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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Times Mobile</title> <atom:link href="https://timesmobile.in/index.php/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://timesmobile.in</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:48:44 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2</generator> <image> <url>https://timesmobile.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/wifi.png</url> <title>Times Mobile</title> <link>https://timesmobile.in</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Maximizing Reach with Bulk SMS Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide</title> <link>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/maximizing-reach-with-bulk-sms-marketing/</link> <comments>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/maximizing-reach-with-bulk-sms-marketing/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[AdTric]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:34:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.timesmobile.in/?p=20670</guid> <description><![CDATA[Reaching your audience in real time can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful campaign. Bulk SMS marketing is one of the most powerful ways to reach customers instantly and drive meaningful engagement. With open rates as high as 98%, SMS marketing stands out as one of the most reliable and impactful […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Reaching your audience in real time can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful campaign.<strong> </strong>Bulk SMS marketing is one of the most powerful ways to reach customers instantly and drive meaningful engagement. With open rates as high as 98%, SMS marketing stands out as one of the most reliable and impactful strategies for businesses looking to expand their reach. </p> <p>At Times Mobile, we offer tailored SMS communication tools designed to help businesses engage their audience, increase conversions, and grow their brand. In this guide, we’ll show you how you can maximize your reach using bulk SMS marketing, explore the features of SMS broadcast solutions, and leverage automated SMS campaigns to scale your business. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Bulk SMS Marketing Is Essential for Your Business </h3> <p>No matter the size or industry, businesses need to communicate quickly and effectively with their customers. Bulk SMS marketing provides an immediate and cost-effective way to do this. With almost everyone owning a mobile device, SMS has the power to deliver messages instantly to a wide audience. </p> <p>By using bulk SMS marketing, you can: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Boost engagement:</strong> SMS messages are typically opened within minutes of delivery, making it a direct line to your customers. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Drive conversions:</strong> Whether you’re sending promotions, reminders, or product updates, SMS messages prompt quick action. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Improve customer retention:</strong> Keep your customers informed and engaged with personalized, timely messages. </li> </ul> <p>If you’re looking to stay connected with your audience and ensure your message gets across, bulk SMS marketing is the tool you need. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Leverage SMS Broadcast Solutions for Maximum Impact </h3> <p>Our SMS broadcast solutions are designed to simplify the process of sending messages to large groups of people. Whether you need to reach hundreds or thousands of customers, Times Mobile’s SMS broadcast tool can help you achieve this effortlessly. </p> <p>Here’s why SMS broadcast solutions are a game-changer for businesses: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Instant reach:</strong> Deliver messages to a large audience within seconds, ensuring time-sensitive information is delivered promptly. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Personalization:</strong> Customize your broadcasts with customer names or other details to increase engagement. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Cost-effective:</strong> Reach a large number of people at once without the high costs typically associated with traditional advertising. </li> </ul> <p>Imagine being able to notify thousands of customers about a flash sale, an event, or an urgent update with just one click. With our SMS broadcast solutions, you can engage your audience efficiently and effectively. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Streamline Your Campaigns with Automated SMS Campaigns </h3> <p>Manual processes can slow down your marketing efforts, especially when dealing with high volumes of messages. That’s where automated SMS campaigns come in. At Times Mobile, we provide automated SMS tools that allow businesses to schedule and send messages automatically, saving time while ensuring consistency. </p> <p>Benefits of automated SMS campaigns include: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Efficiency:</strong> Set up your campaigns once and let the system handle the rest, reducing the need for manual input. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Consistency:</strong> Ensure that messages are delivered on time, every time, without the risk of human error. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Targeted marketing:</strong> Segment your audience and send specific messages to the right group at the right time, increasing the likelihood of engagement. </li> </ul> <p>For example, you can set up a series of automated messages to welcome new customers, send order confirmations, or remind customers of upcoming events. This not only enhances the customer experience but also frees up your team to focus on more strategic tasks. