How RCS improve business communications

What is RCS Business Messaging?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a universal communication protocol that allows you to send messages directly through the native messaging app on your customer’s device. It offers more advanced and interactive messaging capabilities than standard SMS features.

RCS is performed via a Wi-Fi connection or mobile data and allows you to send and receive rich media in a secure and efficient manner. RCS modernizes the messaging experience on mobile phones, without requiring users to download a separate app.

Although RCS has been around for a while, the number of users is now growing rapidly and is considered by many to be the next generation of messaging. RCS is all set to conquer Belgium, making it interesting to explore and discover all the possibilities now available.

What are the key features of RCS?

1. Branding
   RCS allows companies to send messages that are richer, more interactive, and more personalized than standard SMS. This enables a company to better showcase its visual identity by using colors, fonts, and logos that align with its brand style.
2. Rich media
   When you add images to a traditional SMS, your message is automatically converted into an MMS. While MMS is supported by many carriers and devices, its outdated technology limits compatibility with today’s interactive features. RCS, on the other hand, allows the seamless integration of rich media directly within the message itself. It enables you to pull content from your web browser, maps, and other apps. Additionally, RCS supports larger file sizes, allowing companies to send high-resolution images and videos without compression. This results in a more professional appearance and a better experience for the recipient.
3. Interactive elements
   RCS allows companies to send messages that are richer, more interactive, and more personalized than standard SMS. This enables a company to better showcase its visual identity by using colors, fonts, and logos that align with its brand style.
4. Conversational messaging
   RCS offers the opportunity to run the communication tunnel intuitively via an AI-driven chatbot. Thanks to the interactive features such as buttons, rich media and integration with other apps, communication via chatbots is much smoother, user-friendly and direct.
5. Analytics & campaign tracking
   By using RCS’s interactive and analytical features, companies gain insight into the effectiveness of their campaigns and optimize their strategies. For example, RCS allows companies to track when a message was opened and which links were clicked. As you learn from your customer’s responses, you are able to track RCS activities with Google Analytics. This gives you a better insight into your customers and their preferences.
6. Location sharing
   Location sharing through RCS enhances customer engagement and provides valuable insights for businesses. By leveraging the capability to send location-based offers, facilitate real-time support, and streamline operations, companies create a more personalized and efficient experience for their customers.

How does RCS work?

1. Access the RCS platform
   The experts at Proximus NXT, powered by RingRing, create an account that gives you access to the RCS infrastructure.
2. Create the message
   With the support of Proximus NXT you create an RCS message, which includes rich media content such as images, videos, and interactive elements.
3. Deliver the message
   Proximus NXT sends the message to the operators who deliver it to the customer’s device.
4. Interact with customer
   The customer receives the message and can immediately interact via a message, by clicking on buttons or taking one of the suggested actions.
5. Track and analyze the campaign results
   Your marketing department can analyze and track deliveries and read confirmations, using analysis by Google or via Proximus NXT.

RCS is a secure and engaging way to communicate with your customers.

Bert Maetens, Solutions Sales Messaging at Proximus NXT