On the road to the future of SMS with RCS
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Get a head start with RCS
32 years ago, the first SMS was sent, then in the 2000s it appeared in marketing campaigns. With smartphones (iPhone and Android), communication is evolving thanks to messaging applications like WhatsApp and Messenger, and RCS (Rich Communication Service) , a standardized protocol for rich messaging that aims to replace SMS/MMS.
The deployment of RCS among operators has accelerated significantly in recent months. We are therefore delighted to announce the integration of RCS capabilities into your Splio campaigns in early 2025 for ever more engaging and interactive messages.
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The RCS in a few words is:
The next evolution of SMS that combines the reliability of traditional SMS with features similar to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and iMessage.
Enriched messages containing high-resolution images, videos, files, questionnaires, etc. Up to 2000 characters.
KPIs that would make all brands dream, including a conversion rate x3 than the SMS channel!
Why is RCS revolutionary?
Meaningful Engagement : RCS messages are more interactive and visually appealing, increasing engagement and conversion rates. Imagine being able to send product carousels, explainer videos, or CTAs directly to your customers’ SMS inboxes?
Certified messages : In the face of SMS phishing operations, no more doubts for customers who receive your communications, your brand will now be certified. A good way to build trust and reassure your customers.
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An effective and accessible communication channel.
Reach : No additional consent is required to use this communication channel. If your customers have already given their consent for SMS, they are automatically eligible to receive RCS messages.
The already very large audience : Most recent Android mobiles are already compatible with RCS as well as the new version of iOS 18.1 on SFR. And from the second quarter of 2025, RCS will be supported by other operators on this new version of iOS. Note that in France and Spain, more than 79% of the population is equipped with an Android. Don't worry about your sendings, if your contact's smartphone is not compatible with RCS, an SMS will be sent instead at the SMS rate.
RCS vs SMS
Longer messages ( 3072 characters vs 160 characters)
Enhanced features to increase conversion
Your brand identified and your sender verified
Better performance (source: francenum.gouv.fr)
A click rate 3 to 7 times higher;
A +50% higher engagement rate ;
A conversion rate multiplied by 3
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Some examples of use cases:
Product Launches : Send notifications with high-resolution images and videos of your new products like tutorials or photoshoots.
In-store events : Notify your customers about in-store events, like product testing sessions or fashion shows, with interactive invitations and built-in maps for easy location tracking.
Promotions and Special Offers : Send promotions with product carousels, detailed descriptions, and CTAs. Or send flash sale notifications with countdown timers.
Interactive Lookbooks : Create interactive lookbooks where customers can view complete outfits, click on each item for more details.
Loyalty Program : Send regular notifications about loyalty points balance, with exclusive offers for members.
Personalized Offers : Use your customer data to send personalized offers based on preferences and purchase history.