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Power of Personalized SMS Communication Tools </h3> <p>One-size-fits-all messaging is a thing of the past. Today’s customers expect personalized, relevant communication. Times Mobile’s SMS communication tools allow businesses to customize their messages, delivering the right information to the right people at the right time. </p> <p>By using our SMS communication tools, you can: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Tailor messages:</strong> Use customer data to personalize messages, such as including their name, purchase history, or preferences. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Improve engagement:</strong> Customers are more likely to respond to messages that are relevant to them. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Boost customer loyalty:</strong> When customers feel valued and heard, they’re more likely to stick with your brand. </li> </ul> <p>Imagine sending a birthday discount to your customers or a personalized product recommendation based on their past purchases. Our make it easy to keep your customers engaged and connected to your brand. </p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Choose Times Mobile for Your Bulk SMS Marketing Needs? </h3> <p>At Times Mobile, we understand that every business is unique. That’s why we offer customizable solutions to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to increase engagement, drive sales, or build stronger customer relationships, our bulk SMS marketing services are designed to help you achieve your goals. </p> <p>Here’s what sets us apart: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Reliable delivery: </strong>Our advanced infrastructure ensures that your messages are delivered quickly and accurately. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>24/7 support:</strong> We provide dedicated support to ensure your campaigns run smoothly, every time. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Scalable solutions:</strong> As your business grows, so can your SMS campaigns. Our platform is designed to handle high volumes with ease. </li> </ul> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Data-driven insights:</strong> Track your campaign performance with real-time analytics, helping you make informed decisions and optimize your strategy. </li> </ul> <p>With Times Mobile, you’re not just sending messages—you’re building relationships, driving conversions, and growing your business. </p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Ready to Maximize Your Reach with Bulk SMS Marketing? </h4> <p>There’s no better time than now to start leveraging the power of bulk SMS marketing. Whether you’re sending promotional offers, reminders, or important updates, Times Mobile’s SMS communication tools are here to help you connect with your customers, drive engagement, and scale your business. </p> <p>Contact Timesmobile today to learn more about our SMS broadcast solutions<strong> </strong>and how automated SMS campaigns can take your business to the next level. </p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/maximizing-reach-with-bulk-sms-marketing/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How Conversation2Conversion Ads Are More Convenient Than Traditional WhatsApp Marketing for Brands</title> <link>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/how-conversation2conversion-ads-are-more-convenient-than-traditional-whatsapp-marketing-for-brands/</link> <comments>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/how-conversation2conversion-ads-are-more-convenient-than-traditional-whatsapp-marketing-for-brands/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[AdTric]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2024 06:09:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[CCTA Vs Whatsapp]]></category> <category><![CDATA[conversation to conversion ads]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.timesmobile.in/?p=20392</guid> <description><![CDATA[In today’s fast-paced digital environment, brands are constantly seeking new ways to engage their audiences and drive meaningful conversions. While WhatsApp has long been a trusted tool for communication, the advent of Conversation-to-Conversion Ads (CTCA) is revolutionizing how brands interact with customers. Unlike traditional WhatsApp marketing, CTCA integrates seamlessly with social media platforms, offering a […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>In today’s fast-paced digital environment, brands are constantly seeking new ways to engage their audiences and drive meaningful conversions. While WhatsApp has long been a trusted tool for communication, the advent of Conversation-to-Conversion Ads (CTCA) is revolutionizing how brands interact with customers. Unlike traditional WhatsApp marketing, CTCA integrates seamlessly with social media platforms, offering a more direct and efficient pathway for engagement.</p> <p>In this blog, we’ll explore how CTCA outperform traditional WhatsApp marketing and why brands are adopting this innovative strategy to enhance customer engagement and boost ROI.</p> <h5 class="wp-block-heading">What Are Conversation-to-Conversion Ads (CTCA)?</h5> <p>Conversation-to-Conversion Ads are interactive ads displayed on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, featuring a WhatsApp button as the call-to-action (CTA). When users click on these ads, they are instantly redirected to the brand’s WhatsApp chat, where real-time interactions begin.</p> <p>This new model bridges the gap between advertising and communication, eliminating unnecessary steps and enabling brands to connect with customers faster than ever before.