SMS Gateway Providers

How Does ClickSend Bulk Text Message Pricing Compare?

ClickSend have exclusive pricing for businesses in the United States with the prices of outbound SMS messages shown to the right. All in bound text message responses are always free.

The only additional fee for mass text messaging services is associated with a dedicated number. This costs $5 per month with no setup fees. A business can also decide to purchase a dedicated short code phone number $1700 per month. A provider can also choose their own number when available. Getting a dedicated number simply takes minutes with ClickSend, therefore enabling time efficiency for American businesses.

All prices shown on the table to the right and the ClickSend website excludes taxes.

When the ClickSend prices were compared to the other bulk text message providers and network operators, the results showed that ClickSend’s offerings were amongst some of the lowest costs.

When comparing the pricing schedules for a range of mass text messaging providers, the price variance can be as high as 60%. This variation can be based on the networks and service level agreements offered by the provider. It can also be based on set-up fees, contract duration requirements and other fees charged on-top of usage. It should be noted that ClickSend has no contract or set-up fees. Two-way SMS service where both an SMS is sent and received also have no additional charge. This means that it can reduce overall text messaging costs as some providers charge for each text message received for such type of communications.

Overall, ClickSend’s charges are extremely competitive at most usage brackets compared to their competitors. This is also reinforced with large batches of text messages where ClickSend is prepared to discuss possibly of matching against any other mass SMS providers to win the business. Of course, such cheaper pricing is based on comparable volume. ClickSend ensures that their prices are regularly checked against competitors and adjusted so customers always get the best deal. They promise they will beat any cheaper quotes.

Is ClickSend Suitable For Premium Text Message Requirements?

While ClickSend offers the lowest prices (as proven by their price beat guarantee), they also have the best service level agreement of 100% up-time guarantee.

The 100% SLA is why not only USA companies but some of the largest global companies including Uber, Siemens and Intel rely on ClickSend. They also have a high capacity network ensuring that critical time-sensitive text messages are delivered promptly. This network is not only USA-wide but global allowing for international SMS delivery also leading ClickSend to be one of the leading providers.

What Business SMS Customer Support Does ClickSend Offer?

ClickSend head office is based in Perth, Australia. There is no need to visit the location to setup an account with a 1800 number operating on a 24/7 basis. This is much more superior than other similar type of SMS bulk providers who either offer two numbers:

• (832) 843-8000
• (844) 859-29111

It’s worth noting that ClickSend may appear to be a cheap ‘no frills’ provider but they have services equivalent to premium providers with a lower per unit text message cost. Their customer service personnel are well trained and will provide all the technical assistance for developers setting up their SMS campaigns or an SMS API. ClickSend also provides customers with an online messaging service to provide immediate assistance.

What SMS Gateway And Bulk Text Message Services Does ClickSend Offer?

When it comes to mass distribution and the use of reliable gateway provider, it can be seen that ClickSend provides a high-speed connection through their direct telecommunication carriers rather than using both direct and hybrid carrier networks. Their gateway routes are through major carriers including Verizon and AT&T. The SMS Gateway capacity is able to match major SMS firms with over 7 million text messages delivered weekly. ClickSend states that text messages are delivered within a matter of seconds with an SMS Gateway up-time of 100%, which is a real asset compared to other similar bulk providers.

Mass text messaging can be distributed in a number of different ways, including:

1) Web SMS

The Web SMS option allows companies to send mass text messages from their PC with no software download requirements. All the core features to send text messages exist with individual or mass text message options available. For mass SMS campaigns a business simply needs to upload contact lists online and a large-scale SMS broadcast can commence. This will enable mass text messages to be sent and stored either temporarily or permanently on a user’s sim card.

2) SMS API

For American businesses that have their own CRM software or messaging infrastructure, the SMS API may be the optimal solution. The SMS API integration is relatively easy, allowing firms to automate messages using the company’s existing software systems. The SMS API can be accessed using the majority of programming languages with a SDK in PHP available on their website.

3) Email To SMS

The Email to SMS gateway through ClickSend is compatible with any email provider, including Gmail, Microsoft Live Mail, and Outlook. Using e-mail packages, SMS marketing campaigns or even SMS reminders can be sent, which include free deliverability reports. No extra software is required to use this method with users just requiring to forward the message to the number in the subject line.

What Is An SMS Gateway?

SMS gateway enables a computer, CRM, or email system to send and receive mass text messages. This is done through reliable telecommunication network operators. Communication messages are sent through USA’s leading Short Message Services (SMS) mobile networks. This enables businesses to send and receive text messages to individuals, or a large number of contacts they wish to target.

