Posted on

SMS Statistics in the Philippines

For most people, texting is one of the quickest ways to connect with someone. Around 65% of the global population uses text messaging, and another 6 billion have phone access.

Today, the Philippines holds the remarkable distinction of being the world’s SMS (short-message-service) capital. Despite the rise of various messaging apps and social media platforms, SMS still plays a significant role in communication throughout the country.

That’s why understanding how people utilize SMS in the Philippines is crucial for effectively connecting with your brand’s audience.

Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the role of SMS in the digital age, this blog will shed light on the enduring power of this ubiquitous messaging medium.

Discover the unique landscape of SMS in the Philippines and unlock its potential for your business!

8 SMS Statistics in the Philippines You Should Know

 

  • Official organizations in the Philippines continue to rely on SMS as a vital means of communication for important notifications (PhilStar)

Official organizations in the Philippines continue to rely on SMS for important notifications, including banks and weather warnings, for several reasons.

Firstly, SMS offers widespread coverage and accessibility, ensuring messages reach a large population—including those without an internet connection. Secondly, it is a reliable and instant communication channel, delivering urgent information promptly.

You can invest in infrastructure improvements, integrate SMS with other communication channels, and leverage data analytics to tailor messages effectively and make the platform work for you.

Embracing emerging technologies and adopting secure messaging protocols can also strengthen the SMS system, ensuring efficient and reliable communication with the public.

 

  • A mobile phone user in the Philippines sends approximately 600 text messages per month (BBC)

You can attribute this statistic to several factors, such as the affordability and widespread availability of SMS packages, the prevalence of feature phones, and cultural preferences for text-based communication.

To capitalize on this trend, you can invest in SMS marketing campaigns, tailor messaging to suit customer preferences, and explore innovative ways to engage with your target audience through SMS.

With the time Filipinos spend on their phones—paired with the number of text messages they send daily—you have a high chance of getting your message across. 

 

The competitive pricing of SMS services in the Philippines, with a significant portion of traffic sold at half a cent, benefits your business by allowing you to reach a larger audience within your target market at a lower cost.

This affordability enables you to implement more frequent communication strategies, fostering more robust customer relationships and building brand loyalty.

It also levels the playing field for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so they can compete effectively with larger corporations. You can explore innovative marketing strategies, such as mobile coupons and event notifications, without exorbitant expenses. 

 

  • 40% of SMS traffic in PH showed evidence of manipulated content (Vox Solutions)

As a business owner, addressing manipulated content in SMS traffic is crucial to maintaining trust and reliability. Manipulation can involve spreading false information, scams, or phishing attempts. Mobile service providers and regulatory bodies play a role in mitigating this issue.

However, you can also protect your customers by implementing robust security measures like content filtering, spam detection, and user education campaigns to minimize the impact of manipulated content.

 

  • There are over 149 million mobile subscriptions in the Philippines (DataReportal)

Despite the increasing prominence of mobile phones, social media apps, and messaging software in the Philippines, mobile text messages continue to hold a significant position in the lives of Filipinos—with a staggering number of over 168 million mobile subscriptions in the country.

Incorporating SMS into your business communication strategy can be a powerful way to engage with your Filipino audience. Leveraging SMS boosts your business’s mobile app adoption.

 

  • 73% of Filipinos used SMS compared to 33% who opted for instant messaging (IM) (Warc)

In the Philippines, SMS remains the communication method of choice for almost three-quarters of mobile consumers, despite the popularity of IM apps across Southeast Asia.

Among IM users, Facebook Messenger was the top choice. This unique preference allows you to leverage SMS as a direct and effective channel for customer engagement.

Incorporating SMS marketing strategies can connect you with your target audience and deliver personalized messages that resonate with Filipino consumers, increasing your chances of conversion.

 

  • 79% of Filipinos check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up (Warc)

Filipino mobile users exhibit a remarkable devotion to their devices. Seventy-nine percent of them check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up, surpassing the regional average.

This mobile-centric behavior provides valuable opportunities to effectively connect and engage with your target audience.

With this insight, you can tailor your marketing strategies to optimize engagement during key moments, such as morning interactions and commuting.

You can effectively deliver personalized messages, seize attention during daily routines, and utilize mobile devices as a powerful platform to engage and captivate your audience.