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">CTCA vs. Traditional WhatsApp Marketing: A Comparison</h3> <p>Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how CTCA outshines traditional WhatsApp marketing for brands:</p> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Aspect</strong></td><td><strong>Traditional WhatsApp Marketing</strong></td><td><strong>Conversation2Conversion Ads</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Customer Onboarding</strong></td><td>Requires manually sharing WhatsApp numbers or links</td><td>One-click access to chat directly from ads</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Engagement</strong></td><td>Delayed or scheduled messages</td><td>Real-time conversations initiated from the ad</td></tr><tr><td><strong>User Experience</strong></td><td>Friction in getting customers to engage</td><td>Seamless, fast, and intuitive user experience</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Lead Capture</strong></td><td>Requires separate forms or steps</td><td>Automatically captures leads within WhatsApp chat</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Conversion Rates</strong></td><td>Lower due to manual follow-ups</td><td>Higher with real-time engagement and quick response</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Targeting Capabilities</strong></td><td>Limited targeting through broadcast messages</td><td>Advanced targeting through Facebook & Instagram Ads</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <p>As seen above, CTCA simplifies engagement by providing direct access to a brand’s WhatsApp, allowing customers to connect without barriers. This streamlined process offers brands an edge in building meaningful conversations that lead to conversions.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why CTCA Are More Effective for Brands</h3> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>1. Real-Time Customer Engagement</h4> <p>With CTCA, customers engage with the brand instantly by clicking the WhatsApp button within the ad. This eliminates waiting times and helps brands capture interest at the peak of user intent.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>2. Seamless Social Media Integration</h4> <p>CTCA integrate directly into Facebook and Instagram campaigns, allowing brands to leverage these platforms’ massive user bases. One-click access to WhatsApp chats increases the likelihood of engagement.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>3. Personalized Conversations with AI-Driven Chatbots</h4> <p>Brands can enhance CTCA campaigns with AI-powered chatbots to automate responses and personalize interactions. This ensures customers receive immediate attention and relevant information without delay.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>4. Higher Conversion Rates</h4> <p>CTCA boasts higher conversion rates than traditional WhatsApp marketing due to real-time interactions. Customers are more likely to make purchase decisions with faster responses, boosting overall campaign performance.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>5. Advanced Targeting and Retargeting Capabilities</h4> <p>By running CTCA on platforms like Facebook, brands can leverage advanced targeting tools to reach the right audience. They can also retarget users who interacted with previous ads but didn’t convert, driving better results over time.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>Use Case: How CTCA Boosted a Retailer’s Festive Sales</h3> <p>A leading retailer used CTCA to promote their festive discounts across Facebook and Instagram. Customers who clicked on the ad were redirected to the retailer’s WhatsApp chatbot, where they received product recommendations and exclusive offers.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>30% increase in lead conversions</strong> within the first week</li> <li><strong>25% improvement in cart recovery </strong>through abandoned cart reminders</li> <li><strong>40% reduction in response time</strong> using AI-driven WhatsApp chatbots</li> </ul> <p>This case demonstrates how CTCA streamline the customer journey and drives higher engagement during critical sales periods.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>Long-Term Benefits of CTCA for Brands</h3> <ol start="1" class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Reduced Customer Drop-Offs:</strong> CTCA minimize friction in the customer journey, ensuring higher engagement rates.</li> <li><strong>Faster Lead Generation:</strong> By capturing leads within WhatsApp, brands eliminate the need for additional forms and processes.</li> <li><strong>Improved Customer Experience:</strong> Real-time conversations build trust and foster better customer relationships.</li> <li><strong>Scalable for Growth:</strong> Whether for small businesses or enterprises, CTCA can easily scale to meet growing demand.</li> <li><strong>Optimized Campaign Performance:</strong> With detailed reporting on CTR, conversions, and response times, brands can continuously refine their campaigns.</li> </ol> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a></a>Conclusion: Unlock the Power of CTCA for Your Brand</h3> <p>In today’s competitive landscape, real-time customer engagement is critical for success. Conversation-to-Conversion Ads (CTCA) provide brands with an effective way to bridge the gap between advertising and communication, leading to higher conversions and enhanced customer experiences.</p> <p>Unlike traditional WhatsApp marketing, CTCA offers instant access to conversations with customers, helping brands engage meaningfully and drive results faster. With the ability to leverage advanced targeting, AI chatbots, and seamless social media integration, CTCA is quickly becoming a game-changer for performance marketing.</p> <p>Ready to take your marketing strategy to the next level? Unlock the power of Conversation-to-Conversion Ads with <a href="https://timesmobile.in/" data-type="link" data-id="https://timesmobile.in/">Times Mobile</a> and start turning conversations into conversions today.