Business
What to Know About ClickSend
Published
3 years agoon
At least 67% of consumers are comfortable texting a business for appointments or inquiries rather scheduling through email and call. So if you’re thinking about taking your SMS marketing to the next level, you’re on the right track. Due to our ever-evolving technology there are a lot of SMS marketing platforms to choose from. In this article, let’s take a deep dive and learn if ClickSend is one of the best SMS platforms out there.
ClickSend Software Overview
ClickSend is an SMS software for any type of business worldwide. Other than sending, receiving, and tracking SMS, it lets businesses send marketing or transactional memos to clients. It lets users send SMS using two ways:
- From a user dashboard, using ClickSend’s SMS gateway.
- Using a designed application program interface.
How Does It Work?
ClickSend is one of the popular cloud-based providers for SMS. It offers a variety of features to address client’s SMS marketing needs and more. For example, brands can send and receive memos through API or dashboard via:
- SMS
- MMS
- Faxing
- Email Messaging
- Text-to-speech calls
- Letters via online cloud
- Rich messaging channel
What Types of Businesses Uses ClickSend?
The SMS software is meant for medium and large enterprises. Specifically, the provider caters to industries such as:
- IT
- Retail
- Advertising
- Marketing
- eCommerce
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Banking and finance
- Sporting associations
- Transport and logistics
- Non-profit organizations
- Emergency services
ClickSend Features
Other than sending inbound and outbound SMS, ClickSend is a reliable provider that can improve communication. It allows users to:
- Send bills or invoices
- Offer customer service via text message
- Personalize advertising
- Manage and analyze marketing leads
- Oversee delivery communications with the suppliers
- Send our promos to customers
- Remind customers about meetings and event via SMS
ClickSend: Pros and Cons
In this section, let’s weigh the pros and cons of using ClickSend as the SMS provider of your business.
ClickSend Pros
- Pay-as-you-go system
Unlike other SMS providers, ClickSend only charges what you use. No need to pay for anything that’s not relevant to your business needs. You only need to pay for the company’s outgoing messages. There might be instances where your provider will charge some incoming messages. With this system, say goodbye to the wasteful monthly maintenance fee that’s never applicable to the services you REALLY need.
- Refund policy
Within a 14-day time frame, you can request for a refund. All you need to do is request within the time frame, and the ClickSend team will review your case.
- ClickSend will beat comparable cheaper quotes
According to ClickSend, they can bet cheaper quotes by other SMS providers. So before you inquire about their custom pricing, be sure to check the prices from ClickSend alternatives.
- Internal and external communications
The software allows users to communicate via email, SMS, voice calls and faxes. It allows your business to connect externally with clients and internally with the staff members. The other perks of using it is the ability to reply to inbound messages directly from its platform. It saves you the hassle of switching applications.
- SMS gateway
Users highly praise the convenient SMS features of ClickSend. More specifically, they love its reply features that carry nearly any carrier options.
- Wider customer range
You can reach most countries without registration and additional cost. However, some countries need pre-registration, it depends on the regulation and restrictions of the country.
- Stellar customer support
The company offers great customer support for their users. You can reach ClickSend’s sales or support team via live chat. It’s also possible to access the Knowledge Base section of their website in case your inquiry has been addressed there.
- User-friendly software
Generally, ClickSend is simple to use. Users can easily upload their client contact list and send out bulk messages if needed.
- Be up-to-date
ClickSend has simple reporting and engagement metric features. It’s a convenient tool to let users see the exact numbers of the messages they’ve sent. Also, you can keep track of how many text messages bounced, so it allows you to act more efficiently.
- Zapier Integration
If your business uses Zapier, ClickSend has pre-built zaps for easy marketing automation.
ClickSend Cons
- Data export and sharing insights is not possible
As mentioned in the pros, ClickSend allows a simple reporting feature. However, it’s too simple. If you need to export and share your business insights, there’s no easy way available using the software.
- SMS campaign issues
Some users complain about a few issues in creating their SMS campaigns. There will be moments where you need to modify or adjust some settings. Others say that they need to recreate the copy of their campaign entirely, and go back to step one.
- Character limit
ClickSend has a tight character limit. It also does not allow you to use any emoji on your text as it automatically sets your SMS into “two messages.” As the pricing works on a per text basis, you might want to limit your message to one per recipient.
