Top business text messaging services in UAE & key strategies

In the UAE, texting is a vital communication tool. According to the TRA, the UAE holds the highest global mobile subscription rate, with 21.5 million subscribers. This also places the UAE at the forefront of SMS usage, with 11.5 billion messages sent in 2023.

Boasting a remarkable open rate of 98% and a read rate of 42%, text messaging serves business in the UAE better than email when it comes to marketing campaigns. Utilizing automated SMS solutions allows you to provide instant, direct, and personalized communication to your target audience in the UAE.

What is text message for business in the UAE?

Business text messaging, or SMS for business, enables companies to send special marketing offers, updates, or information to their customers via SMS. For instance, you might receive a text message about a birthday promotion or a special promo code for online shopping during your birthday month from a store.

Additionally, mass text messaging for business is a component of inbound marketing, primarily used for brand building and enhancing customer retention. It’s effective because business text messages can only be sent to customers who have consented to share their phone numbers, so only those who are interested will receive marketing messages from your business

Unlike other marketing tools like WhatsApp Ads, business text messages do not allow you to reach an unknown audience. However, they help strengthen customer relationships and promote products to existing customers, who are very likely to become conversions.

In the UAE, using text messaging for business marketing is particularly effective due to the high number of mobile phone users and the high text message response rate. Companies can leverage this tool to quickly and efficiently reach customers, enhancing communication and building long-term customer relationships.

Learn more about SMS marketing vs. WhatsApp marketing and decide which method is more beneficial for your business.

Why use SMS for businesses in the UAE

The key to a successful business campaign is a solid marketing strategy. Without one, your messages can easily get lost in the noise. Here's why text messaging for business marketing is good for your business:

• High engagement: Text messages boast a 98% open rate compared to 21.5% for emails, and more people read texts within minutes of receipt.

• Immediate delivery: Text messages are delivered almost instantly, essential for time-sensitive offers or announcements.

• Segmentation and personalization: You can send targeted messages to specific groups, where messages feel more personal and direct, making customers feel valued and engaged. 

• Wider reach: Unlike email, which can get lost in spam folders, text messages are delivered straight to your customer's phone, regardless of their internet connection. 

• Cost-effective: SMS is a low-cost communication channel, making it a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes to send updates, reminders, and promotions without a large budget.

• Mobile-friendly: With most people in the UAE using smartphones, text messages are an effective way to reach customers on their preferred devices.

• Opt-in audience: Your texts' recipients have usually opted in, indicating interest in your business. This means your messages are reaching a more receptive audience.

Interested in doing bulk SMS marketing for your business in the UAE? Read our article for more.

How to send business text messages to attract customers in the UAE

Curious to learn some business SMS best practices for successful campaigns in the UAE? Here are some tips:

1. Determining key components and setting objectives

A concise and persuasive message, a well-defined target audience, a specific call to action, and a method for measuring success are required for text message marketing campaigns. Prior to launching an SMS campaign, it is essential to set clear goals and objectives:

• Do you want to increase sales for your product or service?

• Are you aiming to drive more website traffic?

• Is your SMS campaign for brand awareness? If so, is it the best campaign channel for the goal?

2. Understanding your audience and segmenting

Segmentation involves categorizing your audience into smaller groups based on demographics, behaviors, preferences, or other relevant criteria. You can then send more tailored and relevant messages accordingly, improving engagement and conversion rates. For instance, if you’re promoting a sale on women's shoes, you can schedule a promotional offer on International Women’s Day to boost its performance. By segmenting your audience, you can create marketing ideas that cater to each group's specific interests and needs.

3. Innovative text marketing ideas

Creativity is key to capturing your audience's attention. Some creative ideas for business text messages include:

• Exclusive offers: Provide subscribers with special discount codes or offers available only through text messages.

• Limited-time promotions: Create urgency by offering deals with time limits.

• Interactive campaigns: Use polls, quizzes, or contests to engage subscribers and encourage participation.

• Personalized recommendations: Send product suggestions based on previous purchases or browsing history.

