Are you wondering: what’s A2P messaging? Is A2P SMS different? And where does P2P fit in? Do I need to care about A2A?
We get it. The always changing world of business communications feels like acronym soup sometimes. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back — or in this case — maybe a spoon.
In this blog we’ll feed you all the important A2P terms so you can lock down the lingo, like a pro.
Tuck in to:
- What is A2P messaging?
- A2P vs P2P — what’s the difference?
- Why should businesses use A2P messaging?
- What problems A2P messaging solves for businesses
What is A2P Messaging?
A2P stands for "Application-to-Person" messaging. You may know it as business SMS.
In this case the ‘application’ is usually SMS software, like ClickSend. A2P messaging software allows businesses to message thousands of people at once, set-up automatic messages and manage replies easily.
What’s an example of A2P SMS?
Have you ever received a text message from your favourite pizza place telling you about their irresistible weekend offer? A message from your bank alerting you to a suspicious transaction? Or delivery updates from your latest Amazon haul?
These SMS messages are usually A2P SMS.
The business who sent them, would have used an application instead of typing the messages on their handset.
A2P vs P2P — what’s the difference?
P2P, or "Person-to-Person, messaging is the classic text messaging we all know, love and use. When you send a text from your handset to your friend inviting them for a movie night, that's P2P. It's all about personal, one-on-one communication.
On the flip side, A2P is when a business sends you a message from an application or piece of software. Often these messages are set up to be sent automatically, reducing admin time for business owners.
In short, the key difference in A2P vs P2P is how the message is sent.
Why should businesses use A2P messaging?
Text messages are opened 5x more than email and 98% of A2P text messages are read within 2 minutes. A2P messaging takes the cake as a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Here are seven reasons why you should jump on the A2P bandwagon:
- Fast: A2P SMS are delivered in real-time, ensuring that your important information reaches your audience fast.
- Scalable: from reaching 100 people to 10,000 A2P messaging makes bulk messaging as easy as sending one text.
- Personal: you can send tailored messages, to make customers feel valued and understood.
- Automated: use A2P messaging to automate appointment reminders, payment notifications, and order updates, reducing manual work.
- Great ROI: with high open and response rates, A2P SMS provides a solid return on investment, especially for marketing campaigns.
- Compliant: A2P messaging platforms often have built-in compliance features to help businesses meet industry and legal standards.
- Trackable: get delivery confirmations so you have peace of mind that messages were received.
What problems does A2P messaging solve for businesses?
Now that you understand the nitty gritty of A2P, we’d love to show you how you can use it to solve communications problems.
Appointment reminders and confirmations
Missed appointments can be a headache for both businesses and customers.
A2P messaging allows businesses to send automated reminders and receive confirmation from customers. This can reduce no-shows for healthcare, salons, and service-based businesses.
Two factor authentication
Keeping your customers' and employee data safe is very important — it builds trust and it’s just good business.
You can add SMS two-factor authentication and verification codes to your login process with A2P software. SMS verification can improve the security of online transactions, login and account recovery.
Order and delivery updates
The worst part of online shopping is waiting for your parcel to arrive.
You can keep your customers in the loop with real-time SMS updates and notifications. Set up automatic order status updates, delivery tracking, and delivery confirmations — all via A2P messaging.
Marketing and promotions
Get offers and promotions in your customers hands ASAP with SMS.
By using A2P messaging software you can send targeted marketing campaigns, personalised offers, discounts and product announcements. It’s a great way to boost sales and customer engagement.
Customer support
Make it easy for customers to contact your business and get support all via the channel they use the most — text messaging.
Business SMS allows for two-way communication. Which means they can reach out for support and you can manage replies easily from your computer or a mobile app.
Emergency alerts
Getting the right information to the right people during an emergency can save lives.
Many governments and organisations already use A2P messaging to send out critical alerts and notifications during natural disasters, public health emergencies or urgent situations.
Payment reminders
Nobody likes late payments. They affect cash flow and relationships with customers.
Businesses, including banks, use A2P messaging to send payment reminders. It’s a great way to help customers stay on top of their bills.
Do you have an appetite for A2P messaging?
We’d love to help you get set up with A2P messaging in your business. Our 24/7 customer support team is always online.
Or, you can skip straight to sending SMS and sign up for a free trial with ClickSend.