- Not great for time-sensitive SMS campaigns
Some reviews also say that sticking to a time-limited campaign is not easy. Basically, whenever you send out an SMS memo, ClickSend needs to approve them. So while the team conducts their approval process, this might cause a setback for campaigns that needed to be released on schedule. To avoid this possible issue, it’s best to set up your SMS campaign in advance.
- Not the SMS marketing software for developers
ClickSend is a simple SMS provider. So if you’re a developer, it will appear “too simple” in your perspective. As it is a great tool for marketers, ClickSend is not the software if you’re a developer. It’s not the ideal SMS marketing platform if you plan to do a lot of customized programming and automation.
ClickSend Pricing Plan
One of the pros of using ClickSend is their pay as you go pricing plan for outbound messages. It means you only need to pay for the services you’ve use.
Outbound SMS Pricing
ClickSend’s rate per estimated messages:
- Under 2,000 messages, $0.0271 per SMS
- 2,000 or more, $0.0194 per SMS
- 10,000 or more, $0.0132 per SMS
- 100,000 or more, $0.0097 per SMS
For outbound messages higher than 200,000 you’ll need to contact ClickSend’s team to give your business a quotation.
Inbound SMS Pricing
- Always FREE
Dedicated ClickSend Number
- $1.94 per month, no setup fee needed
Dedicated Shortcode
- $1123.32 per month
- $1123.32 setup fee
ClickSend: Frequently Asked Questions
Does ClickSend offer a free trial sign up?
Yes. ClickSend offers a limited free trial.
Is it possible for multiple users to share one account?
It’s possible to add, manage and view as many accounts needed in your team. As the account owner, you can designate employees their own “subaccounts.”
Does ClickSend have a character limit per message
We have two categories when it comes to ClickSend’s character limit:
- Standard
Users have a 160-character limit per one Standard message.
- Unicode
Unicode messages only allow up to 70 characters.
Is it worth it to use ClickSend?
In the end, ClickSend is one of the best SMS marketing platforms that boasts high ratings from users. It has a user-friendly software that delivers efficient, reliable and satisfying results.
Alternatives You Should Know About
If you’re still undecided if ClickSend is perfect SMS software for your business, you can explore other alternatives:
- SimpleTexting
- TextMagic
- HeyMarket
- Salesmsg
- Yotpo
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Business
Omnichannel Marketing Platforms: Definition, Examples & Tools
Published
2 months agoon
August 22, 2024By
Kai KelisOmnichannel has become a recent buzzword online. That’s because the business landscape has shifted most of their marketing efforts into virtual communication. Advertisers are always looking for new ways to boost online connections with audiences while increasing sales. This is how “omnichannel” sprouted quickly and into every marketer’s arsenal. But what is omnichannel, and what are some omnichannel marketing platforms that do the job? Read on to find out.
What is Omnichannel Marketing?
The concept of omnichannel is simple. It aims to provide marketers a quick way to communicate with their customers and get as much engagement and conversion as possible from one go. Their objective is for customers to enjoy a seamless shopping experience on multiple brand channels, including online, mobile, or in-store. This means, marketers would have to show customers the same pricing and promotions across all brand channels.
However, it also goes beyond that. You have to ensure that customers can navigate through different channels with ease. This means customers can switch between your brand channels without any roadblocks. For instance, a customer can order from your online store and have the option to pick it up from your physical location. One way to increase sales is by offering customers additional items to boost order value.
Why is Omnichannel Marketing Important?
Omnichannel marketing is crucial these days since most people have shifted to online browsing and shopping. Moreover, if advertisers market on three or more channels, this could result in a 90 percent higher retention rate compared to using a single-channel campaign.
Additionally, omnichannel marketing also strengthens your brand messaging since campaigns are consistent across all platforms. But what are the primary reasons why advertisers focus on omnichannel marketing?
- Brands will get high customer retention
- Gains customer loyalty
- More personalization in the customer’s journey
- More integrated business
- Better customer insight
- Smooth and enjoyable customer experience
How Does Omnichannel Advertising Work?
