier filters that may prevent A2P communications from being sent.

Use sophisticated A2P routing and avoid terms that can trigger filtering.

Routing factors

Check for issues with SMS routing, and use providers with reliable routing services.

“Long Code” text messaging

If you’re sending a high volume of messages, consider using short-code SMS services for better deliverability.

Network congestion

Keep network congestion in mind during peak hours and schedule messages for periods when network traffic is lower. Consider signal strength and connection, and, if required, modify your location to ensure reliable message delivery.

Blocked numbers

Ensure you haven’t been blocked by the recipient, and maintain open and honest communication with them.

DND (Do Not Disturb) Mode

Be mindful of the recipient’s Do Not Disturb settings and set up other contact or communication times.

Software glitches

To reduce the likelihood of having technical difficulties, keep your software and apps up to date.

Message center number misconfiguration

Double-check that the correct Message Center Number (MCN) is configured on your device.

Message length and format

To guarantee reliable transmission, stick to character limitations, such as the typical 160 characters for SMS messages. For longer messages, use concatenation and other alternative approaches.

Roaming restrictions

Be aware of roaming restrictions when traveling abroad, and consider using alternative messaging platforms.

Sender’s service outage

Stay informed about service outages from your mobile service provider and consider alternative communication methods during outages.

Sender error

Double-check recipient numbers and prepaid plan balances to avoid unnecessary delivery failures.

Carrier blocklists

Be aware of carrier blocklists and engage with carrier support services if needed.

Phone memory issues

Manage your message inbox and consider cloud-based storage to optimize device storage capacity.

Blacklisted devices

Ensure responsible use of mobile devices to avoid blacklisting.

Conclusion

Ever sent a text and wondered if it got through? A delivery report in a bulk SMS solution tells you that your message was successfully delivered. It gives you peace of mind, and if there’s an issue, it alerts you so you can take action.

For businesses sending bulk messages, delivery reports are essential for tracking the success of your SMS campaigns and helping you make necessary adjustments.

TextGrid, a leading API solution provider, makes it easy for you to access the latest features in SMS wholesale software so you can manage your SMS wholesale business more efficiently.

What is Telnyx?

Telnyx is a widely-used communication and connectivity platform that offers various services globally. It uses a private IP network for voice, SMS, fax, and IP communication.

The platform seamlessly integrates into applications through a user-friendly Mission Control site and API.

The Telnyx Suite includes features such as SIP trunking, messaging API, voice API, lookup API, programmable fax API, and wireless services.

Its global high-speed connection ensures reliable and efficient communication worldwide, characterized by low latency and high uptime.

Telnyx’s intelligent connection gives next-generation businesses control over communications through their website and RESTful API.

Telnyx offers in-house engineering support to customers at any time, all days a year. It also features add-on services like configuration management, enterprise-level security, and fraud detection.

TextGrid vs Telnyx

TextGrid is changing the game in API messaging. They offer advanced services similar to Telnyx but at a much lower cost, making them a top choice for API services.

TextGrid consistently adapts to meet customers’ needs to stay ahead of the competition. Their primary focus is on problem-solving and delivering exceptional customer service.

Right now, they offer the most competitive prices in the industry, starting at just $.0035 for outgoing SMS and free for incoming messages. Volume discounts go as low as $.0009.

Plivo vs. Telnyx

Plivo is another reliable solution that competes closely with Telnyx.

Its comprehensive platform empowers businesses to make, receive, and manage phone calls while allowing developers to easily integrate real-time communications into their applications.

Plivo stands out due to its remarkable track record, boasting a delivery success rate of over 98%.

Businesses that have integrated Plivo’s messaging and voice APIs praise the platform for its seamless services and zero downtime, even during peak loads.

Importantly, Plivo offers reasonable prices across many geographic areas, making it an appealing solution to companies worldwide.

A high per-minute Trunk with full coverage supports the platform’s global reach.

Bandwidth vs Telnyx

Bandwidth is a versatile communications platform that simplifies messaging, voice calls, and emergencies while addressing telecom complexities.

With its user-friendly software and extensive features, Bandwidth offers seamless integration into collaboration apps.

