A2P Messaging: Uses, Benefits, & Methods 2024

Have you ever gotten a message from your doctor’s office reminding you of an appointment or a discount code from your favorite store? That’s A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging in action! It’s how businesses communicate with customers via SMS, voice, or push notifications. 

A2P messaging is growing fast, with global traffic expected to reach 78 billion U.S. dollars in revenues worldwide. This growth shows how crucial these messages have become for businesses to stay connected with their customers. 

So, how do these systems work, and what various uses, benefits, and methods of A2P messaging, helping you unlock its full potential?

What is A2P Messaging?

A2P, or application to person messaging, is a process in which a business sends a message to a customer through A2P application software. Instead of coming from an actual person, these messages come from the business’s application. A2P application or software is basically a software application run by an enterprise. This software connects with mobile carriers to deliver the message to your phone. 

You might see these as texts with OTPs, promotions, or notifications from a company. It’s a way businesses communicate directly with customers through automated systems. These messages are also generally known as business text messaging or business SMS.

For instance, if you are a student, you have probably received a message from a different consultancy asking if you are looking for a consultancy that can guide you to study abroad like this;

Hi (First Name)

Are you interested in studying abroad? 🌍 Our team can help you find the perfect program and guide you through the application process. Contact us for more information!

Best,

(Consultancy Name)

These days, most of the company enable A2P to automate a large volume of messages at a time or facilitate two-factor authentication or alert and appointment. However, most businesses use the A2P method to send promotional and sale messages to customers.

How Does A2P Messaging Work?

A2P messaging is usually one-way communication, which means the recipient doesn’t have to respond to the message. An application-to-person message starts with a trigger-based message, which is based on different events or actions. The application then generates the message based on the events. It includes notifications, alerts, or marketing messages. After that, the messages are routed to an SMS gateway. This gateway works as a moderator between the application and the mobile service provider.

Then, the message is delivered to the customer’s device through SMS, MMS, and other messaging channels. Once the message is delivered to the recipient’s device, it is displayed on the user’s phone screen. 

Types of A2P Messaging

A2P SMS is basically used by businesses and enterprises to inform customers about various news. It could be about service updates, appointment reminders, or feedback requests. Here are some 4 common types of A2P messaging types that businesses use to send messages;

1. SMS Marketing Message

Businesses often use SMS marketing messages to send promotional messages, advertisements, offers, or discounts to seek customers’ attention. This kind of message directly aims to increase sales through SMS marketing. 

One example of an SMS marketing message, “Hi, Ready to upgrade your wardrobe? 👗 Get 20% off your next purchase at [Store Name] with code SUMMER20. Shop now: [Short Link], Hurry, the offer ends soon!”

2. Appointment Reminders or Confirmations

“Hello, This is a friendly reminder of your appointment with Doctor Alex on 24th August at 2 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early”.  

If you have received this kind of message on your device, then know that it is appointment reminder A2P message. This is a very common message that businesses send to their customers who have an appointment on that day or after that day. Businesses such as beauty parlors, hospitals, and spas use these messages to give a notifications to customers.

3. Two-factor Authentication Example

These days, many online businesses or applications have started sending two-factor authentication. Due to the increasing risk of identity and information theft businesses have started sending 2FA to its customer. These 2FA or one-time password verification codes confirm the user’s identity and authorize transactions. One popular example of 2FA is;

Your [Service Name] verification code is 678543.

Please enter this code to complete your login. 

4. Transactional Updates 

If you regularly shop or buy things from online stores, you have probably seen this message. “Your order #[Order Number] has been shipped! 📦 Expected delivery: [Delivery Date]. Track your package here: [Tracking Link].”

This is a type of A2P message that sends a message mostly related to the transaction or service. It includes details like order confirmation, delivery notification, payment reminder, and more. These updates are essential for keeping customers informed and ensure transparency in their transactions.

What are the Benefits of A2P Messaging?

Application to person offers various benefits for business and a recipient. Here are some benefits of A2P SMS. 

• Increase efficiency: Application to person messaging automates all the bulk SMS and messaging delivery processes, which directly reduces manual work. Businesses don’t have to worry about sending the same message to each customer. Moreover, they can enable timely interaction with the recipients.

• Cost-effectiveness: A2P message is much more cost-effective and affordable than traditional channels such as television or print advertisements. With A2P messaging, businesses can easily save operational and advertisement costs. They do not have to pay a heavy price to advertisement companies simply to reach out to customers. 

• Quick delivery and reach: These days, everyone carries a phone, and reaching them on the phone has become very easy. Since A2P message directly sends messages to a customer’s mobile device, it allows businesses to reach large customers quickly.

• Personalization: A business doesn’t send A2P messages directly to anyone. First, they categorize their audience; then, they create a personalized message based on user preference and their behavior. As a result, it increases engagement and click rate.

• Global reach: With A2P text messaging, businesses can expand their reach globally. These days, everyone has mobile devices, and companies can communicate with customers even with geographical barriers. This way, businesses can expand their reach regardless of their location.

