Modern customers expect instant and seamless communication. They don’t want to make an effort to connect with their favorite businesses but expect businesses to be where they are. And where are your customers? They are probably on their iPhones, Macs, or iPads.
As a matter of fact, iPhones represent 21.67% of the world’s total smartphone-using population. In the USA alone, almost every other person you meet owns an iPhone.
Unfortunately, not every business or brand is jumping at the opportunity to utilize iMessage for Business, and this is a huge missed opportunity. iMessage for Business might just be the golden ticket your business needs to connect with customers in a more efficient and personal way.
Understanding iMessage for Business
iMessage for Business is a revolutionary communication platform developed by Apple to allow businesses to interact with customers directly through the familiar iMessage application on Apple devices. It provides customers with an intuitive and interactive way to engage with their favorite businesses, ask questions, and receive support.
iMessage for Business features a user-friendly interface and is designed to facilitate more convenient and natural dialogue between customers and businesses. It is more than traditional text exchange because this platform supports various formats, including text, videos, images, and interactive components like product catalogs and appointment schedulers.
For businesses, this platform represents a complete shift in mindset when it comes to connecting with customers. It is more than a tool for responding to customer questions. It is a strategic asset for augmenting customer engagement. Businesses can use this platform to personalize conversion and offer customized recommendations. It can even be used to process transactions due to its integration with Apple Pay.
Plus, businesses enjoy Apple’s support and reliability. Most iMessage problems can be solved with quick troubleshooting tips or by talking to Apple Support. You can read here some reasons why iMessage might not be working and find solutions.
Benefits of using iMessage for Business
Personalized conversations – Businesses using iMessage for Business allow customers to hit them up like a friend. This platform brings a comfy, casual vibe to business chats and makes conversations feel more human. Customers appreciate the personal touch, and this could be a game-changer for your business.
Connect with a wider audience – More than a billion active iPhone users globally are already using iMessage. Hence, it allows you to directly connect with these users and promote your business or answer their questions.
Improved customer experience – The platform offers a user-friendly, familiar interface that creates a positive customer experience. Customers don’t feel intimidated to chat with businesses and clear their doubts.
Augmented engagement – By meeting customers where they already are, businesses can foster deeper loyalty and connections.
Enhanced response time – This platform allows real-time communication as businesses get to promptly address questions and solve customer issues.
Seamless integration with iOS features – Integration with calendar and Apple Pay makes it easier for customers to find products and even complete transactions. They also get information about upcoming events or if they wish to schedule an appointment with your business, they can do so seamlessly.
Rich media capabilities – The platform makes it possible to enhance business-customer interactions by allowing businesses to share videos, images, and other media.
What are the key features of iMessage for Business?
Business chat – Customers can initiate conversations with brands or businesses directly from Search, Apple Maps, or the Messages application.
Rich media – Conversations can be enriched by adding videos, images, or even location information.
Messaging templates – Businesses can create pre-written message templates to streamline communications.
Payment integration – Businesses can accept payments directly through iMessage via Apple Pay.
Analytics – Businesses can even track response times, message volumes, and customer satisfaction metrics to take steps to improve business-customer interactions.
How to register for an iMessage for Business account?
Register or log into your Apple Messages for Business account
Click Get Started under “As a business….”
Sign in with your Apple ID and password
On the Welcome screen, you have to sign in again with your Apple ID
On the iMessage for Business account screen, click Add New and then click Get Started
Read the Messages for Business account policies and then tick the checkbox
Click Next
Fill out or verify your business’s information, and when you are done, click Next
You will be faced with two options – create an internal test account or create a commercial account. You have to choose the internal test account and then select Next.
Once you have finished registering your business, click Done, and then you can start using iMessage for Business.
Please note that there might be some additional steps. Just follow the instructions on your screen. Plus, you may need to choose an MSP to complete the registration.
Final thoughts
iMessage for Business offers a powerful opportunity to augment customer communication and drive business growth. Understand the benefits and features of this platform so you can leverage it to improve interactions with your customers.