SMS Gateway Applications:

• Web SMS or Online SMS Gateway – no additional software required
• Email SMS – integrating SMS with e-mail software
• API and Rest API SMS Services – utilising existing CRM software or business applications

Users should note that the SMS (text message) has a 160 character limit. Therefore, messages exceeding this limit will be split into multiple messages, which may result in higher charges. Additionally, the speed and price of text messages sent will depend on the route taken by the major USA mobile network and provider.

What American Regulations Should I Consider?

When sending any text message campaign within USA, you must meet the Federal Trade Commission CAN-SPAM Act (2009). Within the United States, the law states that no company can send legally unsolicited electronic messages. This applies to text messages or email through gateway with the following main guidelines:

1. Don’t use false or misleading header information.
2. Don’t use deceptive subject lines.
3. Identify the message was an ad.
4. Tell recipients where you’re located.
5. Tell recipients how to opt out of future text messages sent by you.
6. Honour opt out requests promptly.
7. Monitor what others are doing on your behalf.

In terms of compliance, the US SMS provider must feature a strong privacy policy, be compliant to the CAN-SPAM act, have detailed terms and conditions, and identify a policy for acceptable use. To learn more about direct marketing compliance and security, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission web site for more details.

Tips For Sending Business Text Messages

Whilst the limit for text messages is 160 characters, research has shown that shorter, concise text messages perform the best. Thus, it is recommended that messages don’t require the recipient to scroll, as these receive the highest open rates.

A mobile phone is a personal device, therefore, businesses must respect the audience’s personal space. Mass text messages that are unexpected can be intrusive and not read correctly, therefore businesses should ensure the messages are functional, yet courteous. Businesses can use customisation tools to help maximise relevance and time mass text messages so customer’s don’t receive message at bad times!

Whilst mass text messages are highly effective, businesses must not use bulk SMS gateways too frequently as a marketing channel. American businesses should aim for less frequent, concise messages to ensure that audiences don’t unsubscribe. Businesses can utilise other marketing channels such as emails to spread their communication messages across multiple platforms.

Ensure your message delivers useful information such as reminders, alerts, or special offers. As long as the message is sent with a legitimate purpose, audiences will want to continue to receive them in the future.

The resellers SMS process has become a popular way for “resellers” to purchase text message credit from bulk SMS providers which they then resell to their customers in smaller batches. Bulk SMS gateway providers such as ClickSend provide specific resellers SMS plans.

Premium SMS Providers

Premium direct gateway carriers enable businesses of any size to send text messages to customers, staff members and stakeholders. Messages will be sent directly to the leading US text message service providers. A text message gateway enables a computer to distribute and accept text message transmissions to and from a telecommunications network. Most text messages are routed into the mobile phone networks. ClickSend is an SMS gateway provider which uses a direct carrier.

Businesses should consider a reliable premium SMS text message gateway provider if they have any of the following requirements:

• Text messages which are time restricted or reliant
• Text message alerts
• Text messages with private content
• Importance on recipient’s ability to reply
• Marketing communication campaigns
• Reminders or alerts for appointments and bookings

What Is An SMPP Gateway?

SMPP gateway (Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol) is widely used within the telecommunications industry. It exchanges text message services between Short Messaging Entities (ESME) or Short Message Service Centers (SMSC). A level-7 TCP/IP protocol guarantees fast and efficient SMS message delivery. The SMPP can send and receive text messages from mobiles, including CDMA, UTMTS, GMA and UMTS phones.

How Can An American Business Integrate An SMS API?

Utilising an API is common for businesses in United States that have large-scale communication requirements. Developers can connect to the SMS gateway through their preferred API, from SMPP, Java, .NET, PHP or SOAP. Most providers will support SDKs through documents, sample cost, and reusable libraries. Businesses must ensure they choose a provider that encompasses support levels that match their understanding of the SMS API. Some businesses may need more of a hands-on approach.

When setting up an API, the text message (SMS) provider will supply a sample code. This will allow a business to connect to a SOAP API regardless of SMS API language preferred. A provider like MessageMedia has samples including o Java, GitHub in C3, Bash & Python, and PHP. Other languages such as Powershell, C++, and Ruby can also be utilised. When opting for a provider, businesses should ensure they talk to their support team and specialist SMS API technical support team of further information.

What Are The Benefits Of An SMS API Integration To A Text Message Platform?

API integration is so popular because:

• Two-Way Messaging: The ability to send and receive text message to and from American SMS networks.
• Message Tagging: A two-way mass text message feature that reports on the application that an outbound message reply corresponds to.
• Delivery Reporting: Ability to track the text message’s exact time it is received by a mobile, providing businesses with a full delivery audit-trail.
• Validity Period: Ability to specify how long a text message should be valid for. After this specified time, if an SMS has not been delivered it doesn’t get delivered, thus saving businesses money on invalid mobile numbers.
• API Web Push: Real-time delivery of inbound text messages to a URL for quick replies of staff and customers.