The platform’s scalable API library makes it simple to get started, and it allows users to modify their carrier and telecom alternatives for more adaptability.

Bandwidth’s contemporary approach to communications combines the reliability of a nationwide all-IP voice network with enterprise-grade APIs, helping businesses to innovate and improve how they communicate with their audience.

Twilio vs Telnyx

Twilio and Telnyx are similar in that they both offer voice and SMS APIs for business communication.

They allow businesses to create consumer experiences across several channels by integrating communications across various channels.

Twilio’s flexible platform empowers developers to build online apps that use voice, video, chat, and SMS.

Some Telnyx subscribers, however, are concerned about the high expenses, particularly call rates, and have chosen Twilio instead.

MessageBird vs Telnyx

MessageBird and Telnyx are sophisticated communication systems featuring many similarities, such as voice APIs, SMS/MMS messaging, adjustable numbers, security features, and worldwide reach.

However, communication channels, omnichannel support, RCS capabilities, and fax services differ.

MessageBird focuses on omnichannel experiences, supporting multi-channel communication, including RCS.

Telnyx offers advanced features like video conferencing, WebRTC SDKs, explicit programmable fax services, a user-friendly UI, and a private global IP network.

Choosing between them depends on business needs, feature preferences, and factors like user interface simplicity or pricing.

Why is SMS marketing still relevant?

Let’s be honest: who would have thought that in this digitally advanced era, with all the messaging apps at our fingertips, businesses would still consider texting their customers via good old SMS?

And let’s remember emails that we religiously check every morning with our first sip of coffee.

The truth is that SMS marketing is still very powerful and will likely remain so for a long time.

We can’t ignore the statistics that clearly tell SMS texts still have the highest open rates, an impressive 98%, which is hard to beat.

This means messages are opened instantly, making SMS an ideal channel for promoting time-sensitive offers, discounts, or limited-time promotions.

As weird and unusual as it sounds, not everyone is a slave to the trends, and there are still many individuals without all the popular social media apps installed.

Since SMS is a standard feature on every type of phone, whether it’s an iPhone or the good old Nokia 3310, if your business targets older people, the chances are that most of them might be using non-smartphones.

Apart from the fact that customers are likely to open texts much faster than checking their email inbox or Facebook, SMS marketing is a more affordable option, making it a win-win situation.

It has lower costs than other channels, allowing businesses to reach a broad demographic without exceeding their budget.

Unlike emails that can get lost in the space, SMS messages are delivered directly to the recipient’s inbox, eliminating the risk of spam or filters.

SMS campaigns are relatively simple to create and implement, requiring minimal resources compared to more complex digital advertising methods.

Even though SMS marketing might seem old-fashioned to some, it remains very interactive and engaging, regardless of the type of business you run—whether it’s in restaurants, retail, healthcare, or beauty.

Discover the incredible impact of bulk SMS on your revenue and business operations.

You can send personalized messages to your customers via MMS, such as brochures, GIFs, emojis, polls, and surveys.

SMS can also serve as a customer service channel, as many customers prefer messaging customer care agents rather than making phone calls.

This demonstrates the versatility of SMS as a communication tool beyond just marketing, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Proven strategies for successful SMS marketing

Get customers’ consent

As we mentioned earlier, the first and foremost important thing is to ensure you follow regulations like the TCPA to avoid penalties.

There are a few ways you can do this – for example, you can request customers to opt for marketing updates through a form, checkbox, or text-specific keywords.

Consider providing incentives such as a chance for them to win something or get a discount or something for free.

Make sure you explicitly communicate that they are agreeing to receive text messages.

Once you do this, ensure you aren’t too intrusive since no matter how interested customers are in your business or services, no one wants to be overwhelmed with constant ads and messages all the time.

Be mindful of the time when you are sending the messages.

You can send texts once or twice weekly to avoid excessive automated flows, and you can also combine email and Facebook Messenger to maintain a balanced approach.

Rules for text messaging every business should know

Get permission in writing

• Before sending promotional text messages, businesses must ask for written permission.
• Permission can be electronic, like saying “yes” on the phone, clicking a box online, or texting a specific word to a number.