An example of omnichannel marketing is when a sports retail store sends its prospects an email containing a recent promotion on its newly launched running shoes. The email content shows the link to the promotion. Once customers click this link, they are taken to the brand’s eCommerce website. Instructions also let them know they can get it from the brick-and-mortar store.
Another example is when a furniture store shows a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube about how its experts craft their pieces. Once viewers watch the video, they are welcomed with a link inviting them to join the brand’s email newsletter.
10 Omnichannel Marketing Platforms
Here are 10 best omnichannel marketing tools.
1. BigCommerce
This online and offline sales tool is for large-scale businesses looking to streamline their advertising strategies. BigCommerce unifies all marketing campaigns in an easy and convenient platform, including in-store, online, social media, and marketplaces. It can also handle large volumes of sales, traffic, and transactions, providing customers with a smooth experience.
2. NewStore
NewStore is the tool for all your POS and inventory management systems. It can manage orders, inventory, and customer data across the brand’s channels. It also comes with robust marketing tools that offer personalized engagement, such as push notifications, mobile apps, and location-based marketing.
3. Glassix
If you’re looking for the best omnichannel marketing platforms for communication, Glassix sits at the top of the list. It’s an AI-powered advertising tool that helps with email, SMS, live chat, messaging apps, and social media. Using Glassix means tracking all customer interactions and messages in one user-friendly interface is easy. It also lets you send targeted messages to your audiences based on their preferences and behaviors.
4. Desku
In addition to integrating all customer communications in one interface, Desku also helps with automation functions, such as chatbots, canned responses, ticketing systems, and more. Plus, it offers reporting tools and analytics to monitor progress.
5. Omnisend
Omnisend is the platform for all your SMS and email marketing campaigns. It’s best suited for eCommerce businesses and allows advertisers to create, monitor, and automate campaigns across all channels. It offers drag-and-drop features and is extremely easy to use.
6. Tidio
When searching for the best omnichannel communication platform, Tidio ranks high. It’s designed to facilitate customer interactions, manage inquiries, and offer real-time support.
7. Adobe Experience Cloud
You can’t succeed in omnichannel marketing without using a cloud-based service. And Adobe Experience Cloud ensures you get the right cloud-based solution for optimizing customer experiences. You can use this tool to build and manage customer journeys through AI-powered insights. You can also integrate this platform with other Adobe tools like Adobe Experience Manager, Adobe Target, Adobe Campaign, Adobe Analytics, and more.
8. Revealbot
If you’re spending time on paid ads, Revealbot will help you manage them in one user-friendly interface. It’s a marketing tool that helps optimize digital advertising campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google Ads. You can use this tool to set automation features, campaign budgets, and custom ad rules.
9. Shopify Plus
Shopify Plus if one of the best omnichannel marketing platforms for eCommerce businesses. It helps create a streamlined customer shopping experience. From workflows and checkouts to customer segmentation and targeted marketing campaigns, this is a reliable tool to use.
10. Oracle CX Commerce
Oracle CX Commerce is the best solution for B2B and B2C businesses. It’s a cloud-based eCommerce platform that helps provide personalized experiences. It also offers advanced features that simplify segmentation, customized content, targeted promotions, and customer engagement.
If you frequent the outdoors, you know how important protecting your playground is. When you’re close to nature, you must always prioritize eco-consciousness. While you practice sustainable habits, supporting brands prioritizing sustainability becomes a top priority. If you’re always planning an outdoor adventure and need the gear, here are the top 10 sustainable outdoor gear brands you must check out.
1. Patagonia
Over the years, Patagonia has lined up its corporate social responsibilities, mainly focusing on labor and the environment. They have robust social responsibility programs that ensure workers and communities are cared for. Patagonia claims that 85 percent of its products are made in factories with Fair Trade Certified certifications. The brand also helped over 85,000 workers by participating in Fair Trade programs. The brand also helped more than 2,000 farmers from its Regenerative Organic Certified cotton program.
2. Osprey
Osprey, a brand that creates robust backpacks for travel and outdoors, is also committed to sustainability. The company is a trusted bluesign SYSTEM partner, which helps eliminate PFAS-based DWR in 100 percent of its textile products. On top of its promise of eco-friendly materials, the standard for its backpacks is unparalleled, offering durability, functionality, and repairability. These products undergo field testing and athlete evaluations to ensure it’s a pack that runs a lifetime.
