SMS Link: A complete guide to Vivoldi's service that makes mobile messaging easy and fast

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Let's take a look at one of Vivoldi's powerful services, SMS text message links.

1. What is SMS Link?

SMS Link is an innovative service offered by Vivoldi that instantly launches a mobile device's Messages app via a web link.
The link looks like a regular web URL, but when clicked, it automatically launches the user's Messages app, ready with a preset recipient number and message content.

Vivoldi's SMS link is vvd.bz/linkId format, making it easy to share and use on any platform.
This technology is a powerful tool for both businesses and individuals to simplify the process of sending messages and increase efficiency.

The history and evolution of SMS links

The concept of SMS links has evolved alongside the standardization of the URI Scheme.
In the early days, the "tel: protocol was used for dialing functions, and later the 'sms:' protocol was added for messaging capabilities.
Vivoldi developed a service to make this technology even easier to use, converting it to short URLs to provide a wider range of applications.

With mobile internet usage skyrocketing, the need for this technology to simplify the user experience has become even greater, and Vivoldi's SMS Link service is a perfect fit for this market need.

2. How does SMS Link work?

The way SMS Links work is simpler than you might think. The system utilizes the URI Scheme to call the mobile device's native messaging app.

The user clicks on the SMS link (vvd.bz/linkId).
The Vivoldi server redirects this short URL to the actual SMS URI (e.g., sms://01012345678?body=messagecontent).
The mobile device recognizes the 'sms://' protocol and launches the default Messages app.

The Messages app extracts the phone number and message content from the URI and fills it in automatically.
The user can send it directly without further editing, or edit the content and send it.

This process greatly improves the user experience and eliminates the tedious process of entering numbers or composing messages.

Technical implementation details

The URI syntax for SMS links follows this format

SMS://[phone number]?body=[message content].

Or, for multiple recipients:

sms://open?addresses=[phone number1],[phone number2]&body=[message content].

This URI is interpreted by the mobile operating system (iOS, Android) and passed to the appropriate messaging app.
Each operating system handles this URI through its default messaging app, and if the user has a different messaging app set as default, that app will be launched.

The Vivoldi service is responsible for converting these long URIs into a short, easy-to-remember form (vvd.bz/linkId). This is done via a 302 redirect; when the user clicks on the short URL, the server redirects them to the original SMS URI.

3. The need and benefits of SMS links

Why do you need SMS links?

In the digital age, despite the variety of communication channels available, SMS is still a powerful tool with a high open rate of over 97%.
Most users open SMS messages within 3 minutes, which is much faster than email (90 minutes on average). SMS links allow you to capitalize on these SMS advantages even more effectively.

In the modern business world, communicating with customers is becoming increasingly important, and at the same time, users expect a simpler and more intuitive experience.
SMS links are the ideal solution to fulfill both of these needs at the same time.

Key benefits of SMS links

• Maximized user convenience: A single click on the link opens the Messages app and auto-fills the content, enhancing the user experience. Communication is instant and uncomplicated.
• Time-efficient: Save time typing phone numbers or composing messages. From a business perspective, this means faster customer response times, and from a user perspective, it eliminates unnecessary steps.
• Improvedaccuracy: Messages are delivered more accurately with fewer chances for incorrect number entry or typos, especially for long phone numbers or complex messages.
• Easier to measure marketing effectiveness: Short URLs allow you to track click-through and conversion rates. Vivoldi's service provides click statistics for each link, allowing you to analyze the performance of your marketing campaigns.
• Multi-platform compatibility: Easily share across multiple channels, including websites, email, social media, QR codes, and more. It can act as a bridge between online and offline.
• Increased customer engagement: A simple process leads to higher customer engagement. Complex processes are a major cause of user abandonment, and SMS links effectively solve this problem.
• Cost-effective: Leverage your existing SMS infrastructure to increase efficiency at no additional cost. No need to introduce new apps or systems.
• Drive immediate action: Increase conversion rates by encouraging users to take action immediately. This can lead to purchases, reservations, inquiries, and more.
• Personalizedcommunications: Deliver personalized experiences by presetting the content of messages to match the context and purpose. When combined with user data, messages can be even more personalized.
• Increased accessibility: Available to anyone with a smartphone without the need to install an app, especially those with low digital literacy.