Use Cases for A2P Messaging

1. Two-factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most used cases of A2P SMS in business. It is an identity and security method that requires a form of identification data. In 2FA, the business sends a one-time password (OTP) via SMS, and the recipient has to enter that password to log in to certain accounts, such as email or online banking. 

Many companies send 2FA to their customers so that they can monitor and safeguard important information.

2. Marketing and Promotion

Businesses send this type of A2P message to attract customers and promote their products and services. For instance, if you are a regular customer and a member at Sales Berry supermarket and regularly buy groceries, that supermarket will send you a marketing message offering certain discounts on a grocery product. 

They categorize their customer base and send exciting promotions, special offers, discounts, and exclusive deals to customers. 

3. Alert and Notifications

A company uses A2P SMS messages to send alerts and notifications to its customers. If there are any alert messages, such as banking transactions or purchase translations, the company uses A2P to alert customers about the activity. 

Similarly, different government pages also use alert sms to alert the citizens about upcoming disaster events such as weather or landslides.

How to Conduct A2P Messaging?

You can conduct A2P messaging using three methods: 10-digit long codes (10DLC), Toll-free numbers (TFN), and Short codes. Each method sends SMS differently and has its own benefits. 

Here are the 3 common methods used for A2P business messaging and how to conduct it.

1. 10-digit Long Codes (10DLC)

An A2P (10DLC) 10-digit long code is a specific Phone Number used for (A2P) Application to person messaging. This method allows businesses to send text messages directly to the recipient using a 10-digit (landline) phone number. 

Moreover, companies can keep their business phone number and communicate with customers both ways. A2P 10DLC is perfect for you if your business needs to send alerts, reminders, and one-time passwords (OTPs).

2.  Toll-free Number (TFN)

Toll-free numbers, or TFNs, are another popular method of A2P SMS messaging. This method is especially used for customer service communications. It allows businesses to send messages to customers using a Toll-free number. 

Moreover, it allows customers to reply to messages without any charges. Businesses can easily register for TFN and do not have to go through the long process of 10DLC A2P messages.

3. Short codes

Short codes are one of the most expensive A2P SMS messaging methods. Large businesses use this method for high-volume broadcasts and A2P SMS messaging. It is perfect for mass communication needs promotion, such as marketing campaigns, voting, and promotional alerts. 

However, unlike toll-free numbers, obtaining short codes can be frustrating. It requires approval and registration with the carrier, which can be time-consuming. 

✅ Check Out: Long Code Vs Short Code

How to Prevent A2P Messaging Fraud?

A2P messaging fraud often happens through SMS. It is an unauthorized practice that involves A2P messaging channels. It involves SMS spoofing, OTP theft, smishing, and many other tactics. This fraud can lead to financial losses, security breaches, and reputational damage for businesses and users. 

But how can anyone prevent this A2P messaging fraud? Simple, follow these measures;

• Implement user authentication: Businesses can use different authentication methods, such as 2FA, biometric, or token-based authentication. This strong authentication verifies the user and prevents spam and unauthorized access to A2P messaging platforms.

• Monitor traffic: Monitoring traffic can also prevent A2P messaging fraud. Moreover, it helps you identify and address any unusual patterns, such as traffic spikes and unusual message contents.

• Add reCAPTCHA: Adding reCAPTCHA to your system will also somehow prevent fraud. As reCAPTCHA finds the difference between human and automated access, fraudsters cannot easily hack the system. 

• Check message validation: It is difficult for companies to check every message that is sent. However, if you sometimes check if the message is valid, you can prevent A2P messaging fraud. This technique can detect and prevent fraudulent or suspicious messages before they reach recipients. 

What is the Future of A2P Messaging?

According to Statista data published in 2022, the global A2P SMS market generated approximately 48 billion U.S. dollars in revenues in 2022 and is expected to reach 78 billion U.S. dollars in revenues worldwide. This means A2P messaging is growing each year and has a promising future full of opportunities and growth.

In the future, A2P messaging is expected to utilize AI, chatbots, and rich media messaging to enhance personalization and interaction. On the other hand, businesses have already started using OTT apps. With OTT apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, businesses can facilitate A2P messaging integration even more. It helps businesses send updates and offers right in the chat app.

Conclusion

A2P messaging is becoming an essential tool for businesses to connect with their customers. Its convenience, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness make it increasingly popular. By understanding how A2P messaging works and its various applications, businesses can fully leverage its potential. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks, such as A2P messaging fraud, and take preventive measures like user identification and traffic monitoring.

As A2P messaging continues to evolve with new technologies like AI, chatbots, and rich media messaging, businesses should embrace these advancements to maintain strong customer engagement and drive growth.

FAQ

What is A2P messaging traffic?

A2P traffic is a volume of application to Person (A2P) messages sent from A2P software to recipients’ mobile devices. It includes messages such as alerts, notifications, and transactional updates.

Is A2P messaging secure?

A2P messaging can be secure if a business implements it correctly. To safeguard the transmission of A2P messages, businesses must measure encryption, secure the connection, and implement an authentication protocol.

Can A2P messaging be integrated with other communication channels?

Yes, A2P messaging can be integrated with other communication channels. It can be integrated with channels such as such as email, voice, social media, and chat applications.