</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/how-conversation2conversion-ads-are-more-convenient-than-traditional-whatsapp-marketing-for-brands/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Secure OTP-less user authentication solution by Times Mobile</title> <link>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/secure-otp-less-user-authentication-solution-by-times-mobile/</link> <comments>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/secure-otp-less-user-authentication-solution-by-times-mobile/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[AdTric]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:39:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Authentication]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.timesmobile.in/?p=10869</guid> <description><![CDATA[As use of digital payments and online banking mushroom in India, instances of fraud have risen just as fast. India ranks 1st worldwide for identity thefts – 27.2 Million adults were compromised in FY22. Enterprises had to spend 1.3 Billion person-hours to resolve these identity thefts. Identity-related frauds in UPI alone led to ₹200 Crore of losses to account holders FY21. This is estimated to be ₹500 […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>As use of <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1973082&ref=indiatech.com#:~:text=UPI%20is%20used%20at%20all,China%2C%20Thailand%20and%20South%20Korea." target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital payments </a>and <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1440760/mobile-and-online-banking-penetration-worldwide-by-country/#:~:text=Mobile%20and%20online%20banking%20penetration%20worldwide%202023%2C%20by%20country&text=In%202023%2C%20South%20Korea%20had,smartphone%20or%20tablet%20in%20Korea." target="_blank" rel="noopener">online banking</a> mushroom in India, instances of fraud have risen just as fast. India ranks 1st worldwide for identity thefts – <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1389318/identity-theft-victims-%20in-selected-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">27.2 Million adults were compromised in FY22</a>. Enterprises had to <a href="https://inkwoodresearch.com/reports/india-identity-verification-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spend 1.3 Billion person-hours to resolve</a> these identity thefts.</p> <p>Identity-related frauds in UPI alone led to <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/upi-related-scams-account-for-55-of-total-digital-payments-frauds-in-india-123051600333_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">₹200 Crore of losses</a> to account holders FY21. This is estimated to be <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/total-upi-transactions-cross-100-billion-mark-in-2023/articleshow/106492917.cms?from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">₹500 Crore in 2023</a> (estimated to be proportional to the growth of transactions). Further, the recovery rate of these losses stands at an abysmal 2-8% of the lost money. In FY23, the Indian banking system recorded <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1012762/india-value-of-bank-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">13,530 fraud cases</a>. In May 2023, the Reserve Bank of India reported the highest incidence of fraud in digital payments.</p> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_swap_scam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SIM swap or SIM-jacking</a> has been identified as one of the most prevalent frauds in India that exploits the inherent weakness of OTP via SMS. Recently, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/rbi-urges-otp-alternatives-to-enhance-security-in-digital-payments/articleshow/107538429.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a news report on TOI</a> quoted RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das urging regulated entities to adopt better alternatives to OTP via SMS for second-factor authentication. Recently, ICICI Bank was quoted in a <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/icici-bank-warns-customers-this-new-kind-of-fraud-becoming-frequent/articleshow/108948796.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst&pcode=462" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news report on the Times of India</a> identifying types of identity fraud faced by their consumers.</p> <p>To address the above, Times Mobile recently <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/sekuraid-partners-with-times-internet-to-offer-secure-mobile-authentication-services/articleshow/107913457.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced a partnership</a> with <a href="http://sekura.id/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sekura.id</a> to bring an SMS OTP-less authentication method to India called <a href="https://sekura.id/safr-auth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SAFr Auth</a>. This technology verifies mobile possession via SIM in real-time without the use of a username, password or OTP to deliver a superlative customer experience.</p> <p>When using the traditional SMS based OTP, the user has to go through a 7 step process shown below to authenticate themselves –</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1054" height="264" src="https://timesmobile.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Using-OTP-SMS.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6558"/></figure> <p>In addition to being prone to customer abandonment, this also leaves the user open to SIM swap and phishing attacks. In contrast, SAFr Auth has a simple 3 step process shown below –</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" width="470" height="230" src="https://timesmobile.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Using-Sekura.png" alt="" class="wp-image-6559"/></figure> <p>In addition, SAFr Auth also eliminates fraud via the following process –</p> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" width="1500" height="857" src="https://timesmobile.