BULK SMS CONTENT

 

SMS Content, Encoding Schemes, and Message Varieties

1. Introduction

This document offers a thorough technical examination of SMS content, including encoding languages, diverse SMS message types, and their applications. It provides businesses and developers with crucial insights into crafting and handling SMS communications effectively.

2. SMS Content

The SMS content, also known as the message body, is the primary text that the recipient views. It is constrained by character limits and encoding regulations, influencing the message's structure and transmission method.

3. Encoding Schemes

Encoding defines how text characters are represented in binary format for transmission. The three primary encoding schemes used in SMS are GSM 7-bit, UCS-2, and Unicode.

3.1 GSM 7-bit

  • Description: Default encoding scheme for SMS, supporting a wide range of Latin characters.

  • Character Limit: 160 characters per message.

  • Supported Characters: Basic Latin alphabet (A-Z, a-z), digits (0-9), and common special characters.

  • Advantages: Efficient encoding with a high character limit per message segment.

  • Usage Example: Suitable for messages in English and other languages using the Latin alphabet.

    Example Message: "Your OTP is 123456. Do not share it with anyone."

3.2 UCS-2

  • Description: Encoding scheme used for languages with characters not supported by GSM 7-bit, like Chinese, Arabic, and other non-Latin scripts.

  • Character Limit: 70 characters per message.

  • Supported Characters: Wide range of characters from various scripts.

  • Advantages: Enables messaging in diverse languages, including complex scripts.

  • Usage Example: Necessary for messages in languages such as Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, etc.

    Example Message: "您的验证码是123456，请勿与他人分享。"

3.3 Unicode

  • Description: Unicode encoding supports characters from all writing systems and emojis.

  • Character Limit: 70 characters per message.

  • Supported Characters: All characters, including special symbols and emojis.

  • Advantages: Allows inclusion of complex characters and emojis, enhancing message expressiveness.

  • Usage Example: Necessary for messages with special symbols or emojis.

    Example Message: "🎉 Congrats! You've won a prize! Your code is 123456."

4. Varieties of Message Bodies

Different types of SMS message bodies serve distinct purposes, aiding in creating effective and relevant SMS communications.

4.1 Transactional SMS

  • Purpose: Convey essential transaction-related information.

  • Characteristics: Non-promotional, time-sensitive, includes personal data or unique identifiers.

  • Usage Example:

    "Your order #123456 has been shipped and will be delivered by 15th June."

4.2 Promotional SMS

  • Purpose: Promote products, services, or special offers.

  • Characteristics: Contains marketing content, often includes a call to action.

  • Usage Example:

    "Get 20% off on your next purchase at ABC Store! Use code SAVE20. Offer ends 30th June."

4.3 Informational SMS

  • Purpose: Provide updates, reminders, or important non-transactional information.

  • Characteristics: Non-promotional, useful for reminders and alerts.

  • Usage Example:

    "Your appointment with Dr. Smith is scheduled for 15th June at 3:00 PM."

4.4 Service Implicit SMS

  • Purpose: Convey messages based on customer actions or relationship with the sender.

  • Characteristics: Non-promotional, essential communications expected by the customer.

  • Usage Example:

    "Your bank statement for May 2024 is available. Check your email for details."

4.5 Service Explicit SMS

  • Purpose: Communicate about services customers opted into.

  • Characteristics: Often consent-based, crucial for service updates.

  • Usage Example:

    "Reminder: Your subscription to XYZ Magazine will renew on 30th June. Please ensure your payment information is up to date."

5. Crafting Effective SMS Content

Creating impactful SMS messages entails understanding the constraints and opportunities within the SMS format.

5.1 Clarity and Brevity

  • Ensure clear and concise messages: Every word should contribute to the message's purpose within the character limit.

    Clear Message: "Your OTP is 123456. Valid for 10 minutes."

5.2 Personalization

  • Include personal or unique details: Makes the message more relevant to the recipient.

    Personalized Message: "Hi John, your package #123456 is out for delivery."

5.3 Call to Action (CTA)

  • Encourage immediate action if needed: Particularly beneficial for promotional messages.

    Promotional Message with CTA: "Get 20% off with code SAVE20. Shop now at ABC Store!"

5.4 Compliance and Opt-Out Information

  • Incorporate regulatory guidelines: Ensure adherence to regulations like GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and TRAI.

    Compliance Message: "Reply STOP to opt out.".