• Event invitations: Invite subscribers to special events, product launches, or webinars via text.

4. Ensuring compliance and gaining consent

Adhering to text message marketing regulations is vital to avoid legal issues and maintain customer trust in the UAE. It's important to obtain customer consent before sending text messages. This can be done through opt-in mechanisms, where customers actively subscribe to receive messages. 

Remember to offer clear instructions for opting out and ensure an easy way for customers to unsubscribe to maintain for compliance and a positive brand image.

Want to see how you can use text messaging for business marketing during the DSF Dubai Shopping Festival? Check out this blog here.

Key regulations for SMS in the UAE

SMS messaging is tightly regulated in the UAE to ensure compliance and reduce spam. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) oversees these regulations, which apply to local and international companies. Some vendors that provide text message marketing for small businesses often overlook these criteria, so it is crucial that you follow these regulations to avoid getting into trouble:.

Sender ID registration

• All companies must register their Sender IDs with the UAE operators.

• Promotional messages must start with the prefix "AD-" followed by the Sender ID.

• The registration process can take 5-10 business days for local companies and 10-15 business days for international companies. 

Content restrictions

• Promotional SMS can only be sent between 7 AM and 9 PM (UAE standard time).

• Messages containing gambling or adult content are prohibited.

• Each message must include an opt-out option, e.g., “To opt-out, SMS ‘N’ to XXXX”.

Compliance and documentation

• Companies must provide a signed No Objection Certificate (NOC) on the company letterhead.

• Trade licenses must be valid for at least two months during registration.

• Medical centers require additional Ministry of Health approval.

Message routing and filtering

• Local SMS traffic requires sender ID registration and must be routed through local routes.

• International messages also require registration and are routed at higher international rates.

• Soft URL filtering may be implemented to protect direct connections.

Miscellaneous requirements

• Messages should contain the company’s URL or customer care contact number.

• Numeric and generic sender IDs are not supported and will be blocked.

• TDRA requires promotional SMS senders to register their sender names and upload a consent database for approval.

Find it too tedious? Try WhatsApp marketing instead.

Measuring the impact of your business text message campaign

Want to know if your text messaging for business marketing campaign is performing well? Here are some key metrics to look out for: 

• Open rate: The percentage of people who opened the text message you sent.

• Click-through rate (CTR): The percentage of people who clicked on links or took action after reading your message.

• Conversion rate: The percentage of people who clicked on your links and completed the desired action, such as purchasing a product or signing up for an event.

• Unsubscribe rate: The percentage of people who opt out of receiving your messages.

• Delivery rate: The percentage of messages successfully delivered to recipients' phones.

Analyzing these metrics can help you understand what's working well and what needs improvement. For instance, if your open rate is low, it may indicate that your messages aren't engaging enough. If your click-through rate is high but your conversion rate is low, it suggests that while people are interested in your message, they may not be convinced to purchase or sign up.

Regularly reviewing these metrics allows you to identify your campaign's strengths and weaknesses. As you progress, you might need to adjust how you set up your text messaging for business marketing campaigns.

Tips for selecting the ideal text messaging service for your business

Selecting the right SMS service for your business in the UAE involves considering several crucial factors to ensure the platform aligns with your specific needs. Here's a guide to help you decide on the best text messaging service for your business:

• Advanced AI and automation: Look for easy-to-use AI and automation features that streamline tasks, such as sending welcome messages to new subscribers or scheduling messages in advance. This can save time and enhance productivity.

• Personalization: The ability to personalize messages with names or other details can significantly increase engagement and make your communications feel more tailored and relevant.

• Ease of use: The platform should have an intuitive interface, making creating and sending messages simple without requiring extensive training.

• Integration: Ensure the service seamlessly integrates with your current tools, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software or e-commerce platforms, to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.

• Scalability: Opt for a service that can scale with your business growth. You want a platform that won't limit your expanding needs.

• Mobile optimization: Given the high mobile penetration rate in the UAE, the service must be optimized for mobile devices to ensure your messages are visually appealing and easily readable on all screens.