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SAFr-Flow-Slide-Small-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7470"/></figure> <p>SAFr Auth verifies that the mobile number provided on the app (MSISDN A) matches the one detected by the mobile operator (MSISDN B). It also analyses additional risk signals to thwart phishing attacks.</p> <p>This server-based architecture based on OAuth 2.X protocol that integrates the enterprise (bank) server and mobile network operators enables SAFr Auth to eliminate 90% of the fraud associated with two-factor authentication methods like OTP SMS.</p> <p>SAFr Auth has been successfully deployed in a number of banks. A leading tier-1 high street bank in UK reported significant reduction in fraud and a smoother customer onboarding process leading to a 35% improvement in account approvals and a 25% reduction in customer abandonment. Yet another tier-1 bank in UK reported significant reduction in SMS OTP passcode related social engineering and account takeovers.</p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/secure-otp-less-user-authentication-solution-by-times-mobile/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Driving Enterprise Success through Omni-Channel Customer Experience</title> <link>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/driving-enterprise-success-through-omni-channel-customer-experience/</link> <comments>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/driving-enterprise-success-through-omni-channel-customer-experience/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[AdTric]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jul 2024 05:22:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Omni]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.timesmobile.in/?p=10861</guid> <description><![CDATA[Enterprises have to constantly keep an eye on evolving user preferences in terms of their preferred channels. This reduces friction and maximizes inclusion when engaging with customers. Once upon a time, customers expected to physically visit a business to get service. However, today the expectation of the customer is to be engaged via channels such […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Enterprises have to constantly keep an eye on evolving user preferences in terms of their preferred channels. This reduces friction and maximizes inclusion when engaging with customers.</p> <p>Once upon a time, customers expected to physically visit a business to get service. However, today the expectation of the customer is to be engaged via channels such as telephone, SMS, chat, email and more recently WhatsApp. Research from PwC, Twilio and Hubspot shows that there is significant differences between age groups –</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://timesmobile.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10862" width="697" height="439"/></figure> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Millennials prefer newer communication modes</li> <li>GenX and Baby Boomers prefer older modes</li> </ul> <p>Technology change provides another big opportunity to improve engagement with customers. Recently, Google launched RCS (Rich Communications Services) in partnership with MNOs in multiple markets as an alternative to SMS and WhatsApp. While still being adopted, RCS can deliver up to 10X higher engagement and 2 way communication (similar to WhatsApp for Business) to enterprises.</p> <p>Furthermore, surveys indicate that customers who engage with brands across multiple channels are likely to spend more and be more loyal compared to single-channel customers. This underscores the value of providing a consistent and integrated omni-channel experience to cater to the preferences and behaviors of diverse customer segments.</p> <p>Enterprises can use the following to improve omni-channel customer experience –</p> <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Separation of Data & Channels: Create a CDP/CRM that holds customer data.</li> <li>Personalization and Targeting: Utilize this customer data to personalize communication across channels e.g. offers based on individual preferences.</li> <li>Seamless Integration: Ensure seamless integration and continuity across channels e.g. continuation of a conversation across messaging channels.</li> <li>Interactive Engagement: Leverage the interactive features of messaging channels like RCS, WhatsApp, and Messenger to create engaging and interactive experiences that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.</li> <li>Data Analytics and Insights: Invest in robust data analytics tools to gather insights into customer behavior and preferences across channels, enabling continuous optimization of omni-channel strategies.</li> <li>Proactive Customer Support: Simply adding channels is not enough. Inquiries and issues raised by customers should be solved in a timely manner.</li> </ol> <p>Times Mobile’s cPaaS platforms enable multiple channels such as SMS, RCS, WhatsApp, Voice, Email etc. It also has the ability to generate custom analytics such as identifying multi-channel customers e.g. a segment that responds to SMS during the day and to WhatsApp in the evening.