What is an SMS and an MMS?

What is an SMS?

• Short messaging service (SMS), similar to MMS is a telco grade communication protocol, used for B2B, B2C & P2P communications. The service is offered predominately via the Telco Carrier as a service from one number delivered cross carrier, to a recipient.
• An SMS is normally comprised of 160 characters. Spaces and grammar are counted as characters.
• SMS is great for transactional messaging but not good for promotional messaging.

Advantages of an SMS

• Short and to the point message, easy to read, and can have interactive links such as 'add2wallet' or your business 'vCard'.

Disadvantages of an SMS

• Visual impact is minimal, with no vibrancy or appeal to a customer to read or visualise your promotion or offer.
• Can appear to be 'spammy' in high volume quantities and is easily 'saved to read later' compared to the urgency and appeal of an MMS.

An example of an SMS received

What is an MMS?

• Multimedia messaging service (MMS) is a message that includes multimedia content, whether that be a static image or an animated GIF.
• An MMS can be personalised to each individual it is sent to.
• Unlike SMS, with every MMS sent a 220-character personal text is sent with it outlining any information a company wants to relay to their customer.
• An MMS creates a greater gateway to mobile interaction with your customers than an SMS or email does.
• An MMS is great for brand building, capturing your client's attention immediately thus leading to higher receptiveness to your marketing campaign.
• Being network, device & operating system agnostic, MMS is the most successful gateway to mobile interaction with your customer, providing the engaging, high utility experience which the ‘Messagenial’ market demands.

 Advantages of an MMS

• High impact visual appeal - clean and clear message that makes your customer WANT to open and view the content.
• Allows animation and variation in your image - multiple components to a campaign can be seen in a few seconds of viewing.

Disadvantages of an MMS

• Usually larger in size, can have trouble being received by some telco networks if you do not adhere to recommended size guidelines,

An example of an MMS received