SMS text notifications are considered one of the most effective channels for employee communication, according to the 2023 State of the Sector. 17% of communicators say they’re using text messages for business communication and they believe texts are 76% effective. Compared to the 11 other channels that Gallagher categorized as “broadcast channels,” texts are second only to Town Hall meetings and conference calls.
We also surveyed 1,000 frontline workers to learn how many of them are receiving texts for internal comms, and 57% said it was one of the channels they have access to. With frontline workers often lacking access to channels like email and employee intranets, that makes texting a great solution for them. So, it makes sense that more frontline workers have access to texting, despite a low number of communicators reporting using the channel.
In this whitepaper, we dive deeper into using SMS notifications and how this channel fits in with other notification tools. But first, here’s a little context.
What’s the Difference Between a Text Message and a SMS Message?
You’re probably already familiar with what text messages are. But what do we mean by SMS?
Well, there actually is no difference between these terms. SMS messages, which stands for short message service, are the same as text messages. These are both words to describe a text-based message that is sent from one mobile phone to another.
What’s the Difference Between Push Notifications and SMS Notifications?
The main difference is:
- A push notification is sent from an app installed on your phone
- A SMS notification is the alert you receive when you get a text
Our guide goes into more detail about the need for a carrier phone plan or wifi access, as well as how these different types of mobile phone notification can be customized.
What Our Guide Contains:
- Definitions of SMS notifications as well as push notifications sent through an employee app
- A break down of the differences in SMS and app notification metrics
- The pros and cons of using an app or SMS texting for internal communication
- How to use all your notification tools strategically
- Examples of what content should use push notifications and what should not
- SMS notification templates for internal communications (including crisis communications, executive communications, and for HR/employee onboarding)
- Explanation of theEMPLOYEEapp’s three different notification tools (SMS Texts, App Push Notifications, and Broadcast Alerts)
