At a time when emailing and social networking are taking center stage, SMS may seem outdated. Yet this mode of communication remains a very promising sector. Whether for marketing campaigns, transaction management or appointment scheduling, having an API to send SMS is a way to stand out from the crowd. How can it be integrated with existing solutions? Which SMS platform should you choose, and how? Here are the answers.
What is an API and what are SMS APIs used for?
API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API is therefore an application programming interface used to create connections between different software programs in order to exchange data.
An SMS API makes it possible to link message delivery to a website or business application. These solutions can be used for professional purposes, enabling programmed and automated group or individual mailings.
SMS APIs are used in a variety of sectors and for a variety of purposes:
- Marketing campaign
- Make an appointment and call back before
- Order tracking...
Although many companies have abandoned SMS in favor of e-mail, it's not without its advantages. Although an SMS marketing campaign costs more than its e-mail counterpart, the average open rate is much higher. What's more, there's less competition via this channel.
However, privacy regulations prohibit the sending of e-mails between 8pm and 8am. As with the collection of e-mail addresses via popup windows, contacts must have consented to the communication of their mobile number.
The different solutions for sending SMS via an API
While the benefits of SMS campaigns need no further demonstration, it is imperative to have a dedicated management platform to centralize information, dispatch and statistics. There are a number of professional solutions with different functionalities. Manyemailing platforms include SMS options in their ecosystem.
1. SendinBlue SMS
The French alternative to Mailchimp SendinBlue SMS offers a range of services: free registration, SMS personalization, statistics, links, creation of website options, RGPD compliance...
2. Sarbacane SMS
Sarbacane SMS emailing software, also French, offers a 30-day free trial, tracked links, automatic personalization, image integration...
3. Primotexto
Published by Sarbacane, Primotexto allows you to send personalized messages, integrate images, manage unsubscriptions and access statistics, with prepaid packs or customized formulas...
4. SMSMode
Active since 2004, the French SMSMode solution is geared more towards large enterprises: data encryption, SMS routing, international dispatch, self-service access...
5. Digitaleo
The Digitaleo platform is focused on local marketing, and integrates its SMS APIs with a whole ecosystem for local communication: personalization, test and response, marketing automation sequences, website functionalities...
6. OVH Telecom
Best known for its web hosting services, OVH also offers SMS text messaging with database integration, HLR lookup, programming, acknowledgement of receipt, virtual number, performance analysis...
How to choose an SMS API platform
Faced with a variety of SaaS solutions, it can be difficult to make a choice. There are a number of criteria to consider.
Deliverability
The quality/price ratio should be studied in relation to the delivery rate of the sending platform. It may be preferable to pay a little more to be sure of reaching the recipient. A solution that routes SMS with operators is more reliable.
Main features
It's important to define your needs before choosing one API over another. Message programming, campaign personalization, simplified interface, HLR Lookup, RGPD compliance, adding images, access to statistics... So many points to specify to make the right choice.
Ancillary services
Not all SMS APIs offer CMS integration modules or the creation of contact collection forms.
Another option not to be overlooked is the language of the interface and customer support.
Payment method
Some solutions are based on monthly or annual subscriptions, while others are self-service, with invoicing based on the number of SMS sent.