</p> <p><a href="https://wa.me/+919654491556?text=Hi,%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20designing%20an%20Omni-channel%20Strategy%20to%20drive%20user%20retention%20and%20revenue%20growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/driving-enterprise-success-through-omni-channel-customer-experience/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>SMS vs WhatsApp – Striking the Right Balance for Customer Communications</title> <link>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/sms-vs-whatsapp-striking-the-right-balance-for-customer-communications/</link> <comments>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/sms-vs-whatsapp-striking-the-right-balance-for-customer-communications/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[AdTric]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:30:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[SMS vs WhatsApp]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://staging.timesmobile.in/?p=10865</guid> <description><![CDATA[WhatsApp, after its launch in 2009, has grown rapidly across the world. It’s grown at an average pace of 30.5% annually in India over the last 5 years. Despite this rapid rise of WhatsApp, SMS continues to be the largest channel for customer communications in India. This article seeks to re-iterate the reasons to strike […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>WhatsApp, after its launch in 2009, has grown rapidly across the world. It’s grown at an average pace of 30.5% annually in India over the last 5 years. Despite this rapid rise of WhatsApp, SMS continues to be the largest channel for customer communications in India. This article seeks to re-iterate the reasons to strike a balance between SMS and WhatsApp for enterprise customer communications.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="371" src="https://timesmobile.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-10866"/></figure> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Ubiquity</h1> <p>WhatsApp, first introduced in 2009, is now available in 60 languages across 180+ countries. It has over 2 billion users who spend roughly 195 minutes per week on the platform. To use this application, a user requires a basic smartphone.</p> <p>SMS was first introduced in the early 1990s. It was designed to run on basic feature phones. As a result, with 5.1 billion users, it reaches almost 67% of the global population. While facing competition from the feature-rich WhatsApp and other similar messaging apps, SMS remains a requisite channel for business communication, especially to ensure inclusivity.</p> <p>Times Mobile offers both WhatsApp for Business (WABA) and SMS platforms and accompanying APIs to enterprises to integrate these channels into their key business applications and processes.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Features</h1> <p>SMS is limited to 160 characters per message, whereas WhatsApp can deliver up to 4096 characters per message. SMS can only deliver text messages (although most SMS reading apps today recognize simple features such as a clickable URL), whereas a WhatsApp message can contain images, videos, carousels and interactive buttons in addition to text.</p> <p>A2P SMS in India is limited to one-way communication. WhatsApp facilitates interactive, two-way communication. Times Mobile’s WhatsApp for Business platform enables two-way communication with chatbots as well as live agents in a seamless manner.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Performance and Tracking</h1> <p>Enterprises want their customer communications to be read. Both SMS and WhatsApp perform well on message opens with 90% and 98% of messages being opened, respectively.</p> <p>Enterprises also want their customer communications to be engaged with. Given the text-only nature of SMS, its click-through rate is anywhere between 1-6%. WhatsApp on the other hand, scores well here, with a click-through rate of around 40%. This is unsurprising since WhatsApp offers the ability to use media, whereas SMS is limited to static text.</p> <p>Both offer the ability to track the delivery of the message. However, WhatsApp offers the ability to track read receipts as well, which SMS does not. WhatsApp also can track clicks. SMS doesn’t have a native click-tracking ability. Times Mobile, however, offers a comprehensive URL tracking capability for its A2P SMS solution. In addition, for enterprises using our click trackers, we also give a map of the enterprise’s audience against TIL’s audience segments.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Security Measures</h1> <p>WhatsApp emphasizes strong security with end-to-end encryption. Messages are scrambled on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted by the recipient’s device. In addition, WhatsApp offers features like two-step verification and screen lock to enhance security.</p> <p>SMS lacks in-built encryption. Messages travel in plain text, making them vulnerable to interception by anyone with access to the network infrastructure. However, Times Mobile works with telecom operators that implement significant security measures to secure SMS.</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Commercials</h1> <p>SMS pricing in India is in the range of ₹0.12-0.15 per message, and WhatsApp for Business pricing today is in the range of ₹0.35-0.75 per 24-hour session, depending on the application (utility/service or marketing respectively).</p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusions</h1> <p>We recommend the following use cases based on the differences highlighted above –</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>WhatsApp is well suited for customer support as it is a good two-way channel. Also, multiple demographics across languages in India are comfortable chatting on it. Times Mobile’s WhatsApp for Business Services can work with you to implement a full solution that integrates chatbots and live agents into an optimal support experience. </li> <li>WhatsApp is also well suited for marketing applications given its rich messaging capabilities and high click-through rates. At the commercials and click-through rates illustrated above, the effective cost per click for SMS is around ₹5 whereas for WhatsApp it can be as low as ₹1.9.</li> <li>SMS is great for one-way notifications in which there is relatively less interactivity, e.g. delivering OTPs or transactional updates. Times Mobile’s SMS solution can ensure high delivery rates, open rates, and low latency.</li> </ul> <p></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://timesmobile.in/index.php/sms-vs-whatsapp-striking-the-right-balance-for-customer-communications/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>