What Is MMS Messaging and How Can You Start Sending It Today?

What is mms messaging

MMS Messaging is very popular, but I’m not sure who to thank, google searchers like you, or the businesses that have started sending text messages with pictures. Did you know over 10,000 people a month search to find out what is MMS messaging? Crazy, I know, and you are one of those searchers that just happened to land right here. Now I don’t want to keep you waiting too long because I know the answer to this question might be keeping you up at night, and I promise I will get right into the meaning of MMS messaging shortly but first, let’s talk about how boring text messages are without pictures.

When was the last time you got a plain text message without an image, gif, video, or emoji that you were excited about? Exactly it’s probably been a while or, for some, never. Maybe it’s just me but do you also find yourself texting friends, family members, co-workers, and even your boss using just gifs, emojis, or text abbreviations? It’s funny, fast, and effortless.

The answer and spoiler alert you have been looking for is only another swipe or scroll down, but if you love plain texts, I warn you, do not read on because there is no going back once you have entered the realm of MMS.

The meaning and definition of MMS messaging

MMS messaging is also known as Multimedia Messaging Service; it’s a way to send text messages with pictures, videos, gifs, emojis, and more. Unlike standard text messages, when you send a text via MMS, it can deliver various media, including up to 40 seconds of video, one image, a slideshow of multiple images, or audio. Most modern devices in 2020 support MMS texting.

MMS is typically integrated into the text messaging interface and activates automatically when needed. For example, if you type a text-only message, it will be sent using SMS. If you add a graphic or video, the multimedia portion will be transmitted via MMS. Similarly, if someone sends you a multimedia message, your iPhone, Android device, and or Ipad will automatically use MMS to receive the file. If your phone has not automatically enabled MMS and for some reason does not support MMS messages which is rare, you will most likely receive a text message that includes a URL where you can view the file from a Web browser.

You can send An MMS message to mobile devices anytime, anywhere using your own mobile device, tablet, and or online by using a computer. You can send a picture message online using your computer by signing up with a service like Express Text, which offers a robust and easy-to-use platform to send mass messages to your subscribed contacts at an affordable price. We offer a powerful and effective tool that helps businesses and companies to strengthen and increase customer loyalty by keeping them informed with vital information about their goods and services. MMS messages are an effective tool for a marketing campaign because the texts are equipped with images, videos, and audio. MMS is truly a modern means of communicating with people through mobile devices. Text messages are more effective when it provides useful information and services to the recipient. The more a business engages its customers, the more likely they are to build a long-lasting brand relationship.

The Similarities Between SMS and MMS

One major similarity between SMS and MMS is that they are both sent over a cellular network, they only require a wireless plan from cellular carriers to get started. Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Message Service (MMS) are both mobile marketing tactics that are designed to complement a marketing strategy by providing content directly to consumers’ handsets or mobile devices. SMS and MMS work to instantaneously provide content directly to users, engaging consumers via their mobile device, the result of which is highly effective, reliable, and progressive.

The difference between SMS VS MMS messages

MMS VS SMS Explanation from Medium

An adequate understanding of the differences between SMS and MMS is very important. SMS stands for Short message service and is the most widely used type of text messaging. Using SMS, you can send a message of about 160 characters to another person. MMS stands for multimedia messaging service. With an MMS, you can send a message that would include pictures, video, or audio content to another device. MMS usually require a data package. MMS messages are delivered in a completely different way from SMS messages. Much like SMS, an MMS message is delivered to something called a multimedia message service center or MMSC for short. Where MMS differs from SMS is in the delivery of the message. Unlike SMS, MMS is diverse and provides more options. MMS is an enriched SMS, with multimedia content enabled to complement the plain text. As said previously, MMS allows you to send images, videos, sounds, GIFs along with the text. People usually think that MMS includes just visuals. But, along with pictures or videos, you can also put text. One of the biggest differences between MMS and SMS is the fact that, unlike SMS, it has no text length limitation.

Advantages of MMS Messaging

MMS examples from Listrak

Rich multimedia is present in the message allowing for more aesthetically pleasing texts.

Allows for transfer of data, such as ringtones, over a text message.

Ability to send text messages longer than 160 characters.

You can use your one business number for voice, fax, text, and multimedia message.

The most significant advantage of MMS over SMS is multimedia content. SMS only supports text, whereas MMS supports images, videos, and audio in your message. MMS messages can include photos and videos recorded on your phone or media added to your phone from your computer. On some phones, you can use emoticons via MMS.