Be specific about the topic and sender

• Permission is for certain topics and sender IDs.
• If someone says “no” to one type of message, businesses can try to get them to say “yes” to another.

Keep a record of permission

• Save the permission in your business records.
• Keep it safe, including details about the topic and sender.

Keep track of conversations

• Record all conversations with each person.
• Save the conversation history in your records.

Make it easy to opt-out

• If someone doesn’t want messages, save them in your records.
• Confirm their choice with one final message.

Follow rules from TCPA and CTIA

• Follow CTIA rules for extra protection, like telling people what your campaign is about, how often you’ll message, and if there are any costs.
• Tell people about future messages, that they’re from an autodialer, and that they don’t have to buy anything.

Clearly explain terms and conditions

• For TCPA, say in your message that people will get future promotions, messages are automated, and agreeing isn’t needed to buy something.
• For CTIA, tell people about your campaign, what to expect, how often, and the costs, and give a link to terms and privacy.

Check and update regularly

• Know if there are new rules for text marketing.
• Keep checking and updating how you do things to follow the rules.

Introduce your business

Don’t assume your clients automatically recognize your SMS contact information.

If you don’t declare your identity upfront, they may not know who is reaching out to them, and this lack of identification could result in them not paying attention to your message.

Follow a simple format by placing your company name at the beginning of the message, followed by a colon.

SMS messages have a 160-character limit, so introducing yourself and providing an opt-out is not much space.

Make sure your message is clear and concise. Use links (and shorteners) to share more details after a brief intro.

Personalized communication: Go beyond the generic messages

In today’s fierce market competition, standing out and gaining your customers’ trust is very hard.

Ask yourself why they should choose your business and engage with you in the first place.

Of course, it’s because of the trust and value they place in your service.

Make sure you make them feel special and appreciated, so sending generic automated messages won’t work.

You want to get to know your customers more personally and closely, so segment them based on their age, gender, and interests, like previous purchases or subscriptions.

You don’t want to advertise the wrong item to the wrong customer since you might risk losing them.

Build fast engagement with loyalty programs and location-based marketing

Also, using location-based marketing can be highly effective in reaching mobile users.

With the help of GPS technology, businesses can send relevant and timely offers to users based on their location, increasing the chances of engagement and conversions.

Integrating a loyalty program lets you build a mobile subscriber list reasonably quickly.

Then, when you want to alert your customers about an event, a sale, or a new product, you can send a text blast out to all of them, and within minutes, it will be seen by 98% of them.

There isn’t another channel that has this instant reach.

With that loyalty program we mentioned, there will be other texts sent to customers due to actions they took or didn’t take, so your brand will stay top of mind consistently.

Strategic approach for best results

To stay ahead in marketing, businesses must constantly look for new and inventive ways to connect with customers.

Test different strategies and keep a close eye on the results of your SMS marketing efforts, analyzing metrics like response rates, opt-out rates, and conversion rates to refine and enhance future campaigns.

Embrace emerging technologies

Implement emerging technologies like AR and VR.

These tools can be used to create incredibly interactive experiences for users.

For example, AR allows customers to try on products, while VR can create virtual tours or simulations.

Implement video content. Develop engaging, mobile-friendly videos to grab the attention of mobile users.

Sending short videos, such as stories or reels, is particularly effective in mobile marketing.

Explore SMS marketing tools

For effective marketing and customer care, unlike essential messaging apps, the TextGrid platform helps integrate SMS into your initiatives by collecting and managing customer care messages from various channels in one inbox.

This unified approach ensures a cohesive response to customer inquiries.

Automate routine customer care tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complex issues.

Agents can access CRM information during active chats, ensuring well-informed responses to delight customers.

TextGrid allows you to launch mass SMS campaigns, including transactional messages and promotional content.

The platform also offers a built-in web form to convert website visitors and email subscribers into SMS subscribers.

You can take advantage of TextGrid’s MMS capability to send GIFs, pictures, and text messages. Here you can learn more about the difference between SMS and MMS and how you can use each of them for your business purposes.

Create personalized, compliance-focused messages to enhance customer engagement and generate revenue.