4. Business use cases for SMS links

SMS links can be useful in a variety of business settings:

Improve customer service

• Collectinstant feedback: You can easily collect customer reviews by providing an SMS link with the message "Click this link to share your experience" after a product purchase. A feedback form can be sent in a canned message, lowering the barrier to engagement for customers.
• Customer support requests: Make it easy for customers to contact your support team by placing a button on your website that says "Have a problem? Contact us directly with this link." Messages can be pre-populated with the type of question or product information for efficient support.
• Live customer support: Provide an instant communication channel via SMS link in situations where live chat is not possible. Customers can quickly reach out for help without having to install a separate app.

Optimize your marketing campaigns

• Event sign-ups: Offer a simple registration process with a "Send a message to this link to register for the event" prompt. The necessary information is already included in the message, so users simply hit the send button.
• Share a promo code: Provide SMS links via QR codes to create a natural connection from offline to online marketing. In-store visitors can easily get a discount code and convert to an online purchase.
• Targeted marketing campaigns: Increase response rates by targeting specific audiences and providing SMS links with personalized messages. Personalized offers can drive 4-5 times higher response rates than general marketing.
• Drive viral marketing: Make it easy for your customers to recommend your service to their contacts with a "recommend to a friend" SMS link. You can pre-include a testimonial message and a promo code to maximize the viral effect.

Booking and reminder system

• Reservation confirmations: "Click this link to confirm your reservation" to make it easy for customers to view their reservation information and send change requests if necessary. Messages can be pre-loaded with reservation numbers and dates to increase efficiency.
• Inventory alerts: Inform customers about the availability of items of interest and drive immediate purchase behavior with messages like "The item you're looking for is now in stock, click to check it out." Messages with product names and links can increase conversion rates.
• Shipmentstatus updates: Enable real-time status checks via SMS links during the product delivery process. Customers receive shipping information and a link to contact you immediately in case of any issues.
• Appointment reminders: Automatically send SMS links to customers who need regular visits to doctors, hairdressers, and more to make it easy to schedule their next appointment. Increase repeat visits with messages that pre-suggest preferred dates and times.

Streamline internal operations

• Quick reporting: Provide standardized SMS templates for field staff to quickly report situations in the field. Pre-populated messages with location, time, and situation information ensure accurate reporting.
• Team communication: Streamline communication within your team with pre-written messages. Efficiently communicate meeting calls, schedule changes, emergency notifications, and more.
• Work instructions and confirmations: Managers can send specific instructions to workers via SMS links and receive confirmations the same way after the task is completed. Reduce errors with messages that include task codes and details.
• Trip reporting system: Make it easy for out-of-office employees to report on clients visited, consultations, outcomes, and more in a standardized format. Combined with location-based data, you can manage tasks efficiently.

Reminders and follow-ups

• Appointment reminders: Reduce customer no-shows with a "click this link to confirm your appointment for tomorrow" message. Enhance the customer experience with messages that include the appointment time, location, and what to bring.
• Payment reminders: Reduce late payments with reminders like "Payment is due, click to confirm". Encourage immediate action with messages that include the amount due and easy payment options.
• Follow-up care programs: Provide follow-up care via SMS links after a certain amount of time has passed since a product purchase or service use. Increase customer satisfaction with messages that include usage tips, maintenance instructions, and suggestions for additional services.
• Routinecheckups/inspections: Automatically send SMS links to auto repair shops, health screening centers, and more when a customer is due for a routine checkup to encourage them to return. Increase conversion rates with messages that include information about their last visit and recommended checkup items.

5. How to create SMS links (step-by-step guide)

Creating SMS links through the Vivoldi service is easy:

Create a basic SMS link

• Access the Vivoldi website (vivoldi.com).
• After logging in, click the "Create Link" button on the dashboard page.
• In the URL link, enter your SMS link in the long URL field in the session in the following format
  - SMS://01012345678?BODY=Hello, we're contacting you.
• Click the 'Generate' button to generate a short URL in the format vvd.bz/linkId.
• You can share this URL on your website, email, social media, etc.

