Know About RCS & RCS Chat?
RCS Messaging is a simple rich communication services that support messaging between two parties, whether they are person-to-person, business-to-person, or business-to-business. It is a modern and upgraded version of normal sms which supports rich media tools like audio, video, photo & link, etc.
Businesses use RCS services as per their functionality, like delivery service providers use to track orders and communicate with customers, e-commerce use to take orders and confirm. The other features of RCS are RCS chat, where customers and businesses have direct communication regarding products & services, and have 24/7 online support.
Top reason why RCS messaging is the next-generation SMS marketing alternative in India for businesses?
- Rich media Support: unlike SMS, it supports text, images, video, and GIFs with unlimited capacity.
- Interactive elements: The features include interactive elements and quick reply buttons, guiding users to react fast, which automatically increases conversion & response rate.
- Branded messaging: Verified sender with clear image & proper details enhances trust between customers, e.g., logo, name, colour.
- Two-way conversation: It supports customers in real-time interaction on both sides to continuously chat and solve problems.
- Higher engagement rates: Graphically rich content attracts more attention from customers than normal SMS.
- Delivery over Wi-Fi/Data: RCS never charges us any amount; it’s free if we are connected over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Fallback to SMS: if the device doesn’t support RCS, no problem, it automatically turns into normal SMS with high accuracy.
- Improved Trackers: You will get read receipts and typing indicators like WhatsApp for campaign insights.
What are the key advantages of using RCS messaging?
- Universal compatibility: Apple also announces that the new iOS 18 update will support RCS, which will enable business messages across devices.
- Faster response time: By showing typing indicator & real-time delivery, conversations move faster than traditional SMS or email.
- Greater character limit & file sharing: unlike SMS, RCS service supports a greater character limit with no limitation on file sharing.
- Cost efficiency (in the long run): Individual messages in RCS might cost more than SMS, but increasing engagement, higher conversion rates will contribute to a next-generation messaging in India for business.
- Streamlined customer support: It enables two-way conversation, real-time conversation with quick replies, and chat-based support.
- Automated workflow & chatbots: It automates workflow and chatbots to deliver rich, interactive customer experiences.
What are the disadvantages or limitations of RCS messaging in business?
- Mobile networks & device dependency: Not every mobile device and network supports RCS services, which is a big upset for both businesses and customers while communicating.
- Security & privacy concern: it is not fully end-to-end encrypted by default, which raises big questions on privacy & security.
- Public knowledge of RCS: We are talking about next-generation messaging in India, but still, most people are unaware of the RCS services and platforms, plus how it works.
- Dependency on the internet connection: for full utilization features of RCS, you have to be connected to the internet; otherwise, without internet, no RCS service is fully functional.
- Competition from established OTT apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram are the real competitors because they fully support end-to-end encryption, meanwhile RCS is still upgrading.
- Agent registration: Agent registration is more difficult compared to other Apps due to carrier involvement, security layers, and limited access points.
Future of RCS messaging in India and globally?
- Apple + Android interoperability: Well, the good news is that in the release of iOS 18(September 16, 2024), Apple is also including RCS messaging, which ensures cross-device messaging and is helpful for business communication.
- Rich analytics: Businesses can optimize campaigns, track customer behaviour, and measure real Return on Investment. Just like email & web analytics.
- Rise of conversational AI: AI is transforming into different forms day by day; in this way, the future is also far beyond what we think, so there is no doubt that RCS will have AI chatbots with natural language support, personalized interactions, context-based replies, and better user engagement.
- Android Dominance: As we all know, India has Android dominance (95%) over iOS. With iOS support shortly, it will be unstoppable as an SMS marketing alternative.
- Strong operator support: The popular indian carrier Airtel is actively pushing RCS services for sms marketing alternative (JioCX RCS, Airtel Business RCS). because they know the future and how it can be a game changer for their enterprise solutions.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, RCS Messaging is considered the next-generation solution for business communication in India. The service it offers like rich media, real-time interaction, branded messaging, and improved analytics. This is how businesses are connecting with customers because scams, fraud are also rising day by day with the same brand name, logo.
As more devices and networks adopt RCS, especially with Apple joining in, it is set to be a strong alternative to traditional SMS and even OTT apps. For businesses looking to increase engagement, enhance customer support, and drive conversions, let’s build up future of sms marketing with Zapim.