The world of mobile communications is entering a new era, and one of the biggest advances is RCS (Rich Communication Services), a modern form of communication that combines the efficiency of traditional text messaging with visuality and interactivity. In Finland, the use of RCS messages is growing rapidly, and businesses can now reach up to 1.47 million Finns with this innovative technology.
This figure is an estimate and is based on statistics from Statista and StatCounter. There are 4.9 million mobile phones in Finland (Statistic), of which 77 % are Android phones (StatCounter). Elisa's share of operators is 39 % (Statistic), so from this we can calculate that Finland theoretically has possible to reach 1.47 million people with RCS messages.
RCS offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses
RCS is not only a more versatile way to send messages, it is also a powerful tool for strengthening customer relationships. Because messages can contain enriched content such as images and videos, they stand out more in the recipient's message stream. In addition, interactive features such as real-time updates and links allow for direct interaction with customers - all directly in the messaging app on the phone, without the need to download separate apps.
Imagine the possibilities that RCS messages offer for marketing campaigns: you can send product demonstrations in the form of videos, offer special offers that are just one click away, or even enable customer service directly through the messaging app. This kind of personalised, interactive communication builds trust and engagement, which is valuable today. And above all, you get a new way to stand out from the crowd and create a positive image of your brand.
Quriiri enables businesses to send rich and interactive RCS messages to their customers. The messages are application-specific and consist of the following elements:
1. Multimedia, such as images, video and sound, to make messages visually appealing and engaging.
2. Interactivity: buttons, carousels and response options guide customers directly to the desired action.
3. Branding and enhanced profiles: sending messages requires registration of the sender and allows you to include the brand colours and logo in the sender information. This reinforces brand awareness and increases reliability.
RCS as a marketing tool
Both SMS and RCS offer businesses effective ways to reach customers. When combined as part of a multi-channel marketing strategy, these tools can deliver results quickly.
If you already do SMS marketing, it's quite easy to implement RCS. You can effortlessly give your customers a whole new experience of your brand.
”RCS takes mobile communications to a whole new level. And this is already possible. I think it's worth not waiting for the technology to become mainstream, but to be bold and experiment with messaging, which can already deliver significant commercial results and improve the customer experience.” says Quriirin Marketing Manager Tanja Lipponen.
Branded messages, buttons and multimedia content can significantly improve the quality of customer communications and increase engagement. It's also a new channel, so messages are sure to stand out when they arrive on the phone.
“At Quriiri, we believe that RCS can complement and enrich customer communications. The channel has the potential to stand out from the competition and to send dynamic and personalised messages that attract customers to take immediate action,” says Tanja.
In addition, the two channels can also be easily combined - for example, Quriirin can be used to set RCS messages as SMS messages to those phones that do not receive RCS messages.
6 ways to use RCS in marketing
1. Promotional messages
Notify RCS of current offers and discounts. Visual features make offers more attractive and direct customers to the point of purchase.
In addition to the text, the message may contain a picture or video of the promotional product and a ”Buy now” button that takes you directly to the online shop. By personalising messages with the customer's name or previous purchase history, you can make the message more personal.
2. New product launch
In the context of a new product launch, RCS messages can help create interest and inform customers in an attractive way. Interactive elements allow customers to react immediately.
The message could include a short video presentation of the new product, pictures of the different options and a button to go online.
3. Black Friday and Christmas sales campaigns
Seasonal campaigns, such as Black Friday and Christmas sales campaigns, can benefit from the visual and interactive features of RCS messages. They make the campaign memorable and facilitate customer engagement.
The message could have a Christmas-themed layout, pictures of the most popular gift ideas, and buttons to take action.
4. Cart abandonment
By sending a reminder for abandoned shopping baskets, you can get your customers to finish their shopping. With RCS messages, you can remind customers of abandoned items in a visually appealing way and provide an easy way to continue shopping.
The message could include a picture of the rejected products, an estimated delivery time and two buttons: ”Continue shopping” or ”View cart”.
5. Specific customer benefit
Special benefits for VIP customers and advance tickets for promotions can increase loyalty. RCS messages make these benefits attractive and easy to use thanks to their visual appeal.
The message can be stylishly branded, with an animated image of the pre-sale and a ”Start shopping” button that takes you directly to the offer page.
6. Product or stock notification
When a popular product returns to stock, it is important to inform interested customers quickly. RCS messages make this reminder effective and visually appealing, encouraging quick action.
The message could include a picture of the product, an estimated delivery time, and a ”Add to Cart” button directly from the message.
Summary
RCS communication is a great opportunity for Finnish companies to reach their customers more effectively and diversely. The opportunity to reach 1.47 million Finns with RCS messages offers a unique opportunity to gain an edge over competitors and connect more deeply with customers. RCS is the communication of the future, combining the efficiency of traditional SMS with visuality and interactivity - and the potential in Finland is huge.
Get an edge on your competitors and start trying RCS communication today. If you want to discuss further, book a demonstration!
