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Every business has different needs and goals when it comes to communication, but most brands can benefit from the power of SMS or text messaging. This convenient form of communication is perfect for sending out bulk messages to all of your users or providing special alerts like emergency notifications and appointment reminders.

An application programming interface (API) allows you integrate the powerful features of an SMS messaging platform, like Trumpia, with your own website or application. It is important to carefully consider your options before choosing an API. You want to find one that is both reliable and easy to use. But what else do you need? Below we will discuss the important things to look for and must-have features of an SMS API.

HTTP, REST, and SMTP Support

One of the things that you need to look for when searching for the right SMS API is if they provide HTTP, REST, or SMTP support:

• HTTP is easy to integrate with your applications and systems, helping your brand keep customers up-to-date with the latest information from your brand.
  
  
• REST is ideal for those that are looking for a more extensive integration solution, and it can help you improve customer service through your existing CRM system.
  
  
• SMTP offers support for extended messages by allowing you to send email to SMS to deliver notifications, alerts, and other reminders.  

High Throughput Speeds

One of the greatest advantages of SMS messaging is that it is quick. If you want to take advantage of timely delivery, it’s best to find an SMS API that provides high throughput speeds. For instance, some messaging services may send 25 texts per second while others allow you to send 300 texts per second. The faster the throughput speed, the sooner your messages will be in front of your customers. This is especially important for emergency notifications where time is of the essence.

Robust Library of Tools and Channels

Some APIs offer multi-channel functions that allow you to integrate other features in addition to SMS, such as MMS, email, and social media. This provides you with the opportunity to manage all of your brand messaging from one place and also allows you to reach customers on their preferred channel. When looking for an SMS API, find a system that offers integration for all of the communication channels that you need.

Flexible Feature Packaging

When it comes to brand communication needs, one size does not fit all. With some messaging services, you end up paying for features that you will not even use. This makes it important to find an SMS API that offers flexible feature packaging. In order to get the most for your money, look at each service’s pricing to find a package that allows you to pay for only the features that you want.

Automation

Automation helps your brand become more effective and efficient with your messaging. Choosing an API that allows you to automatically send tailored messages to your audience will save you time and money while helping you provide better customer service to your customers. With automation, you can schedule messages to be sent at a specific time or date, which helps you ensure that you are sending messages when your consumers are most likely to read them. You can also automatically set up recurring messages for communication that should be sent out regularly.

More Relevant Messaging

SMS APIs that offer keywords help make your brand’s SMS messaging more relevant. You can use this feature to generate tailored messages to users based on the keyword that they have sent in. For example, if they send in the word “contest” to enter into your brand’s latest promotion, you might respond with a message thanking them for entering or offering more details about entries. You can also use keywords to trigger actions based on the keyword that has been sent. For instance, you may ask users to send in the keyword “coupons” in order to be added to the list of users that want to receive coupon notifications.

Fail-Safe Precautions

Data security is important for protecting personal information as well as maintaining your brand’s reputation. When looking for an SMS API, it’s essential to find an interface that offers vital data security precautions. Here are just a few that you want to look for when deciding on an SMS API:

• Firewall and Anti-virus – These precautions help prevent outsiders from accessing servers while actively detecting and resolving security issues.
  
  
• Security Logs – Some
  
  
• Two-factor authentication – This adds an extra layer of data security, making it harder for fraudulent individuals to access accounts.

It’s also important that the messaging service provides other safety measures such as backup networks and short code failover support.

Is Trumpia’s SMS API right for you?

Are you ready to integrate SMS messaging into your brand communications? Trumpia’s text messaging API allows you to send outbound messages and collect inbound contact information and messages from your audience while easily managing your subscriber database. Our API also allows you to create and manage keywords as well as send tailored responses to those who text the keyword.

Here are just a few ways that we rise above the competition:

• High throughput rates with delivery up to 300 texts per second
  
  
• Cross-channel capabilities for SMS, MMS, email, and social media
  
  
• Free and instant short code
  
  
• No additional carrier fee for sending SMS to T-Mobile, Sprint, Cricket, and Metro PCS
  
  

We know that reliability is important to our customers, so we have also taken every step to make our infrastructure secure and reliable by putting several security measures in place, requiring two-factor authentication, and providing the highest level of service. If you are looking for a robust and scalable SMS API, contact us today for more information.

I’d love to hear more from you guys about your experiences in SMS API integration.

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