Utilizing your Vivoldi dashboard

You can manage all the SMS links you've created by logging into your dashboard.

• You can check the click statistics of each link to measure the effectiveness of your marketing.
• You can edit existing links at any time.
  - If your phone number changes or you want to change the default text content, you can do so at any time with the Edit link feature.
• You can set an expiration date for temporary campaigns.
• QR codes are automatically generated so you can use them on offline marketing materials.

6. How to set up multi-recipient SMS links

If you need to send a message to multiple recipients at the same time, you can set up an SMS link as follows.
Why do you need multiple recipients? You might need multiple recipients if you want to respond to customer inquiries, or if your website or media platform is managed and operated by a group of people rather than just you.

Create a link to your group message

Access the Vivoldi URL shortener service.
On the Create link screen, enter a multi-recipient SMS link in the long URL in the following format

sms://open?addresses=01012345678,01011112222&body=The team meeting starts in 30 minutes.

You can add multiple phone numbers, separated by commas (,).

Different multi-recipient formats

Depending on the mobile platform, different formats may be used.

iOS format:

sms://open?addresses=01012345678,01011112222&body=Message content

Android format:

sms://01012345678,01011112222?body=Message content

Universal format (works on most devices):

sms:?body=Message content&recipients=01012345678,01011112222

Utilization tips

• Recipient grouping: If you have a large number of recipients, we recommend grouping them appropriately as there may be limitations depending on the mobile device and messaging app. We generally recommend no more than 20 recipients at a time.
• Privacy: If you don't want each recipient to be able to see other recipients, similar to the BCC concept, for privacy reasons, we recommend creating multiple individual messages.
• Recipient management: You can integrate with your CRM system to create customized SMS links for specific groups of customers (VIPs, new subscribers, residents of certain regions, etc.).
• Dynamic link generation: Your web application can work with your user database to dynamically generate multi-recipient SMS links.
• Automate bulk sending: Integrate with marketing automation tools to automatically generate and send SMS links based on specific conditions (birthdays, time periods after a purchase, etc.).

7. Cautions and tips for using SMS links

Here are some important tips and precautions for using SMS links effectively:

Security and privacy

• Exclude sensitive information: Don't include sensitive information in your SMS links, such as passwords, personally identifiable information, or financial information. SMS is an unencrypted channel by default.
• Set an expiration date: Set an expiration date for important links to reduce the risk of prolonged exposure.
  - In Vivoldi, you can set an expiration date for short links so that they are no longer accessible once the expiration date has passed.
  - Take advantage of the ability to automatically redirect to a specific website's URL when the expiration date expires.
• Track and monitor links: Take action, such as disabling links, if you detect unusual click patterns.

Optimize user experience

• Concise messages: Keep your messages short and clear. SMS has limited space, so make sure to include only key information.
• Identify the sender: Avoid confusing the recipient by clearly indicating the purpose and sender. "This is Company ABC. To contact us, click this link." is a good start.
• Provide alternate options: Provide an alternative way to contact you in case the link doesn't work. For example: "If you have any problems with the link, please call us at 02-123-4567."
• Clarify the action: Make it clear what action the user needs to take. Use clear directives like "Click to view", "Click to book", etc.
• Consider the optimal time: Choose the time to send your message carefully. It's generally a good idea to send during business hours, and avoid early morning or late at night.
• Response mechanism: It's a good idea to have a system in place to handle when users reply with an SMS. Build an autoresponder or notification system.

Technical considerations

• International number format: When using international numbers, include the country code (e.g., +8210XXXXXXXX). If you use them without the country code, they may not be recognized by some devices.
• Character encoding: Use the appropriate character encoding (UTF-8) to support different languages and special characters. This is especially important when using Hangul, emojis, etc.
• Link length limit: Make sure that the total length of the final SMS message does not exceed the limit. Typically, SMS has a limit of 160 characters (in English), which can be split into multiple messages if exceeded.
• Verify redirects: Periodically verify that the redirects in your SMS links are working properly. Links can break due to changes in server settings or domain expiration.

