SMS (short messaging service) was first used on December 3rd, 1992, despite having been developed in 1984 by Friedhelm Hillebrand and Bernard Ghillebaert. SMS has been with us now for 20 years and has helped not only in easing communication but in opening the door to more research and Innovations in the communications sector. SMS as an invention was a breakthrough in communication as it was one of the inventions that undermined distance. The development of SMS meant that written messages could be sent to anyone in any part of the world.

With the help of SMS, people could send messages around the globe without having to do more than click a button. SMS became so popular not just because of the communication ease it provided, but also because of its effectiveness. Since then, SMS has held its place even with the coming of newer communication mediums that apparently seem to be more effective. 

Why is SMS a Valuable Tool for Communication

What exactly is so valuable about SMS, why is SMS a valuable tool for business communication? What advantages does SMS have over other mediums of communication? SMS has proved time after time to be a valuable tool for communication. There are a few reasons for this, some of which would be explored below. 

• Reliable; SMS is a reliable communication tool; this means that you can rely on this medium to pass your message across. As a result of its reliability, it has become the first choice for business communication. An SMS might be delayed but it will definitely be delivered and if it is not, you will be notified. When businesses want to make sure that their message is passed across, they use SMS.
• Traceable; by using SMS, information/ messages can be tracked or traced; this is very useful for record-keeping purposes. This explains why most businesses use it when dealing with clients or staff. Since in most instances, messages sent are saved, it is easier to know what was sent to who and when.
• Popular; SMS is a popular medium of communication. This is true because most people can receive SMS. Anyone with access to a cell phone is capable of receiving an SMS. It can be said to be the most popular means to reach a person. Smartphones might not be as popular, but cell phones are.
• 98% read rate; SMS has a 98% read rate. This alone explains why they are a valuable communication tool. By using SMS, there is a 98% chance that your message will be received and not only will it be received but seen as well. This means that SMS is a tested and trusted medium, hence its use across industries.
• Private; unlike a phone call, an SMS is private for both the sender and the receiver. This can be very convenient when a receiver is in a space where he/ she requires privacy. SMS also does not interrupt the receiver's day as a phone call does, thus it is not irritating 
• Cost-effective; SMS compared to some other forms of communication is cheap, this means that you can save money while communicating effectively. 
• Ease: SMS is easy to use, it is also an instant mode of communication. 

WhatsApp

WhatsApp was invented/ created in 2009 by two former Yahoo employees named Brian Acton and Jan Koum. Initially released for iPhone users only, WhatsApp later added support for Android OS in August 2010. WhatsApp was created as a means to further simplify the communication process, and since its creation it has been popular among the global population WhatsApp can be said to be a breakthrough in real-time communication WhatsApp and its numerous features have taken the world to a more comfortable place when it comes to social interaction.

How Whatsapp Can Be Used for Communication.

WhatsApp has been used as a form of in-house communication. Unlike other social mediums, WhatsApp is not as wide; it doesn't seek to expose its users to a great number of people but rather to improve communication among people who already know each other or who are somewhat connected. WhatsApp is being used to maintain connections within circles of interaction this can be seen in the group chat feature that has become very popular, most circles of people small, medium or large have a WhatsApp group, and this extends into professional and business environments.

Advantages of using WhatsApp

There are many advantages to using WhatsApp as a means of communication below are a few

• Informal feel: WhatsApp has an informal feel, although this may pose a problem in the Professional and business field, it can be a huge advantage in that it can help businesses connect with their clients on a personal level when necessary. Businesses that are trying to connect with their regular customers or clients can use this to their advantage.
• Cost-effective; WhatsApp is cost-effective. You do not need to spend much on communication when using WhatsApp. With very little money, you can pass your message across.
• Multiple features: WhatsApp provides a lot of features ranging from typed conversations to voice notes, then voice calls, video calls, etc. Also, various types of messages can be sent via WhatsApp audio messages, picture messages, documents, etc. sending across documents can be very useful for businesses trying to pass such information to their clients.

Why WhatsApp Has not Replaced SMS

It is very easy to think that WhatsApp has replaced SMS, especially in business communication, but is this true? there are special/ unique SMS offerings that make it impossible for now. Below are a few 

• Internet connection: to access WhatsApp, one needs a stable internet connection or data. This means that without data or an internet connection, communication cannot happen via WhatsApp. What then happens when the sender or receiver is in an area with poor network coverage/ connection? This however is not the case for SMS. One does not need data or airtime to receive an SMS. This explains why using SMS is very convenient. 
• Deliberate; receiving a WhatsApp message most times is a deliberate action as one has to intentionally turn on the data connection and go on the app. Although there are notifications, it is still an intentional act. SMS just appears, this means that you can receive an SMS whether you are prepared for it or not.
• Informal medium: WhatsApp is largely viewed as an informal medium. As a result of this, people do not see WhatsApp messages as serious or professional. Most businesses would rather communicate via SMS, especially when they are trying to be professional. The first impression matters a lot, a majority of people do not consider a WhatsApp message a good first impression, particularly in a professional setting.
• The numbers game: you receive far more WhatsApp messages than SMS daily. As a result of this, WhatsApp messages can pile on top of WhatsApp messages until they become forgotten. SMS on the other hand is fever, this explains why they have a 98% read rate.

SMS is maintaining its position as a top communication tool in business communication. To learn more about how to use SMS to improve communication in your business, visit smartsmssolutions.com

As communication is a vital part of business, SmartSMSSolutionsis a company committed to improving the communication between its client businesses and their audience using bulk SMS, emails and voice calls. Visit our website @smarsmssolutions.com to learn more and also to create a free account with us and get started or call 080 3551 5868.