3. Hydro Flask
Plastic bottles comprise one of the highest numbers of ocean pollutants. Hydro Flask is committed to minimizing this by introducing excellent insulated water bottles that last a lifetime! I bought one five years ago, and the insulation functionality still works like the very first day I got it. The brand boasts its recycled-content bottle, the Slingback Bottle Pack, with a 100 percent recycled polyester body. It also eliminated single-use plastic for its packaging, specifically for 90 percent of its products. Hydro Flask uses soy-based inks and no foils and varnishes for their products too!
4. Black Diamond
Black Diamond is among the top brands for the best outdoor gear, specifically reliable and durable helmets. The company’s ethos is based on the team’s outdoor pursuits. First, the company’s 12,000-square-foot headquarters is energy-efficient, with a 2,200-watt solar photovoltaic system that generates about 3,000 kWh of electricity per year. Black Diamond also advocates for sustainable outdoor and recreation practices and is a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps.
5. Sierra Designs
Sierra Designs is also one of the best sustainable outdoor gear brands you can rely on. They aim to create products that have as minimal impact as possible on Mother Nature. The brand boasts the DriDown product, which ensures that feathers come from animals that weren’t subjected to any harm. The brand also uses neglected recycled materials for its fabric’s exteriors and insulation for apparel and sleeping bags. A lifetime warranty also backs all Sierra Designs products.
6. Hyperlite
Hyperlite is your go-to outdoor gear brand if you’re into climbing, hiking, or rock climbing. The company is committed to sustainability for as long as the brand is still in operation. They created the Hyperlite Mountain Gear ethos, essentialism, which differs from minimalism. The brand believes that an intentional and thoughtful approach to assembling its backpacks ensures its products are safe, comfortable, warm, and efficient. Hyperlite is a proud partner of Dyneema, a bio-based fiber company, and promises to use this fiber in all its outdoor gear products.
7. MSR
For all your climbing equipment, don’t miss out on MSR products. The founder, a lifelong mountaineer, believed that a safe and reliable equipment is key to greater adventures. Today, the brand is proud to hand-build many MSR products. The brand is also another founding members of the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group. It’s a collaboration of over 300 outdoor brands, manufacturers, and suppliers that focus on sustainability challenges and solutions.
8. Sunski
When you’re enjoying outdoor adventures, make sure you enjoy it in style with Sunski sustainable glasses. Sunski is a fantastic eyewear manufacturer in America that uses plastic scraps to turn into frames! A unique sunglass niche in the industry. The sunglasses are flexible, lightweight, and extremely durable. All Sunski customers will also get a lifetime warranty for their glasses. And if they break? Repair or replacement is free!
9. Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi backpacks, travel packs, hip packs, and duffels are colorful and vibrant and made with eco-friendly materials. They embarked on the The (Re)Purpose™ Collection program, which uses recycled deadstock or leftover fabric from other fashion brands. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on repairs or replacements. As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, they support Amazon’s reforestation. Cotopaxi believes that doing good will create a ripple effect, so they reward customers who #DoGood!
10. Goal Zero
Here’s another eco-friendly outdoor gear brand for all your needs and more. To offer you the best outdoor camping experience, Goal Zero even sells power essentials, such as inverter generators, handheld portable power devices, solar panels, and battery banks. The company also aims to practice eco-conscious manufacturing methods by ensuring all 10+ factories in nine countries adhere to environmental and human rights standards. Its top sustainable camping gear is the Yeti Portable Power Station, with a four over five rating!
Eco-consciousness and health and fitness must be the perfect tandem. If you prioritize your health and fitness, the same care should also concentrate on sustainability. While you’re focused on your fitness goals, the process shouldn’t be as destructive to the environment. Just like you want to nourish your body with the good stuff, you also want to protect Mother Nature like it’s your own body. After all, the outdoors offers so much to benefit your health in the long run. Hiking, camping, rock climbing, surfing, swimming, to name a few. That said, protecting your playground as much as possible is only fitting. And that starts with choosing the most sustainable activewear brands. Here are the top 10 sustainable brands for fun and play.