 

  • In 2020, users in the Philippines significantly increased their engagement with SMS (Statista)

Users in the Philippines notably increased their engagement time with SMS, mainly because it is a widely accessible and familiar mode of communication, especially for people in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Additionally, the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of SMS make it a preferred choice for daily communication needs.

To capitalize on this trend, you can implement targeted campaigns, optimize message content, and leverage SMS as a primary customer communication channel to effectively connect with your target audience and enhance their experiences.

Embracing the Potential of SMS Marketing in the Philippines

Stay attuned to evolving communication trends and engage your audience in this vibrant landscape. Understanding the pulse of SMS in the Philippines is the key to building stronger connections and driving business growth. Don’t miss out on the opportunities in this thriving communication realm.
Contact Semaphore today and get best-in-class SMS solutions today! With our expertise and tailored solutions, we can help you navigate this dynamic landscape and leverage SMS to its fullest potential.

Posted on

SMS Scams in the Philippines

Have you received a text message from an unknown number promising a certain amount of money or prizes after clicking a certain link? If yes, you’ve most likely become a target of an SMS scam. 

These deceptive text messages have recently become prevalent in the Philippines, putting unsuspecting individuals at risk of exposure to financial loss and personal information.

From lottery and investment fraud to fake charity appeals and phishing attempts, the range of SMS scams is alarmingly vast. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the gravity of SMS scams in the Philippines and teach you how to protect yourself against them. 

Understanding SMS Scams in the Philippines 

SMS scams occur when scammers send text messages to mobile phone users, tricking them into sharing personal information, making money transfers, or getting involved in malicious schemes.

A 2023 study found that of all the fraud cases that Filipinos report, 46% are smishing or SMS scams.

It has gotten so bad that text scammers have already claimed millions of dollars from network subscribers who ended up clicking on malicious links and giving up sensitive data. 

Local telecommunication companies have since tightened security measures to protect their subscribers from digital fraud.

For instance, Globe Telecom blocked 1.3 billion text scams from January to September 2022, a 13% increase from 1.15 billion blocked text scams in 2021. On the other hand, Smart blocked only website links that led to malicious sites. 

The Philippine government has also enacted the SIM Card Registration Act, which requires mobile device users to register their SIM cards and helps authorities protect individuals from smishing activities. 

Types of SMS Scams in the Philippines 

A photo depicting an SMS Scam.

SMS scams vary in form, sometimes making distinguishing them from real text messages from network service providers and brands difficult. Here are the types of SMS scams you should watch out for. 

  • Lottery and prize scams

    The scammer will claim that you won a raffle or are eligible for a prize like cash, a car, a travel package, or a house. They’ll also instruct you to call a specific number, asking you to send money or load credits before claiming your winnings.

     

  • Investment scams

    This scam involves enticing you to invest in fake or non-existent investment opportunities. These scams often promise high investment returns and may claim affiliation with reputable financial institutions or companies.

     

  • Identity theft and phishing scams

    The scammer will claim to be a legitimate organization’s or financial institution’s representative and ask for sensitive information such as your login credentials, credit card or bank account details, and one-time passwords (OTPs).

With this data, they’ll access your bank accounts, make unauthorized transactions, or commit identity theft.

  • Missent load scam

    An unknown number will send a text message mimicking a prepaid load notification. Moments later, the scammer will claim that the load was mistakenly sent to you and insist you return it.

In reality, you did not receive any prepaid load credits; the scammer is only tricking you into giving them your existing credits.

  • Discount billing scam

    The scammer will falsely claim you qualify for a discount on your postpaid bill. However, the message intends to deceive you into sending prepaid load credits to an unfamiliar number. Scammers usually target postpaid subscribers for this scheme.

     

  • Final warning to register sim card

    This scam involves falsely pressuring you to register your SIM card via a malicious site. The scammer will usually pose as your bank or network service provider. 

Risks Involved in SMS Scams

You may experience severe consequences for falling victim to an SMS scam. Here are some of the risks involved in fraudulent text messages.  

  • Financial loss

    You may directly lose money through unauthorized charges on your accounts or bank transfers to the scammer. You may even have difficulty recovering the lost money or permanently lose your funds if you can’t prove that you did not authorize these transactions. 

