The popularity of A2P SMS as a messaging channel is showing no signs of slowing down.
In fact, according to our research at Mobilesquared, the number of businesses using SMS to communicate with customers (A2P) has increased 9.78% by the end of 2022 compared to the previous year, emphasising that SMS still reigns supreme as the number one channel for ensuring messages are viewed.
When paired with the fact that A2P SMS has the potential to provide immediate results whilst improving customer service and retention amongst a range of other benefits, the increasing use of SMS in business comes as no surprise.
Before we take a look at the size of the A2P SMS market, let’s take a closer look at A2P SMS itself.
What Is A2P SMS?
A2P Messaging, also known as Application-To-Person messaging is a technique used by businesses to send automated SMS messages to consumers’ devices.
A2P is commonly referred to as business SMS, and this method of communication can be used for everything from appointment reminders to notifications to marketing messages to name a few common uses.
As of 2023, the ‘A2P SMS Market is expected to display a steady growth of 5%’ emphasising that SMS still reigns supreme as the number one channel for ensuring messages are viewed.
So, what is the size of the A2P SMS market?
As the world came to a standstill in 2020 and economies around the world suffered as a result, businesses were forced to shift and improve the way in which they communicate with their customers on a day to day basis.
In turn, the demand for A2P SMS grew at a staggering rate. In fact, following this disruption, we at Mobilesquared reported in 2021 that 1.3 million businesses implemented A2P SMS which took the total number of businesses using A2P SMS to just shy of 8 million as a direct result, producing a positive catalytic effect for the A2P SMS industry.
As of 2022, A2P messaging accounted for 96% of total business messaging spend, with 10% more businesses spending on SMS following 2020, highlighting the fact A2P SMS is here to stay.
Based on our own forecasts at Mobilesquared, we project the A2P SMS industry to grow by 87% between 2019 and 2025, emphasising the numerous ways businesses can take advantage of the A2P market.
The growing size of the A2P SMS market means a few things for businesses, namely:
- A2P SMS isn’t going anywhere
- Accessing A2P SMS data has never been more valuable for businesses
- A2P SMS can be tailored to your business
1. A2P SMS Isn’t Going Anywhere
As we’ve already mentioned, we at Mobilesquared projected that the A2P SMS industry to grow by 87% between 2019 and 2025.
This, paired with the fact that 55% of all SMSes are read illuminates why an increasing number of businesses are using A2P SMS and the potential the messaging channel offers.
With A2P SMS becoming the norm for businesses, then, SMS still remains superior as a messaging channel and isn’t just here to stay, but represents the future.
Based on our own forecasts at Mobilesquared, we project the A2P SMS industry to grow by 87% between 2019 and 2025, emphasising the numerous ways businesses can take advantage of the A2P market.
2. Accessing A2P SMS Data Has Never Been More Valuable For Businesses
The expanding growth of the A2P SMS market highlights how much data there is for businesses to access that covers a range of market verticals
Considering SMS is still relied on so heavily around the world (with ‘over 6 billion people with access to phones’) accessing A2P SMS data has never been more valuable for businesses to gain a better view of their audiences, consumers’ behaviours, and usage trends.
At Mobilesquared, our SMS forecasts are widely recognised as the most accurate in the industry and continue to show irrefutable growth for the messaging channel.
Our 2017 to 2027 SMS data contains valuable market data for the top 200 markets, covering the main market verticals in every market, and is updated annually.
If you’re interested in purchasing our reliable SMS dataset or wish to subscribe to our SMS report, be sure to visit our website.
3. A2P SMS Can Be Tailored To Your Business
There are numerous ways you can use A2P messaging as a business, as it’s customisable and can be tailored to meet your needs.
The advantages of using SMS in business are vast, from improving the customer experience to driving customer engagement, but how you use it will be unique to your goals as a business.
With the superior communication A2P SMS facilitates, you’re more equipped to meet and exceed customer expectations and improve retention.
As such, A2P SMS can be tailored to your business to ensure you’re getting the most out of your marketing efforts.
Considering SMS is still relied on so heavily around the world (with ‘over 6 billion people with access to phones’) accessing A2P SMS data has never been more valuable for businesses to gain a better view of their audiences, consumers’ behaviours, and usage trends.
Hopefully this article has provided you with an insight into the size of the A2P SMS market and what this means for businesses.
We are Mobilesquared: mobile engagement specialists delivering the very best independent mobile market intelligence to our clients. We are the established #1 global authority on business messaging and CPaaS, with our data shaping business plans, strategy, and customer engagement modelling, for some of the world’s leading brands, mobile operators, and messaging providers.
To learn more about our services, including the Messageverse, be sure to get in touch via telephone (01182149 777) or email (info@mobilesquared.co.uk) to learn more about what we do and discover how we can help your business.
Written by Jemima, for Mobilesquared.