RCS vs SMS: Why Businesses Are Making the Switch
Business messaging is evolving fast. SMS for Business set the standard, but RCS for Business now brings richer, more interactive ways to reach customers. As customer expectations rise and competition grows, companies are asking: which channel will help us stand out and deliver results?
Why are so many businesses switching to RCS? Does SMS still matter for business communication? Here is what you need to know.
The Role of SMS for Business Today
SMS for Business remains one of the most reliable communication channels available. With open rates consistently above 90%*, SMS is trusted by enterprises worldwide for:
Transactional messages (OTPs, delivery updates, appointment reminders)
Time-critical alerts and notifications
Simple, text-based marketing messages
Global reach across virtually all mobile devices
SMS is universal, fast, and dependable. It works on every mobile phone and does not need internet access, so it is ideal for essential messages. But SMS is limited to text only.
As brands look to deliver more engaging customer experiences, many find that SMS alone is no longer enough.
What Is RCS for Business?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) for Business is the next evolution of SMS. It transforms traditional text messaging into a rich, app-like experience delivered directly within the native messaging app on Android devices.
With RCS messaging for business, companies can send:
Branded messages with logos and brand colours
High-resolution images, carousels, and videos
Interactive buttons (Call to Action, quick replies)
Read receipts and delivery confirmations.
Verified sender profiles to build trust and reduce fraud
In short, RCS for Business gives you the reach of SMS and the interactivity of mobile apps, without asking customers to download anything new.
RCS vs SMS: Key Differences for Businesses
The differences between RCS and SMS go far beyond just visuals.
1. Customer Experience
SMS delivers information. RCS delivers a full experience. With RCS, customers can browse products, confirm bookings, track deliveries, or respond to offers-all within the message thread. This reduces friction and increases engagement.
2. Branding & Trust
SMS messages usually show a phone number or short code. RCS messages display a verified business profile with your company name and logo. This builds trust and helps prevent phishing.
3. Engagement & Conversion
RCS messages consistently outperform SMS in terms of: Engagement rates, Click-through rates, Conversion rates. Interactive elements, such as buttons and carousels, make it easier for customers to take immediate action.
4. Analytics & Insights
Traditional SMS offers limited reporting. RCS for Business gives you deeper insights, like read receipts and user actions, so you can optimise your campaigns with real data.
Why Corporate Businesses Are Switching to RCS
Large businesses in retail, finance, travel, logistics, and healthcare are adopting RCS for good reason.
Higher ROI on Messaging Campaigns
With richer content and interactive calls to action, RCS campaigns deliver better results than SMS alone. Brands see higher engagement without needing to build mobile apps or set up complex integrations.
Omnichannel Messaging Strategies
RCS works well as part of an omnichannel communication strategy, alongside SMS, WhatsApp Business, email, and push notifications. If RCS is not available, messages can seamlessly fall back to SMS, ensuring message delivery is never compromised.
Future-Proofing Business Messaging
As customer behaviour shifts toward conversational and visual communication, RCS is a future-ready channel. Google and mobile operators are investing in RCS, making it a smart long-term choice for businesses.
Does SMS for Business Still Matter?
Absolutely.
Despite the growth of RCS, SMS for Business remains essential. Not all devices support RCS, and many use cases still require the simplicity and universality of SMS.
That's why leading enterprises don't choose RCS vs SMS; they choose RCS and SMS.
By combining both channels, businesses can:
Use RCS for rich, engaging customer journeys.
Use SMS for critical, time-sensitive, and universal communication.
Maximise your reach and improve the customer experience.
How LINK Mobility Helps Businesses Scale with RCS and SMS
At LINK Mobility, we help businesses get the most from SMS and RCS for Business with secure, scalable, and compliant messaging solutions.
Our enterprise messaging platform enables you to:
Launch RCS messaging for business with verified sender profiles.
Seamlessly integrate SMS and RCS into one unified strategy.
Reach customers globally with enterprise-grade reliability.
Measure performance and optimise engagement across channels.
Whether you are just starting with SMS for Business or ready to grow your RCS strategy, LINK Mobility has the expertise and technology to help you succeed.
Ready to Upgrade Your Business Messaging?
The shift from SMS to RCS for Business isn't about replacing what works; it's about enhancing it. Businesses that embrace rich, interactive messaging are already seeing stronger engagement, higher conversions, and better customer relationships. Get in touch with LINK Mobility today to discover how SMS and RCS can work together to transform your customer communications.
*https://www.amraandelma.com/sms-open-rate-statistics/