A popular saying goes thus “A prophet is not appreciated in his own land” same can be said for bulk SMS messaging services in Nigeria. In my honest and personal opinion, it is one if not the most underappreciated business & marketing tool this side of the equator. The funny thing is that Bulk SMS Messaging is being used by the so called “Big Fishes” such as Telecom Giants, Retail chains, Companies etc. to such great effect but the “little guy” is still yet to open his eyes to how best to utilize this weapon in assuring success in his business venture.
I won’t lie; I am not a veteran unlike my boss in the usage and utilization of Bulk sms messaging service in Nigeria. I began using this service some 6-7 months ago out of necessity because of my job description but truth be told its been like discovering fire all over again. Bulk SMS Service in my limited experience has been both sweet and sour but mostly sweet. The ease and efficiency with which my messages to clients is astonishing, talk less of its flexibility and user friendliness (if you are on the right platform). Bulk SMS sweet sha! Don’t even get me started on the area of Delivery Reporting system (again, if na better platform you dey use). Then ultimately there is that air of originality and seriousness that comes with sending and even receiving bulk sms most especially if it is toned specifically for you example “Hello Ugo”, the nostalgia is indescribable.
On a not so sweet note on my experience in using Bulk SMS Messaging service, where do I begin? Well, let me kick off with the dreaded “DND Palava”. I can’t remember a worse feeling than that of seeing your well composed message rejected due to DND. “E dey pain well well”, then there is the issue of payment flexibility, network reliability and user friendliness. As most things in life, Bulk SMS service in Nigeria isn’t perfect. But then again, what is?
By and large I still hold on to the notion that more needs to be done to opening the eyes of the average Joe especially small business owners on the untapped potential that Bulk SMS messaging and its allied services have to offer. The world has gone online and mobile, we have to go with it so that we don’t get left behind.
What do you think?