Application-to-person SMS messaging is an easy yet powerful way to communicate with your customers. A2P messaging allows businesses to reach customers at scale via text to increase engagement and grow.
In this article, you’ll learn more about A2P messaging, how it works, and how it can benefit your business.
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A2P messaging is a method of sending SMS text messages to mobile users through a software application or web-based platform.
SMS messages not originating from an individual’s mobile phone or personal device are considered A2P messages. Mobile carriers consider all texts sent via a platform like Textedly to be A2P SMS. It’s important to note that A2P messages can be both one-way mass texts and two-way conversational messages. The key is the message comes from a business’ messaging software and goes to an individual.
Businesses use A2P messaging for a variety of customer communications. For example, businesses can send informational texts like order updates or promotional messages about new products or discounts. A2P messaging is also popular for two-factor authentication and fraud alerts.
A2P messaging is often called business SMS or enterprise SMS. It's a cost-effective way for businesses to increase engagement with consumers.
If you’ve heard of A2P messaging, you may have also heard the term P2P messaging. So what is P2P messaging? And how is P2P different from A2P messaging?
P2P (Person-to-Person or Peer-to-Peer) messaging is two-way communication between two human beings and their personal devices — the kind most of us use daily. Chances are you send P2P messages to friends and family daily.
Examples of P2P messaging include:
On the other hand, A2P SMS messages are sent by a business from a software application to a person’s mobile device. A2P messaging platforms equip businesses with the ability to text many people at once with mass texting and set up special features like auto-replies.
Let’s dive into some of the most cited benefits of A2P messaging for businesses.
A2P messaging makes mass texting possible for businesses. Mass texting is defined as sending a single message to many contacts at once, initiating separate text threads with each person. This makes A2P messaging ideal for marketing campaigns, customer support, and text alerts.
P2P messaging is not built for mass messaging many people at once. It’s more about reaching individuals one at a time or in groups.
One major benefit of A2P messaging is its high throughput compared to P2P pathways. It allows businesses to send many messages quickly to large groups. Mobile carriers have created mobile phone number types that fit well for A2P messaging, like 10DLCs and short codes.
A2P messaging platforms offer businesses the features they need to make text communication possible and profitable. Some examples of SMS features include:
These features enhance the customer experience and optimize communication strategies.
Using an application to text your contacts ensures you follow opt-out rules and protect customer data. By using an application for messaging, companies can easily manage opt-out preferences, ensuring they respect customers' requests to stop receiving messages.
At the same time, using a messaging platform ensures you follow opt-in rules and comply with the TCPA. By using P2P pathways, you put your business at risk.
When it comes to ensuring your contacts see your messages, A2P SMS outperforms email. SMS messages have higher open rates and are more likely to be read promptly, ensuring that businesses can reach customers in real-time.
That’s because SMS messaging provides a direct line of communication to customers and reaches them on their mobile devices.
When you use an A2P messaging platform, you will keep your work communication separate from your personal communication. Instead of using your mobile phone and personal number to text clients to schedule appointments, you use a number provided by the SMS platform. This is a positive for many small service businesses.
"Hi [Name], enjoy 20% off your next purchase! Use code SAVE20 at checkout. Hurry, the offer ends in 24 hours!"
"Hi [Patient Name], this is a reminder about your dental appointment tomorrow at 10:00 AM. If you need to reschedule, please reply 'RESCHEDULE' or call us at [Phone Number]. See you soon!"
"Hi [Customer Name], we’ve received your inquiry regarding your billing issue. Your case is being reviewed, and we will update you shortly.”
"Hi [Customer Name], your order #[Order Number] has shipped! It’s on the way and should arrive in 3-5 business days. Track your order here: [Tracking Link]. Thank you for shopping with us!"
"Hi [Customer Name], this is a reminder for your reservation at [Restaurant Name] on [Date] at [Time]. We look forward to serving you! If you need to make any changes, please reply to this message or call [Phone Number]."
"Your One-Time Passcode (OTP) for [Bank Name] is 456789. Enter this code to complete your login. If you did not request this, please contact us immediately."
There are two key steps for companies to start sending A2P messages. Let’s explore them.
The next step is to choose the phone number type you want to send text messages from. Once you decide, you’ll want to register that phone number. Here’s a look at the three main types of phone numbers for A2P messaging.
Textedly’s A2P messaging platform allows businesses to communicate with their customers, leads, or employees effectively and quickly. Textedly’s web-based platform lets you text from a computer and manage conversations in a simple-to-use inbox. Plus, Textedly’s SMS pricing plans are affordable, starting at just $26 per month.
Ready to start business texting? Create a Textedly account today and get the service free for 14 days.