     

  • Identity theft

    The scammer may assume your identity using your personal information to commit fraud. Identity theft can result in financial damage, damage to credit scores, and a long and complex process to restore your identity.

     

  • Unauthorized access to personal information

    The scammer may commit financial fraud, breach your privacy, or blackmail you using your personal information.

     

  • Psychological impact

    You may feel embarrassed, ashamed, angry, or betrayed for falling for an SMS scam. You may also no longer trust digital communication channels or brands that use SMS marketing to communicate with you.

Avoiding SMS Scams 

Identifying and avoiding SMS scams requires a proactive approach and attentiveness to potential red flags. Here are some tips to prevent and protect yourself from SMS scams.

  1. Be cautious of unsolicited messages

    Be wary of text messages from unfamiliar numbers or unexpected sources. Scammers often send unsolicited messages to initiate their fraudulent activities.

     

  2. Verify the sender’s identity

    If you receive a text claiming to be from a specific organization or company, take the time to verify the sender’s identity independently. Contact the organization through official channels or visit their website to confirm the message’s legitimacy.

     

  3. Scrutinize message content for suspicious elements

    Look out for spelling or grammatical errors, unusual requests, or messages that create a sense of fear or urgency. These signs point to a potential scam.

     

  4. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments

    Don’t click links or download attachments sent via SMS unless you trust the sender or source or have vetted their legitimacy. Scammers use these tactics to lead you to malicious websites or infect your device with malware.

     

  5. Don’t disclose personal information

    Be cautious about sharing personal information such as your bank account details, passwords, or other sensitive data through SMS. Legitimate organizations would not typically ask for such information via text.

     

  6. Install reliable security software on mobile devices

    Security software or applications specifically designed for mobile devices can help detect and block potential threats, including SMS scams and malware.

     

  7. Regularly update device software and applications

    Keep your mobile device’s operating system and all installed applications up to date. Software updates often contain important security patches that address vulnerabilities that scammers may exploit.

     

  8. Be mindful of privacy settings on social media platforms

    Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to limit the amount of personal information that’s publicly visible. Doing so reduces the chances of scammers obtaining your details they can use in SMS scams.

     

  9. Learn more about common SMS scam tactics

    Stay informed about the various tactics and techniques scammers employ in SMS scams so you can recognize and avoid falling victim to them.

Be Aware of SMS Scams

Stay alert and careful with text messages to protect yourself from SMS scams. Don’t trust suspicious messages, avoid sharing personal info or making transactions solely based on texts, and verify any claims or offers you receive through SMS.

If you encounter them, report SMS scams to the appropriate authorities like the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) or the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group. Contribute to the collective effort in combating fraudulent activities.

Contact NTC

  • +632 8920 4464
  • +632 8926 7722
  • +632 8921 3251

Contact PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group:

If you’re running a business and don’t want to lose your SMS subscribers due to these scams, work with an enabler of trusted SMS marketing for businesses like Semaphore.

Our data-driven SMS marketing solutions ensure your messages are tied to your business name instead of an ordinary phone number, assuring your subscribers that they directly and only engage with you. 

Contact us today to strengthen your SMS marketing efforts!

Posted on

Discover the Best Times to Send SMS Marketing Communications

Discover the Best Times to Send SMS Marketing Communications - Banner

When it comes to growing your brand and connecting with your audience, short messaging service (SMS) marketing can be great for improving your reach and engaging with your audience. Texts enjoy a nearly 100% open rate compared to email’s 30%.

In the Philippines, there are nearly 25% more actively-used phones than people, making SMS the ideal way to reach Filipinos. SMS marketing provides an immediate and personal way to engage with your audience. It’s a top-performing channel for promoting sales, announcing products, and sharing exclusive offers.

However, your timing is everything when it comes to SMS marketing. No matter how well-written your offer is, it won’t perform well if it doesn’t land at the right moment. To help you make the most of your SMS campaigns, the infographic below features the best times to send SMS marketing messages and best practice tips.

Discover the Best Times to Send SMS Marketing Communications - Infographic

Best Times to Send SMS Marketing Messages

Noontime may be the most popular time to send SMS marketing texts to coincide with people’s lunch breaks. However, it’s essential to recognize that this popularity also means increased competition for attention. 

