Are you familiar with sending business text messages? If you are then great, if not you’ll be amazed to learn that there are a variety of different ways in which any business can send and receive text messages. One of the most popular methods is through SMS APIs.
Put simply, SMS (Short Message Service) APIs (Application Programming Interface) are a script or code that sits between your current software, programme or application and that of the SMS gateway provider. In other words, you carry on using the applications you access day-in, day-out, just with the added facility to send and receive text messages.
Did you know that’s how it worked? There’s a common misconception that when it comes to SMS marketing, you’ll either need to download additional software or login to a third party service to send out your messages. In truth, this needn’t be the case. It’s much simpler and more akin to your needs and requirements – all thanks to SMS APIs.
Integrate a number of API scripts
The beauty of SMS APIs is that whatever application or programme you currently use at work, an SMS API script or code can be implemented. This usually takes a day or so, or as long as it takes your developer, but depending on what SMS gateway provider you choose, it’s likely there will be some assistance, just to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The code or the script is usually the same, meaning that whatever application you have, it’s highly likely there will be a compatible script for you to use. That’s why so many businesses and companies have taken advantage of SMS APIs. For example, businesses with the recruitment, hospitality and retail sectors have taken advantage of this to get in contact with clients, customers and guests.
Whether it’s to send out promotional messages with discounts and offers, or even to send customer’s important information regarding bookings or purchases and even appointment reminders, there’s a strong need for, and an excellent strategy behind SMS marketing; and with SMS API’s, the whole process has been made a lot easier.
Why are there different code languages?
Whilst SMS API scripts enable any business to set up an account and obtain the free documentation needed for their developer to implement, there are still a few small hurdles to clear. For example, you need to choose the right script for your application. Now this depends entirely on what script or code your application was built with. For example, a few common examples include PHP, Java and C#.
So you need to choose the script that’s applicable to your application, but fear not because depending on your SMS gateway provider, these will be made available. That’s why SMS API providers offer a variety of different scripts and codes; there won’t necessarily be a huge selection to choose from, just different codes written in different programming language – a godsend for developers.
How can businesses take advantage?
It’s so simple and straightforward that regardless of what appears to be jargon filled and fairly ominous looking codes, any business can integrate an SMS API into their current applications.
First of all, you need to establish which gateway provider you’re going to use. This can be based on the scripts and codes they use, or how much they charge to set up and account. There are multiple providers out there, so finding one that offers a free account set-up isn’t uncommon; with some they even throw in free credits for text messages. This is to help you test your API first, so you don’t end up incurring any extra costs.
Once you’ve chosen the right provider, with the most relevant and suitable API scripts and codes, then it’s over to your developer. As mentioned, they’ll receive the necessary help (if needed), but most developers deal with scripts and codes day-in, day-out. Whilst it may look Greek to the untrained eye, for these guys it’s their native tongue. After the code is integrated, it’s just a case of sending some test texts, and then purchasing the number of credits for the text message you want. The more credits you buy, the cheaper your text messages become.
There you have it. SMS providers offer a variety of API scripts and codes to suit the as many applications and programmes as possible. Whilst the script is similar, the code language will change depending on the code in which your application was written.
This is Rohan, I’m a Digital marketing Expert, Full time Content Writer and founder of BoxerTechnology.com I can help people across the world through my articles. I am sharing the latest stories from companies like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Amazon.