Rich Communication Services (RCS) is an innovative messaging channel powered by Google, designed to revolutionize how brands communicate with their audiences. Unlike traditional SMS, RCS allows businesses to send long, detailed messages along with rich media such as photos, PDFs, and videos. This capability gives businesses the freedom to convey their messages more effectively, enabling audiences to experience and understand the brand’s offerings in a more meaningful way.
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.
This category is ideal for straightforward communication. Basic Messages are limited to 160 characters and support text-only content. They do not include call-to-action buttons or media files, making them suitable for brief updates or notifications.
Rich Content templates allow businesses to send longer messages, up to 2,000 words. These templates support rich text and include up to three call-to-action buttons, enabling more detailed communication and interactive elements. They are perfect for in-depth information, such as product descriptions or service details, where engagement through actionable options is crucial.
This category expands on Rich Content by including support for various media files, such as images (JPG), PDFs, and videos. Businesses can send long messages, up to 2,000 words, accompanied by media files and up to three call-to-action buttons. Rich Media Content is useful for creating engaging, multimedia-rich communications that provide a more immersive experience for users.
Vertical Images Size :
Landscape Image Size :
Carousel templates allow businesses to showcase multiple media files within a single message. This category supports up to 10 media files and includes call-to-action buttons. Carousels are particularly effective for presenting multiple offers, products, or services in a visually appealing and interactive format, enabling users to swipe through different items easily.
Vertical Images Size :
Landscape Image Size :
RCS messages are a game-changer for businesses looking to enhance customer engagement. Unlike SMS, where messages often come from short codes or generic names, RCS provides a more personalized experience by displaying the full business name on the user’s mobile device. This creates a stronger impression and fosters trust. Additionally, the ability to send rich media content, coupled with up to three customizable call-to-action buttons, enables businesses to present their products and services more compellingly. These interactive elements not only improve the presentation but also encourage more frequent and meaningful interactions between businesses and their customers.
When comparing RCS to WhatsApp, businesses often find RCS to be a more integrated solution for their messaging needs. While WhatsApp is popular for personal communication. RCS offers a verified badge that enhances credibility and trustworthiness, making it easier for customers to recognize and trust the business. RCS’s integration into the native messaging experience ensures broader accessibility and consistency across devices and carriers, providing a more cohesive and professional communication solution.
Starting RCS messaging services with SMS2ORBIT is a streamlined process. To get started, businesses need to provide the following documents and information:
Once these requirements are provided, SMS2ORBIT can complete the registration and have your business set up on RCS messaging services within 4 working days. Our team ensures a quick and efficient onboarding process, so you can start enjoying the benefits of RCS messaging right away