• Analytics: Choose a platform that provides comprehensive analytics to track the performance of your messages. Understanding metrics like open rates and click-through rates can help you refine your strategy and improve results.

It's essential to compare different text message marketing platforms based on their features, pricing, and customer support options. Each company has pros and cons.

Key Considerations for UAE Businesses

When comparing different SMS marketing platforms, it's vital to consider their features, pricing, and customer support options. Each service has strengths and weaknesses, so a thorough evaluation is necessary. Here’s what to look for:

• Features: Advanced features such as segmentation, automated workflows, multimedia messaging, and integration with social media platforms can be highly beneficial.

• Pricing: Be aware of the pricing structure, whether based on the number of messages sent, subscribers, or specific features used. Watch out for any hidden fees that could inflate costs.

• Customer support: Look for platforms that offer various support options, such as email, phone, live chat, or a comprehensive knowledge base. Prompt and effective support can resolve issues quickly and reduce downtime.

• Trial periods and user reviews: Many SMS marketing services offer trial periods, allowing you to test the platform before committing. This trial can help you determine if the platform meets your needs and is user-friendly. Additionally, reading user reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other businesses with the platform, highlighting its strengths and any potential drawbacks.

By focusing on these factors, UAE businesses can choose an SMS marketing service that meets their current needs, supports their growth, and enhances their customer communication strategy.

Best text message marketing services for businesses

1. SleekFlow

SleekFlow is a modern text messaging marketing platform that excels at unifying your communication channels. It's an ideal choice for businesses that want to not only send bulk SMS but also manage customer relationships seamlessly across multiple platforms, all from a single dashboard. SleekFlow is powered by sophisticated AI and automation, making it a highly intelligent tool for any marketing team.

Pros:

• AI-powered agent: Its advanced AI assistant can learn from your past conversations to provide accurate, contextual responses, helping you save time and deliver consistent messaging.

• Robust automation: The Flow Builder is a powerful no-code visual tool that lets you design intricate, automated customer journeys for lead qualification, message routing, and personalized campaigns.

• Omnichannel integration: It's not limited to SMS. You can manage conversations from WhatsApp, Instagram, and other channels in a single inbox.

• Local support: SleekFlow has a dedicated local team in the UAE, ensuring you get fast, relevant support without time zone issues.

• Advanced features: Provides integrations with your existing CRM, e-commerce platforms and more. It also has advanced native features like in-chat payments, allowing customers to complete purchases directly within the chat window.

Cons:

• Extensive features can be overwhelming for new users who only need a simple SMS tool

• Some advanced features are only available on higher-priced plans

2. SMSCountry

SMSCountry is a popular provider in the UAE known for its reliable, high-volume bulk SMS capabilities and straightforward pricing. It’s well-suited for businesses that need to send a large number of messages efficiently and cost-effectively.

Pros:

• Reliability and speed: The platform offers high delivery rates with messages typically delivered in under 10 seconds.

• 2-way SMS: It supports two-way communication, enabling businesses to have conversational, chat-like interactions with customers.

• Global coverage: The service has extensive network support in over 220 countries, making it ideal for international companies or those with a global customer base.

Cons:

• The cost per message varies depending on the SMS pack and requires direct contact with a sales representative to get a clear quote

• Lacks advanced, AI-driven automation and conversational commerce features

3. SMSGlobal

SMSGlobal has a strong reputation in the UAE for its reliable SMS gateway and robust API. It's a great option for businesses that need to integrate bulk messaging capabilities directly into their existing systems.

Pros:

• Reliable API: Known for its stable and secure SMS gateway and API integration, which makes it a favorite for developers.

• Bulk messaging: Offers efficient and cost-effective solutions for sending large volumes of text messages.

• Flexible pricing: Provides pay-as-you-go options with no long-term contracts, which is great for businesses with fluctuating needs.

