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Branded SMS vs. Regular SMS: Why Branding Matters for Your Business

Branded SMS service is more than a marketing tool it represents the business’s professionalism, enhances trustworthiness, and provides commitment to customer engagement. On the other hand, regular SMS is used for basic communication.

Communication is no longer just a channel to inform; with branded sms service in Pakistan, it is more of a bridge that builds trust, relationships, and loyalty. Not just this, but businesses in Pakistan also strive to understand the importance of consistent and recognizable communication with their customers. SMS marketing is one of the oldest but most effective forms of communication. The SMS services in Pakistan connect businesses with their audiences. Two different approaches—branded and regular SMS- serve similar purposes, but their impact varies.

Let’s understand the differences between the two approaches, recognize why branding matters, and discuss how businesses in Pakistan can make more impactful decisions in their customer engagement strategies.

What is Regular SMS?

We all know about ‘Regular SMS,’ but let’s talk from a branding perspective. Regular SMS refers to messages sent from a regular phone number; it appears as an unknown number on the receiver’s phone. This sort of SMS lacks customization and a personal touch, making it difficult for the receiver to recognize the sender.

For instance, if a customer receives a message from a generic number like +9231246748, they may hesitate or ignore it, thinking of it as spam. The lack of recognition diminishes the message’s effectiveness, regardless of the content’s value. Maybe the brand is sending a message to inform the customer about the massive sale. Regular SMS is indeed cost-effective, but its limitations outweigh its benefits.

What is Branded SMS?

Branded SMS is a form of SMS marketing that not only allows businesses to replace the random number with a customer sender ID but also enhances the value of the content inside the message. Instead of receiving the message with a random number, the receiver sees the brand name as the sender, such as “Ideas” or “Khaddi.”

This immediate brand recognition creates a sense of trust and professionalism and ensures that the message is not only opened but acknowledged as it comes from a credible source.

Key Differences Between Branded SMS and Regular SMS

Feature Branded SMS Regular SMS
Sender ID Customized Random
Credibility High Low
Engagement Rates High Low
Cost Slightly High Low
Spam Likelihood Low High

Advantages of Branded SMS:

1. Immediate Brand Recognition:

When a customer receives an SMS that appears as the brand name, the customer knows exactly who is sending the message. This removes doubt and increases confidence, making your message easily noticeable, especially when your inbox is full.

2. Increased Credibility:

A message from a random number increases its chances of being perceived as spam and seems unprofessional. SMS with a branded name enhances credibility, and the customer opens the message to learn more about it. 

3. Higher Open Rates:

Branded SMS service in pakistan has an opening rate of 97%. Branded SMS further increases the changes and ensures customers are open and engaged with trusted sources.

4. Improved Customer Engagement

Personalization and branding are key sources for the customer’s engagement with the product. By including your brand name in a message, the customer feels important that a brand considers them loyal customers.

5. Enhanced Marketing Campaigns

Branded SMS campaigns can be more specific by incorporating promotional messages within their brand and service by regularly updating customers on the latest services or products in the market. This method also reinforces brand visibility and recall.

6. Competitive Advantage

In an era where customer trust is paramount, branded SMS gives you an edge over competitors who are still relying on generic messaging. It shows that your business prioritizes professional and transparent communication.

Why Branding Matters in SMS Marketing:

Branding is an experience, not just a name or a logo. Interaction with customers is more like an opportunity to enhance the brand’s identity, values, and promise. Moreover, branding is vital in SMS marketing, where messages are short and direct.

Building Trust:

According to statistics, a registered number gets around 20 spam messages daily. A branded SMS differentiates your business from the scammers. This builds trust for businesses in industries like branding, healthcare, or e-commerce, where sensitive information is shared.

Creating Consistency:

Consistent branding builds a strong brand identity. Customers who receive branded SMS tend to associate the message with your website, social media, and in-store experience.

Recalling:

Brand recalling is essential in a competitive market. As a business, you have to remind customers that you exist constantly. Whether it is a promotional offer or a delivery update, you must stay in the game.

When to Use Branded SMS:

Make sure to remember the following points.

  • To announce sales, discounts, and special offers.
  • To share order confirmations, payment receipts, and shipping updates.
  • To notify the customers about time-sensitive information, appointment reminders—-to deliver critical notifications.
  • To send customized messages for birthdays, anniversaries, or loyalty rewards.

How to Implement Branded SMS for Your Business:

Implementing Branded SMS is a simple process that involves a few key steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right SMS Service Provider

Selecting an SMS service provider that offers branded messaging requires work. The provider must also meet the local regulations and offer reasonable rates.

Step 2: Register Your Sender ID

In the provided message, collaborate with your SMS provider to register your brand’s name as the sender ID. It is imperative in this step to guarantee that its intended messages are well recognized and accepted.

Step 3: Craft Relevant Messages

Design messages that fit within the company’s specified culture and brand. Be as clear and concise as possible in your content.

Step 4: Monitor Campaign Performance

Use analytical tools to monitor the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns. Other quantitative indicators, such as open rate, click-through rate, or customer feedback, will provide much-needed guidance.

Step 5: Coordinate the use of SMS with Other media.

Integrate your SMS marketing with other media messages, including email, social media, and other communication tools.

Case Study: How Branded SMS Boosts Customer Loyalty

Let’s consider a scenario:

A local apparel shop, “Tex Apparels,” uses regular SMS services to notify customers about discounts and promotions. The generic sender ID leads to low engagement rates, and customers often ignore the messages, hence the decline in sales. However, Texas apparel offers good discounts and promotions.

The business then decides to switch to branded SMS service, where the sender ID is displayed as “TexApparels,” the brand notices a 40% increase in opening rates and a 25% boost in foot traffic. The simple switch from regular SMS to branded SMS services in pakistan enhances overall sales and strengthens customer loyalty.

Conclusion:

Branded SMS service is more than a marketing tool—it represents the business’s professionalism, enhances trustworthiness, and provides commitment to customer engagement. On the other hand, regular SMS is used for basic communication. The branded SMS service in Pakistan takes your strategy to the next level, which in turn enhances your overall credibility.

 

 

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