Have you seen people linking their websites with any social media account? If you have seen someone or tried this option yourself, then you have knowingly or unknowingly used the much sought-after API or Application Programming Interface. Similarly, you must have come across an SMS API while interacting with any company’s marketing team on your mobile phone using messaging service.

To understand why having an SMS API is the need of the hour for businesses of any type, let’s first understand API.

What is an API

When the functions of one computer program are made available to another computer program, the process involved is called Application Programming Interface. The distinct feature of APIs is that they work in the background and are not visible to users when operations are going on.

SMS API Defined

An SMS API is a kind of API that allows you to integrate your business SMS into software platforms. By doing so, you can send and receive the end number of messages within no time. Sending a manually-typed transactional or promotional sms can be done away with by this simple process of integration.

An SMS API does help you in running your business communication seamlessly 24/7. This also takes away the unnecessary burden from the shoulders of your staff. Adopting this system not only saves the time of your business but resources are also saved. You can utilize the saved time and resources elsewhere.

Two Types SMS API to Choose From

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol API is suitable for almost any kind of website. It’s considered by many to be the easiest integration available.

REST: Representational State Transfer API is considered to be more complex but the flexibility and scalability are what make REST also a good option.

Also Read: SMS API Work

Businesses that Need an SMS API

For streamlined communication with customers, businesses or any institution can and ought to use API for text communication round the clock. Below are the industries where an API can be a game-changer:

> Schools: To inform parents about parent-teacher meetings or the abrupt closure at the eleventh hour can be communicated to thousands of parents at the same time by texting. Changes in school timing and other related information can be conveyed by the school management as well.

> Hotels and Restaurants: If you want to share new discounts and offers with customers spread over different continents, conveying by texting without having to manually type is where an API comes to your help.

> Airlines: Nowadays for uninterrupted and hassle-free travel, people prefer an airline that communicates the necessary details on time. Also, to hold onto loyal customers and lure prospective ones, sending timely offers will help a lot.

> Banks: To send timely alerts and OTPs, banks have to convey them to customers at the earliest without a delay. This can only be possible by integrating with an API.

> Insurance companies: For monthly premiums to be paid, clients have to be informed about the due payment. If you have thousands of clients, sending alerts automatically can be done by an SMS API.

> E-commerce: For the customers to know about the shipment and delivery status, texting is the most viable option. You can also send new offers and discounts on special occasions.

Why Do Businesses Use SMS API?

API enables you to send thousands of messages in a jiffy, without having to manually type the text. For the convenience of customers and error-free delivery of messages, API does make it an easy job for both sides.

These Are Some Areas Where SMS API is Used by Businesses:

• For sending Voice OTP to customers.
• For promotional purposes.
• For ticket confirmations by airlines and railways.
• For time-sensitive details by govt, the financial institutions, and in coastal areas by the weather department.
• To inform busy parents about the child’s performance and unpaid fees.
• For two-factor authentication to secure an account.
• To inform clients about new insurance policies.
• To entice foodies by sending new offers on their favorite food and new varieties they can taste.

How Does an SMS API Work

First, SMS APIs bridge telecom service providers to the internet, doing away with the necessity of having a platform. Once the integration of SMS API is completed, logging in and sending messages manually becomes an outdated exercise. API protocols enable us to send messages automatically without having to type manually.

Consent from customers to receive promotional messages has to be sought to avoid any legal issues in the future. Starting with NoN-DND numbers is a good way to begin your journey in Bulk SMS marketing. Further, taking into consideration other things, promotional messages must be sent between 9 am to 9 pm.

You Want to Grow Exponentially Using SMS API?

Are you looking to send thousands of messages instantly in UAE or anywhere else in the world? Then SMSala’s SMS gateway is the right place, to begin with. Our gateway allows you to send bulk messages in an efficient manner around the globe in different ways.