Rich Communication Services, popularly known as RCS is reshaping the communication strategies across major businesses and industries. With attractive features, branded sender id, call to action buttons, rich dynamic media options like carousels, videos, images, RCS creates a more dynamic and interactive customer experience. In this article, we will look into the complete guide to Rich Communication Services, so let’s get started.

 

 

What is RCS Messaging?

RCS is an advanced messaging protocol that upgrades the texting experience with rich and interactive messaging functionalities than the traditional SMS. It was developed by Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA). It provides features such as high resolution videos and images, carousel cards, URLs, typing indicators, read receipts, etc. The messages get delivered directly on the smartphone’s native app without requiring any third party app.

 

Features of RCS Messaging

Following are some of the key features of RCS Messaging:

Multimedia support: RCS enables you to share high resolution images, videos, carousel cards, URLs, etc. This way you can capture the attention of your target audience, promote your products in a visually appealing way, directly in the native messaging app.

Read receipts and typing indicators: Similar to popular messaging apps, RCS allows you to check whether the recipient has read the message or interacted with. With this feature, you can gather deep insights into the success of your message campaigns and track real-time status.

Verified Sender profile: One of the distinguishing feature of RCS is that the messages are delivered with a company name, brand logo, tagline with verified badge that builds credibility, trust and recognition.

Location sharing map: With RCS, you can easily attach the location maps making the delivery process smooth and hassle-free. Customers can locate your business and track deliveries seamlessly.

More secure: Messages are protected with end-to-end encryption with added layer of security and privacy.

High text character limits: RCS messages have an added advantage and surpass the character limit of traditional SMS. While SMS has a limit of 160 characters, RCS have a limit of 3000 characters.

 

 

Benefits of RCS Messaging

Increased read and response rate: As RCS offers an appealing and attractive interface, customers find it interesting to interact with RCS texts than plain messages. Businesses nowadays are opting for RCS as it gives 35% higher engagement rates than the traditional SMS.

Interactive customer experience: With a rich multimedia functionalities, like quick reply buttons, carousels, videos, images, RCS boosts the customer service experience thereby increasing leads and conversions.

Brand credibility: RCS enables you to personalise the messaging experience and send messages with verified company name and logo. This builds brand trust and helps in developing a more personal relationship with the customers.

Useful for overall customer journey: RCS is useful for every step of the customer journey. From marketing, promotions, to support, operations RCS ensures dynamic conversation in the complete customer buying cycle even without downloading any third party app.

 

RCS vs SMS

Features	RCS	SMS
Text length	Upto 3072 characters	Limited to 160 characters only
Multimedia support	High resolution images, videos, carousels	Text only
Internet connection	Requires internet connection	Not required
Verified business profile	Verified Sender ID	No
Customer engagement	High	Low
User interaction	High	Low
Analytics	Read receipts status	Delivery reports only

 

 

Industries using RCS Messaging

Retail and Ecommerce sector: RCS is widely used in the retail sector. You can showcase your products by sending product catalogs with call to action buttons like call now, buy now, etc. Also, you can send tracking alerts and updates with URLs and reminders.

Finance sector: Using RCS you can share account statements with security. As messages are protected with end-to-end encryption, crucial account updates and alerts can be delivered in a secure manner.

Travel and Airlines sector: RCS serves as a one stop shop for sharing booking details such as flight updates with location maps in real-time. Also, boarding passes with images, check-in messages for hotels and resorts can be sent in just a click of a button.

Healthcare Industry: With RCS messaging, send appointment schedules, reminders, prescription details with images and call to action buttons like ‘Confirm’ and ‘Reschedule’.

Real Estate sector: Using RCS messaging, sending property listings with high resolution images is best to reach out to prospective buyers. Additionally, you can share virtual tour links via RCS high resolution videos for buyers interested in property purchasing.

 

 

Why choose Fast2SMS for RCS Messaging?

In today’s smartphone era, businesses need more than text SMS to escalate their brand presence and reach their customers in no time. Fast2SMS is here to transform your texting game and take it to the next level. Some of the reasons of choosing Fast2SMS for RCS Messaging are:

• User-friendly interface
• Lowest costing per message price
• Attractive features and functionalities
• Dedicated customer support
• Schedule message
• Simple dashboard with easy tracking
• Fastest message delivery rates
• Automatic refund of failed messages
• Complete transparency
• Check real-time delivery status
• Customer support on each step
• Secured servers
• Compete security for every transaction
• Email, call, chat support
• Check delivery updates
• Timely alerts
• Verified business profile

 

FAQs on RCS Messaging

What is RCS Messaging?

RCS or Rich Communication Messaging is an advanced messaging protocol that boosts the traditional texts experience. It enables you to send rich multimedia content such as high resolution videos, images, carousels, etc.

Does it require a third party app to use it?

No RCS does not require any third party app.

Does RCS support all mobile phones?

Currently it is available on android devices but soon getting launched in iphone as well.

Can RCS works in all businesses?

Yes, RCS messages have 32% higher conversion rates than the traditional text messages. It is suitable for every industry and sector.

Which is the best Bulk SMS Provider for sending RCS messages?

Fast2SMS is the best Bulk SMS Provider for sending RCS messages.

 

Use RCS Messaging to communicate with your customers like never before. Transform every message into a high converting lead with the services of Fast2SMS. With a plethora of features and exceptional messaging experience, Fast2SMS is a game changer in making messaging smarter, secure and enchanting experience for all its users. Contact us now!