An API for SMS is a software interface that allows businesses and users to connect to an SMS provider online. The API then receives coded instructions to send and receive SMS messages automatically. It also allows users to scale the number of messages they send according to their business needs.
Companies that need an SMS API in Australia or globally can turn to 160.com.au to fulfil all their SMS communication needs. Let’s look deeper at how an API for SMS works.
How Do APIs Work?
We can use Google Maps and a third-party company like Uber to explain how an API works. Uber is a big company, but even they can’t afford the world’s best mapping software. So, how do they know where you are?
A user’s Uber app connects to Google Maps API and says the following: “Our customer wants to ride from point A to point B. Generate a map that shows these destinations and a route.” The Google Maps API then responds with the relevant data so that Uber can show the locations and routesroute to the user.
Throughout the ride, the Uber App keeps asking the Google Maps API, “Where are we, and have you found a better route?” Once again, the API will respond with the relevant data so it can be displayed through the Uber app.
Once at the destination, a final message is sent to the API that says the services of the API are no longer needed for this session and it disconnects.
How Can This Be Applied to SMS Messages?
With an SMS company like 160.com.au, the API can connect the user’s computer with our systems. A business’s customer data can then be integrated with the API using coding scripts. Finally, instructions can be sent to the API to initiate an SMS marketing campaign.
Here are some examples of real-world use cases:
Automated Confirmations and Reminders
The API is constantly connected to the customer database of the business, and the API is programmed by the user to automatically send out a confirmation every time a payment is noted within the database. The same is true for upcoming appointment reminders. The API knows it needs to send out an SMS once the appointment is less than seventy-two hours away.
Mass Marketing
Companies that need to reach vast amounts of customers quickly can use an SMS API to send thousands of messages. Variables can be set so that messages are only sent to the most desirable customers, and any data point the API has access to can be used.
For example, a customer database may include detailed information like gender, income level, and location. The company can use SMS API in PHP code to send a scripted instruction to the API that only sends marketing SMS messages to customers who are women located in a specific area with an income that exceeds $50,000.
Other uses for bulk SMS via API include:
- Customer surveys
- Price alerts
- Travel updates and flight cancellations
- Delivery status notifications
Thousands of Affordable Messages at a Transparent Cost
160.com.au provides reliable bulk SMS services at reasonable prices. Our prices are clear and upfront, no matter where in the world your message needs to go.
Our API was designed with customer functionality in mind. Send out SMS messages instantly based on thousands of predefined parameters or the customised instruction your company needs. All data is securely stored within Australian data centres using up-to-date encryption, so you’ll know that you and your customers have nothing to worry about.