1. Iron Roots
While some activewear brands claim 80 percent sustainability, Iron Roots embarks on 100 percent sustainable products and processes. It’s plastic-free all-organic athletic apparel that will not only make you feel good but also make you feel better about wearing Mother Nature-friendly apparel. Founded in 2018 by Dutch friends, the founders combined functionality, design, and sustainability in beautiful sportswear. They were both fed up with how the market manufactures most apparel from unsustainable materials. The brand uses non-plastic materials and unique plastic-based apparel like polyester. It’s a breathable and comfortable activewear that will help you achieve your fitness goals!
2. Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is a Seattle-based brand making waves in the sustainable activewear niche in 2024. They are famous for their sports bras, trendy gym tops, leggings, and more! But the best part is the teams behind this brand are tree huggers, prioritizing recycled materials for their apparel. From fabric scraps to water bottles and fishing nets, you know you’re working out and helping the brand’s mission. The brand also uses eco-friendly dyes to color its clothes while managing wastewater responsibly. They created the ReGirlfriend program to prevent textiles from being in landfills!
3. Patagonia
Every outdoorsperson has heard of the famous brand Patagonia. The company has set a gold standard for sustainable apparel and manufacturing. Recently, the popular activewear brand has revamped its ownership structure to ensure it allocates a budget for environmental initiatives. The brand not only outsources sustainable materials and works with eco-conscious factories, but it is also transparent about it.
4. Groceries Apparel
Groceries Apparel is another sustainable activewear brand that focuses on upcycled food waste without needing third-party people or factories. They manufacture their activewear themselves through non-toxic and locally sourced materials. Who would’ve thought another person’s food waste could be a gym rat’s workout clothes? They manufacture all their products in their Los Angeles factory, making them a 100 percent self-sufficient brand!
5. Move by Mate
Move by Mate knows that conventional cotton, a material used by most apparel brands, is detrimental to the environment due to its pesticide use, heavy farming, and excessive water consumption. Move by Mate is also one of the sustainable activewear brands that uses organic cotton instead of traditional cotton, keeping the soil healthy. They claim that organic soil is also more breathable.
6. Wolven
If leggings are your workout go-to, then you must check out Wolven. It’s a brand that produces recycled sexy leggings for your exercise routines. Wolven is also deemed Lululemon’s competitor due to its elegant designs in multiple muted colors. Wolven leggings are made of 84 percent recycled PET or plastic bottles. The brand’s recycled materials are also Global Recycled Standard-certified. When you buy Wolven leggings, you’re guaranteed they are free of uncomfortable, harmful chemicals.
7. Reformation
You can be sure this brand is one of the most mainstream activewear brands that doesn’t take eco-consciousness lightly. Reformation boasts multiple eco-friendly initiatives, and they will not stop anytime soon. For one, they have a RefRecycling program, encouraging customers to drop off their used Reformation products in exchange for store credits. Moreover, Reformation also partners with many eco-conscious organizations like Bluesign. They also have a FactoryForward to ensure their suppliers become the best at what they do.
8. Gngr Bees
Founded in 2019, the owner, Natalia Grisard, was inspired to create Gngr Bees by her love for wildlife. She claims this brand is “driven by purpose and not by profit.” The brand’s apparel is made from discarded products. The company has reclaimed over 45,000 plastic bottles and over 4,000 kilograms of fishing nets. Gngr Bees also partners with Azizi Life and Beach Collective to plant mangroves and recycle ocean-bound plastic.
9. The North Face
The North Face has a long history of embracing eco-friendly products, initiatives, and commitments ever since. They are committed to prioritizing nature through science-based and actionable goal-setting. The North Face ensures all their materials are 100 percent recyclable and responsibly sourced. They created the North Face Renewed program that focuses on circularity by giving used gear a second life. This way, they are given a chance before users toss them into a landfill.
10. Tentree
Tentree is a Vancouver-based brand that believes in the power of tree planting. Its name is embedded in its company vision to plant ten trees in exchange for every item purchased. The company centers its practices on environmentally friendly ways, which they call the “earth-first approach.” This focuses on safe and fair working conditions for all employees and prioritizes sustainable and recycled materials for their products. Some of these materials are Tencel lyocell, Repreve polyester, and more. They created the Climate+ Initiative, which lets customers prevent carbon emissions by buying a pack of trees.