Cons:

• Focused on bulk text messaging for business marketing and lacks the rich features of an omnichannel platform, such as in-chat payments or a full CRM

4. Smart SMS

Smart SMS is a Dubai text messaging marketing provider with a deep understanding of the MENA/GCC market. It’s a specialized, homegrown option that offers high-quality messaging services tailored to the region.

Pros:

• Local expertise: As a Dubai-based company, it has a strong understanding of local regulations, market trends, and a reliable connection to major operators in the UAE.

• SMS-focused services: Caters to promotional, transactional, and OTP-related business text messaging needs.

Cons:

• More specialized provider focused on bulk SMS and text messaging, so it may lack the broader omnichannel features and advanced automation tools

• May not be suitable for businesses with extensive global messaging needs due to its regional focus

• Pricing details are not publicly available and require contacting their sales team for a quote

Here’s a summary of comparison for the top business text messaging marketing services in the UAE:

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Business text messaging examples: success stories using business text messaging for marketing  

If you're looking for business SMS examples, here are some case studies that can provide insights into different approaches that UAE companies have taken and the positive outcomes they've experienced.

How RAALC Law Firm uses text messaging for business marketing

RAALC Law Firm, a leading legal services provider in the UAE,  has transformed its client communication with powerful text messaging features to manage marketing leads. With automated messages, they have managed to immediately engage new leads, guiding them through a simple flow that asks for their preferred language and a brief description of their legal issue. This process ensures every conversation is quickly assigned to the most qualified legal consultant.

To maintain efficiency, RAALC's team has also used AI writing tools to instantly format and translate messages, allowing them to respond to complex inquiries faster while maintaining a professional tone. The firm also sets clear client expectations by using automated away messages during non-office hours, informing clients who will assist them and when they can expect a response.

TKD Lingerie generates 40X ROAS with personalized marketing text messages to their customers

TKD Lingerie, a women-led brand specializing in lingerie, swimwear, sportswear, maternity, and nightwear uses an official WhatsApp Business API account to leverage the power of personalized broadcast messages for customer engagement. These text messages on WhatsApp are tailored to individual preferences and needs, ensuring a personalized shopping experience for every customer.

By automating their workflow, TKD Lingerie has generated 40X ROAS with 74% message open rate, maximizing selling opportunities with new arrivals, promotions, and other important updates.

How Anigma Technologies uses text messages to enhance customer experience

Anigma Technologies, a key player in the gaming PC components and accessories market, recognizes the importance of seamless communication in building a loyal community.  As ann effort to foster these connections, they have implemented automated text messages for transactional communications, and gained a 25% customer growth rate in return.

Automating transactional messages, such as shipment tracking and review requests, Anigma informs customers immediately after a purchase. This proactive approach reduces redundant follow-ups related to order fulfilment and enables the company to focus on gathering valuable customer feedback.

Anigma has also merged messages from different channels into a shared team inbox, allowing efficient conversation assignments to dedicated agents. This system ensures a fair workload distribution and enhances service quality transparency. 

Without the omnichannel inbox, automation, and integration, many sales opportunities would be missed. I believe that any brand, as long as they have clients to serve, can benefit from using SleekFlow.

Wael Ali

Marketing Manager, Anigma Technologies

SMS marketing for small businesses

For small businesses in the UAE, the real power of text messaging isn't just in sending messages—it's in solving your biggest communication challenges. It’s the tool you need to end missed connections with customers who prefer messaging over phone calls, and to eliminate the chaos of manual follow-ups and missed opportunities.

By integrating text messaging into the best text messaging marketing platform, you will be able to finally connect all your customer conversations in one place, from an SMS to a WhatsApp chat. This unified approach, combined with AI and automation, will allow you to:

• Boost engagement and revenue with automated promotions and timely updates that feel personal.

• Streamline operations by using automated flows to handle tasks like appointment reminders and order confirmations, freeing up your team.

• Deliver a seamless experience that makes every customer feel valued and heard, no matter which channel they use.

Text messaging, when powered by the right tools, is how your business can go from simply communicating to truly connecting and growing.

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