When it comes to promotional messaging, businesses have traditionally relied on two main solutions: SMS and WhatsApp. However, each option has its own set of limitations and costs, making RCS (Rich Communication Services) a compelling choice for maximizing return on investment (ROI).
SMS is the oldest solution for promotional messaging. Despite its long-standing presence, SMS has notable limitations. For instance, messages sent to numbers registered on the Do Not Disturb (DND) list will not be delivered. Additionally, long SMS messages can incur multiple credits, often costing as much as RCS messages. This can make SMS a less efficient and more expensive option compared to RCS.
WhatsApp is another popular choice for businesses, but it comes with its own drawbacks. Promotional messages on WhatsApp are significantly more expensive, costing approximately three times as much as RCS messages. Furthermore, WhatsApp is primarily viewed as a personal messaging platform, leading to lower acceptance rates for promotional content. Users may be less receptive to receiving business communications on their personal WhatsApp accounts, which can affect engagement and overall effectiveness.
RCS Messages, on the other hand, offer a highly competitive cost structure and superior ROI. Businesses pay approximately 30 to 32 paise per RCS message, which is considerably lower than the 81 to 85 paise charged for WhatsApp messages—about three times the cost. RCS provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on the quality of communication. It supports rich media, interactive elements, and a more engaging user experience, all while being more affordable than WhatsApp.