Most SMS API companies charge for undelivered texts
At The SMS Works, we only bill you for delivered messages. It's a fairer and more transparent way of working.
We'd love to become your SMS API provider.
Here are 7 reasons why we hope to make your shortlist...
Remarkably low SMS prices
Our prices are amongst the lowest in the UK. Messages start at 1.45 pence + VAT per text with our credit doubling offer.
On average, our customers save over 30%. Compare this with other SMS Gateway companies on our price comparison table.
For high SMS volume customers, sending over 50,000 texts a month, we offer even lower rates.
Copy & paste API snippets
We’ve put together a comprehensive range of ready to go scripts in the most common languages. Simply copy and paste.
Whatever your preferred language, our goal is to make your SMS integration as fast and simple as possible.
Our SMS gateway documentation is concise, clear and packed with helpful advice and sample code. Your SMS API UK test account comes with 50 free test credits.
Fast, reliable, robust
We've invested heavily to make our UK SMS API as reliable as it can possibly be. Our platform has been built to withstand the rigours of the most demanding applications.
We understand that data protection and security are crucial to you. We've gone the extra mile to ensure that our platform exceeds all the data protection requirements under GDPR.
Reliable Tier 1 connections
We only use the most reliable tier one connections, direct to UK networks. Messages sent within the UK stay in the UK.
We never use international or SMS grey routes. Although low-grade, grey routes may seem like a great, low-cost SMS option, they are notoriously unreliable.
Learn more about SMS grey routes and why you should avoid them.
No nasty surprises
Your test account comes with 50 free credits, so that you can be absolutely sure that our service is right for you.
We won't tie you in with contracts or minimum SMS volumes. We run a simple, pay-as-you-go, SMS Gateway service.
Our aim is to make integrating with our free SMS API for developers as fast and frictionless as possible.
Only pay for delivered messages
We only charge you for delivered messages. Failed texts are credited straight back to your account.
Almost all SMS companies charge for failed texts, when they haven't been charged themselves. You can save you as much as 18% by not paying for undelivered texts.
Our delivery reports give you a detailed outcome of all texts sent, including refunded SMS credits.
Credits don't expire
Once you've bought SMS credits from us, they won't expire. Surprisingly, some SMS providers remove your credits if they haven't been used after 12 months.
Current credit levels can be checked at any time, using our simple delivery reporting tools.
SMSAPI features and tools
Our SMSAPI is stacked with tools, designed to make working with us as simple as possible. Whether you’re a freelance developer or working in a large team, our tools are quick and easy to use.
Full documentation for all of these tools can be found on our Developer Zone.
Delivery reports
Every SMS sent generates a delivery report. Delivery reports can be accessed both via the API and by logging into your account.
Schedule a text campaign
Text messages can be scheduled to be sent via the SMSAPI on any date and time of your choice.
Receive text replies
Receive replies to your texts using our virtual mobile numbers. Incoming texts can be forwarded to an email address or URL of your choice.
Tag your campaigns
Tags or JSON metadata can be added to your outbound texts, allowing you to easily identify specific campaigns.
Batch send
If your contacts are receiving the same text, then the batch send tool makes this quick and easy.
Retrieve messages
Retrieve messages that match any given search criteria, either via the API or admin screen.
What can an SMS API be used for?
SMS has traditionally been seen as a marketing tool and it’s certainly a highly effective way of getting your message in front of your target audience.
But there are so many other ways that you could use a business SMS service in your business. The uses outlined below are by no means a complete list but could give you some ideas.
SMS Delivery Notifications
Let your customers know exactly when and where to expect delivery of their order. This can hugely reduce delivery failure rates.
2-Factor Authentication
Improve your security by using SMS as part of your 2FA process. Use SMS to send and receive dynamic codes for secure login or payment transactions.
Text Appointment reminders
Reduce the number of ‘no shows’ by sending SMS reminders 24 hours before appointment dates. Missed appointments can be reduced by up 70%.
Job opportunity alerts
Inform candidates about new jobs opportunities with well-timed text alerts. Include an SMS reply option so candidates can register their interest.
SMS Customer surveys
Gather valuable customer opinion data with short surveys by text. Use the data to improve your customer service and satisfaction.
Text order confirmation
Inform customers by text that their orders have been received. Using an SMS API, the text can include items ordered and total paid.
SMS customer support
Handle customer support and queries by text. Provide instant support and improve your customer satisfaction.
Event invitation
Increase attendance at your events with a personal invitation by text. Offer discounts to those that respond by SMS.
Highlight important emails
Increase read rate of your emails by drawing attention to important emails by SMS. Email read rate can be increased by as much as 55%.
SMS Workflows
Connect The SMS Works with other applications using Zapier. No coding is required. It’s a quick and easy way to automate sending SMS.
What is an SMS API?
An SMS API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of tools which allows the capabilities of one computer application to be made available to another, so that SMS messages can be sent and received.
The API specifies how software components should interact and follows a set of predefined rules, allowing developers to build SMS-based workflows into their own applications.
For a more in depth description, take a look at our simple explanation.
Changing SMS API provider is not an appealing prospect for most.
There are additional costs in integrating with the new supplier and there is always a danger that the new company doesn’t perform as expected. We understand these concerns and wanted to try and put a couple of fears to bed and explain why the benefits outweigh the risks.
Fear 1: Time taken for SMS integration
In our experience, this is never as bad as feared. Most SMS API companies have similar approaches and often the code changes required are quite modest.
Our copy and paste code snippets go a long way to simplifying the process and we’re always on hand to help out if needed.
Fear 2: Reliability
Customers tell us that above everything else, reliability is the single most important factor. We really understand this and we’ve put in the work to make sure that everything’s in place to provide the best SMS API possible.
For a quick summary, take a look at our technical overview.
The SMS Works offers a fairer approach to pricing
Paying for undelivered texts when your existing provider doesn’t, isn’t a very open way of operating.
By looking at your SMS delivery reports you’ll be able to see how much you’re currently spending on failed texts.
Over the course of a year, it’s likely to be a reasonable amount. Our delivered only pricing means you only pay for what’s delivered so there zero wastage.
From the blog...
SMS Marketing Quiz
Have a go at our mobile marketing quiz and claim 200 free text credits.
Is SMS alive for millenials?
Why do young folk still bother using outdated, clunky SMS?
The Breach Report 2018
ICO Fines Analysis - Infographic