MMS Vs SMS: Which Method Will Work Best For You?

MMS Vs SMS

Texting predates the internet, and hence makes itself the oldest form of instant messaging. Even today, after the leaps in communication technology, texting has retained itself as one of the most preferred methods of communication. 

Almost 80% of customers say that they prefer texting as a way of communication with businesses. Along with these stats, you should also know that texting has the highest open rate of all other communication mediums, i.e 98%. It also has a higher engagement rate than email communication. 

That being said, texting can present itself in multiple mediums. These include SMS, MMS and OTT(Over the top).

OTT stands for Over-the-top messaging which represents a texting method which is done over the internet. Apps like iMessage, whatsapp, Wechat use this form of texting. Messages are delivered when there is an active internet connection.

In this particular article, we will be discussing the first two types of texting which are SMS and MMS. They will be discussed in the following manner : 

• What is SMS?
• What is MMS?
• MMS Vs SMS-Difference between SMS and MMS
• Use cases for SMS 
• Use cases for MMS
• MMS Vs SMS, how to choose which is best for you?

What is SMS?

SMS stands for Short-Message-Service and that is precisely what it is. SMS is used to send short, concise messages. It is imperative with SMS to deliver intelligently worded, precise messages that deliver the point clearly.This is mainly because you only have a limited number of characters to type in the message. 

What is MMS?

MMS stands for Multimedia-message-service. In this form of text messaging, one can add images, videos, gifs along with the standard text message. MMS is often used to make the message even more alluring and inviting. The character limit with MMS is considerably higher than the limit for SMS

MMS Vs SMS, what are the differences?

MMS Vs SMS or the difference between SMS and MMS presents itself in the following ways. 

• Multimedia options : As present in the name itself with MMS, you can attach multimedia such as images, videos or GIFs. With SMS however, you do not have these options. You can, however, attach links to your SMS. So if you wish to send an image in an SMS, it can be converted to a link and then attached in the body of the message.
• Character Counts : SMS has a character count limit of 160. Characters exceeding this limit will then be sent as two messages by the carrier. MMS has a character count limit of 1600. It allows for comparatively more space to craft a message.
• Data Limits : Data limit with SMS is around 1120 bits and with MMS is around 300-500 KB.
• Device Compatibility : SMS can be delivered regardless of whether the recipient has a smartphone or not. MMS on the other hand can only be delivered if the recipient is in possession of a smartphone. So if your recipient does not have a smartphone it is unlikely that your message will be delivered.
• Cost : Your carrier will charge differently according to SMS and MMS. One MMS is often counted as 2 or 3 SMS texts. This may vary according to your provider. Either way, MMS will be slightly more costlier than SMS. 
• Engagement Rates : As MMS is more visually appealing than SMS owing to the addition of multimedia in the body of the message it often results in upto 15% – 20% increase in engagement rates as compared to SMS. 

To summarize MMS Vs SMS differs as such : 

Use cases for SMS

SMS is apt for communicating essential details, this includes everything from order confirmations to time-sensitive alerts.

• Order Confirmations and Delivery TrackingSMS is the preferred way to communicate transactional information with customers. These texts can take multiple forms, but some of the most popular are:

1. Order confirmations
2. Transaction details/ receipts
3. Delivery tracking
4. Delivery updates

• Appointment Reminders and UpdatesSending an SMS text to remind a customer of an appointment they made is a great way to avoid late arrivals and a way to minimize no-shows. Because 98 percent of text messages are read, you can almost guarantee your customer will see the reminder SMS you send to them.
• To send links to reviews or surveysUsing SMS is a great way to send messages that contain links to either leave a review for your business or a survey to understand the customer experience better. 

Use cases for MMS

• PromotionsMMS messaging is ideal for promotions because you can add visuals to your upcoming promotion and engage your customers with a more personalized approach.
• CouponsCoupons sent through text can be redeemed online with a few taps, making online shopping more likely thanks to a texted coupon’s power. Coupons sent via MMS can be personalized and designed with the customer in mind and with more data capabilities so you can use images, videos or other design files to dress up your coupon.You can also use MMS to send bar code coupons and generated dynamic QR codes that they can use online or in store.

MMS Vs SMS, how to choose which works best for you?

While both SMS and MMS has its pros and cons, knowing when to use each will help you with the success of your campaigns. Things to keep in mind while deciding which to choose ; the type of your audience, what are your campaign goals, and what is the type of content you are sending. 

If you want the message to be eye-catching and more appealing then MMS is the way to go. This will allow you space to craft and design your message. 

If you need to communicate a quick message to your customer and have them follow a link then SMS may be the right choice.

In short, as long as you follow good texting etiquette while sending either SMS or MMS, with its great open rates and engagement rates texting will do wonders for your marketing campaigns!

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