MMS Messaging for Business

MMS is an extremely powerful form of communication for any business. This method of communication has its own benefits it brings to any type of business. According to a recent study, 98% of the text messages sent are opened and read within 3 minutes of being sent to the recipient.  While 65% of people state that they would retain more information three days later if you send an image, a plain text without multimedia is not always sufficient.  For instance, if a retailer wants to notify a potential buyer about his new product, including an image or a video of the product would give the buyer a better view of what the product looks like and it would urge them to make an offer to buy the product. MMS is a useful tool for any type of business, especially those that deal with the repair of equipment. Since you can receive multimedia messages from customers, it would prevent them from having to send an engineer out unnecessarily. Multimedia messaging has boosted the sales of many companies and businesses. MMS creates an intimate relationship between customers and their favorite brands.

Functions of MMS for Business

There are various ways in which a business or a company can use MMS to boost the sales of their goods and services as well as maintaining a good customer relationship with its clients. Some of them are:

Sending and receiving photos

Smartphones have become a popular device that people use to take pictures. This means that when customers are shopping, attending conferences, or traveling, they use their phones to take photos of products that they are interested in and they would like to purchase. With the help of MMS, they can easily share these pictures with you. It is a convenient way for a business owner to show customers the type of products they have in stock.

Entertainment

Businesses can entertain their customers by sending audios or gifs. This is a very nice way to build relationships with prospective clients. A well-timed gif is worth more than a thousand words. Businesses can send an audio or gif to say happy birthday to their customers, or to congratulate someone.

Sending location  

Sometimes most map apps are not nuanced enough to direct customers to your store. With MMS, you can send custom map images to clients to eliminate confusion and help customers to easily locate your stores.

Sending instructional images or manual

Instructional images are an easy way to make sure your customers are using their products properly and they are looking at the right aspect of something to reach a solution. Businesses can send the user manual of a product using MMS to their customers.

Send and receive screenshots

One of the difficulties of our increasingly remote world is that it can be tricky to easily show clients what you are looking at. From troubleshooting product issues to guiding customers through demos, many business functions work best if you and your contacts are looking at the same thing. MMS allows businesses to send and receive screenshots easily so you can be sure you and your clients are on the same page.

Sending images with hyperlinks

Text messages sent to customers can do more than just informing. Like email and internet images, you can use your MMS images to entice your contacts to interact with your website or connect with valuable resources that will help move them down the funnel. For example, businesses can send a promotional image linked to the landing page of their website in order to gather more information about the brand.

Receiving images of documents

Gone are the days when you need to wait to receive a document via mail or fax. Sometimes, the only thing standing between your customer and the service they need is a document. While sometimes, the only you need to close an important deal is a signature. Through MMS, customers can send pictures of the documents a business needs to continue with a sale. Examples of such documents are proof of purchase, receipts, timesheets, etc.

In conclusion, MMS today has become a permanent fixture in the lives of most consumers. Many businesses utilize the power of MMS to send video content. This form of marketing is very effective; many people are more likely to buy a product online after watching a video or seeing a picture. The quality of MMS content is perceived as much higher than SMS and has a well-maintained handset database. Real-time content transcoding makes sending media faster and with unlimited charters and device detection, the message is louder and goes further. Most phones already support MMS messages and don’t require further enablement. MMS does not require data from the end-user.

It is set for significant development as businesses and customers continue to use MMS. And because the mobile device is the medium, they can reach the consumer anytime, anywhere. Also, businesses can use both MMS and SMS to boost the sales of their goods and services. These businesses make use of service providers like Express Text which is one of the leaders in the industry for text message marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions about MMS Messaging

What is the meaning of MMS Messaging?

It’s a method of marketing that allows you to send text messages that include multimedia content such as pictures, gifs, emojis, and videos.

How Much Does MMS Messaging Cost?

The cost of MMS varies depending on the text service provider and the volume of text messages. The cost can be anywhere from 5 cents per text to 10 cents per text.

How can I get started with MMS Messaging?

You can find a texting service like Express Text and sign up for a monthly plan to get started using MMS.

What number do I use to send an MMS Message?

By default, every Express Text account is set up with our 6 digit shortcode number 545454 that can send and receive text messages in bulk.

Is sending MMS Messages Legal?

Absolutely! However, it has to be done within certain carrier and legal guidelines. You should never purchase a list of phone numbers and you must have consent from your contacts to text them.

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