Instead, it may benefit you more to target the following time slots and avoid this pitfall and other typical mistakes. It’s also important to note that your target demographic can significantly affect what time they’re most likely to be receptive. Careful research and trial and error are the best ways to determine what works for your company.

When to send SMS marketing communications

On a typical weekday, your best options are sending your texts from either 9 am to 12 pm or 5 pm to 9 pm. The first window is for people gearing up for the work or school day. They’re likely checking their texts for work-related messages, so there’s a higher likelihood that they’re attentive and receptive to your marketing attempts.

On the other hand, 5 pm to 9 pm are the hours when people are winding down at the end of their day. You can catch them before they sleep or start spending their leisure time.

For days to target the above timeslots, Tuesday to Friday may be your best bet, as Monday and the weekend have unique considerations. Friday evenings and Saturday mornings are particularly effective for informing weekend shoppers of flash deals or sales. 

If you have important promotions for the following week, Sunday evenings may be a good time to target because people generally check their messages to prepare for the days ahead. Finally, the time leading up to a major holiday like Christmas can help you catch many individuals actively seeking gifts or planning events.

When NOT to send SMS marketing communications

Texting earlier than 9 am can cause immediate friction and annoyance as recipients might still be sleeping or getting ready for their day. After all, no one wants to wake up to a sales pitch, or even worse, to be woken up by a sales pitch.

Similarly, after 9 pm is a no-go because lifestyle activities and personal time typically dominate later hours. Your SMS may interrupt or intrude upon a person’s relaxation and leisure activities, which immediately puts you at a disadvantage.

For days to avoid, start-of-the-week concerns and work-related priorities fill people’s Monday mornings. Your text will likely get buried amidst the recipient’s hectic schedule and immediate focus on catching up with tasks. 

You’re also likely wasting your marketing efforts if you send promotions on Saturday evenings. This time and day are the peaks of in-person shopping and outings, so eCommerce activity decreases during this time. The holidays are another period where people won’t appreciate your promotions because most people are busy spending time with their loved ones.

Tips to Optimize the Timing of Your SMS Campaigns

1. Send texts at an odd time

Most SMS campaigns send their texts on an hourly or half-hourly basis. While human brains are wired to find these round numbers appealing, it’s best to avoid these slots so your text can dodge the flurry of promotions. Try for offbeat times not ending in 0 or 5 (e.g., 10:22 or 6:47) to stand out in your target’s inbox.

2. Dispatch transactional texts ASAP

Transactional texts trigger via customer action, such as a purchase confirmation or account update. You must send these follow-up texts immediately, no matter the time or day, to avoid making them wait. Customers expect real-time updates, and immediate delivery enhances their experience and improves brand perception.

3. Consider demographic differences

Consider your target audience’s demographic characteristics. Their lifestyle, age, and occupation may cause distinctions for their most receptive times. For example, younger audiences are likely more active in the evening when they’re most free. Conversely, professionals might be more engaging during the morning or after work.

Tailor your SMS campaign timing based on these demographic differences to optimize response rates.

4. Adjust for time zones

Don’t forget to consider your audience’s geographic location as well! If you operate internationally or target audiences across different time zones, adjusting your text timing is essential. Segment your recipient list based on their respective time zones and schedule messages to reach them during their local active hours.

5. Take advantage of paydays

Paydays like the 15th and 30th of every month can be advantageous for your SMS marketing campaigns. Many individuals receive their salaries around these dates, making them more likely to be in a spending mindset. Capitalize on this increased purchasing power by sending targeted offers and exclusive deals during these periods.

6. Look at your historical performance

Last and most critical, you should analyze your past SMS marketing campaigns to gain valuable insights into your audience’s time preferences. Review metrics like open, click-through, and conversion rates to identify behavioral patterns you can use for your next campaign.

This step is better than any guide you’ll find because you’re getting information directly from the source. Listen to what your past campaigns tell you to make your next marketing effort more successful.

Bring Time to Your Side with SMS

In the world of SMS marketing, timing can be the difference between capturing your audience’s attention and getting lost in the noise. By understanding the best times to send SMS messages, you can let time work in your favor and bring success to your subsequent campaigns.

Let time be your ally by taking advantage of the tips and data in this guide, and watch your SMS campaigns flourish.

 

If you want to take your SMS efforts to the next level, partner with Semaphore! Our data-driven SMS marketing solutions will surely get your message to the right people.