Optimize your marketing

• A/B testing: Use A/B testing to find the most effective message content. You can test different wording, lengths, calls to action (CTAs), and more to find the best combination.
• Track click-through rates: Utilize the Vivoldi dashboard to track click-through rates and measure campaign performance. Analyze performance by time of day and day of week to find the best time to send.
• Legal compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations, such as anti-spam and privacy laws, to avoid being labeled as spam. It's especially important to make sure you have the recipient's prior consent.
• Unsubscribe options: For marketing messages, provide an unsubscribe option. Example: "If you'd like to unsubscribe, please reply with 'unsubscribe'."
• Personalization strategy: Personalize your messages by using the customer's name, purchase history, preferences, and more. Personalized messages have a 29% higher open rate and 41% higher click-through rate than generic messages.
• Integrated marketing strategy: Build an omnichannel marketing strategy by integrating SMS links with other channels, such as email, social media, and push notifications. The strengths of each channel can complement each other.

8. SMS links vs. other communication tools

Let's take a look at the strengths of SMS links compared to various digital communication channels:

SMS links vs. email.

Open rates:

• SMS links: high open rates of 97%+, read within 90 seconds.
• Email: 20-30% open rate, average 90 minutes to open.

Immediacy:

• SMS links: delivered in near real-time, with notifications set up for immediate viewing.
• Email: Delays can occur due to spam filtering, email categorization, etc.

Formatting and content:

• SMS links: text-centric, concise messages, 160 character limit.
• Email: Rich content, including HTML, images, and attachments.

Cost:

• SMS links: No cost, as the text is sent from the user's device without utilizing a separate electronic delivery system.
• Email: Relatively inexpensive, ideal for bulk sending.

Use cases:

• SMS links: emergency alerts, immediate calls to action, important information.
• Emails: provide more information, newsletters, communicate complex content.

SMS links vs QR codes

How to use them:

• SMS links: directly clickable, optimized for online environments.
• QR codes: Requires scanning with a camera or scanner app, best for offline experiences.

Visual element:

• SMS links: Text format, intuitively understandable.
• QR codes: visual patterns don't reveal content, information not available until scanned.

Versatility:

• SMS links: limited to phone numbers and messages.
• QR codes: can encode a wide variety of information, including websites, contacts, WiFi settings, and more.

Utilize physical media:

• SMS links: difficult to display directly on printed materials, best suited for digital environments.
• QR codes: Great for physical media like business cards, posters, and product packaging.

Tracking and analytics:

• SMS links: can be tracked from the point of click.
• QR codes: Track scans of all codes created and distributed.

Each tool has its own advantages, and it's important to choose or use a combination depending on the situation and your goals. SMS links are particularly effective when you need an immediate response or want to drive a simple action.

9. Conclusion and wrap-up

Vivoldi's SMS Link service is a tool that revolutionizes the convenience and efficiency of mobile messaging. A simple click on the link launches the messaging app and auto-populates the content, providing numerous benefits for both users and businesses.

The core value of SMS Link

The key strengths of SMS linking are its ability to enhance user experience, save time, improve accuracy, and flexibility in a variety of business environments. They can be used for everything from improving customer service to optimizing marketing campaigns to streamlining internal operations.

In the modern business environment, SMS links offer the following key values

• Immediacy: High open rates of over 97% and confirmation times of less than 90 seconds allow for immediate communication.
• Accessibility: Available to anyone with a smartphone without the need to install an app.
• Simplicity: Quick, one-click action without complicated processes.
• Universal: Flexible solution that can be adapted to different industries and use cases.
• Measurability: You can accurately measure marketing performance, including click-through rates, conversion rates, and more.

Wrapping up

Now you can easily create SMS links with a short link to https://vvd.bz, share them across your website, social media, email, and other channels to increase communication efficiency. It's a simple technique, but a powerful tool that can have a real impact on your business performance.

In the modern, mobile-centric digital landscape, SMS links are an essential technology that streamlines interactions with users and facilitates direct communication. Take your business communications to the next level with this simple yet effective solution.

In the age of digital transformation, the most effective solutions often start with the simplest things. SMS links are a perfect example of this, as they can significantly improve user experience and business efficiency without the need for complex technology. Discover the potential of SMS links and integrate them into your digital communications strategy today.

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