There are a number of issues to consider when you choose your SMS API provider. These include specialized system features, pricing, and reliable customer support. Above all, you need a provider that can satisfy your unique marketing and communication needs.
Make Sure You Receive Your Required Features
The first thing to look for in a potential SMS gateway provider is features. Specifically, you want to know that the package they give you contains all of the elements that you need to run your operation. You also want to make sure that these features are compatible with your currently existing infrastructure.
You can start by looking for included features that will help you to make the best use of your resources as well as your time. These may include such elements as templates, autoresponder, and text scheduling. A package that includes them will help you to keep to a schedule that will enable you to reach your desired level of productivity.
Next, you should also insist on including such features as opt-out handling and keywords. These will enable you to remain compliant with currently existing SMS API rules and regulations. Keep in mind that these rules are subject to change with very little notice. A series of alerts can keep you abreast of any that need to be made.
You need to be able to communicate as efficiently and as instantly as possible to people in many different demographics. Features such as emoticons and regional languages will enable you to communicate effectively with potential customers in all parts of the world. This will help you to quickly grow a much larger customer base.
Your System Needs to Be Secure
SMS messaging is a process that is instantaneous and very cost-effective. However, for it to work in the correct manner, it needs to be fully secure. The provider that you deal with should be able to show conclusive proof that their system comes with built-in features to ensure this. Without such a guarantee, the rest of their offer will mean little.
Your business and customer data will be a precious commodity. If you can’t keep it fully secured, you won’t gain the trust of your customers. This will prove a fatal flaw when it comes to establishing lasting and profitable connections. Before you sign a deal with a provider, make sure you have a full account of their security measures.
For example, you may wish to ask if the company has had security breaches in the past. If so, how did they deal with them? How long did it take to solve the issues, and are protocols in place to prevent them from occurring again? The more technical info you can get from a provider regarding these issues, the more likely they are to be legit.
Your Service Needs to Be Affordable
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a provider is how much this service will cost you. You don’t want to be on the hook for a large number of hidden fees, service costs, and other unpleasant surprises. It’s always a good idea to go over any contract that you sign with a fine-toothed comb so as to spot any potential issues.
There is also a wide range of upfront fees that you need to get solid information on. These can include your stated monthly API fee and your expected SMS fees for inbound and outbound messages. There are also sure to be short code carrier fees as well as the applicable short code and long code fees. Other types of fees will likely apply.
Your best bet is to choose a service provider that is able to offer volume-based pricing or custom pricing. This puts a safeguard in place to prevent you from having to pay for more features than you need. Pricing of this kind will save you money.
You can’t be too picky when it comes to choosing your SMS API provider. The service you choose should be courteous, professional, and responsive to all of your questions. The package they offer should be able to fit easily into your daily operations as well as your budget.
