In this article, we’ll show you the latest SMS and texting predictions for the new year in Saudi Arabia.
Keeping up with these latest trends will help you use SMS and text messages correctly in your business.
So, get ready to spice up your messaging strategy and keep those thumbs tapping.
Let’s go.
| SMSCountry is the best bulk SMS service provider for OTP and transactional SMS in Saudi Arabia. Learn more about our SMS services. |
What is the current state of SMS and texting in Saudi Arabia?
We’ll tell you this, Saudi Arabia is a text-happy nation.
According to recent statistics by Statista, about 94.32% of Saudis are smartphone users. It’s projected to reach 97.1% in 2025.
Also, the average Saudi citizen has more than one mobile phone.
What are all those mobile users doing?
Sending, reading, or responding to SMS, most probably.
WhatsApp and Snapchat are the go-to apps for most Saudi Arabian mobile users. But customers have shown to engage faster and easier on SMS.
What about conversion via SMS marketing?
The conversion rate remains at the top.
SMS still presents a huge opportunity for your business to engage your customers in Saudi Arabia.
Embracing the power of texting and SMS will get you further from your competitors and closer to your customers faster than you think.
5 SMS and texting trends in Saudi Arabia for 2024
Below are the top 5 exciting SMS and texting predictions and trends for Saudi Arabia to inspire your marketing and communication strategy.
1. Increased use of messaging apps
Here’s how Saudi Arabians used messaging apps in 2022. 80.5% of the total population of Saudi Arabia used WhatsApp. 54.1% used Facebook Messenger. For Snapchat, the number was 53.4%.
The bar chart below tells the full story.
According to Global Media Insight, the numbers look like this for 2023.
What you can see here is a general increase in the use of instant messaging applications by people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Why?
It’s because instant messaging apps offer more features than other communication channels. They allow you to send messages, photos, videos, and even voice notes.
Plus, you can create groups, share your location, and use fun emojis and stickers.
But it’s not just about the fun. Messaging apps are secure and way cheaper than phone calls and email campaigns.
This means you can send as many messages as possible without worrying about extra charges.
What does this mean for your business?
You can now reach your customers where they already spend most of their time – on their messaging apps.
WhatsApp remains the most used by people in KSA year-on-year.
You can use WhatsApp Business, create WhatsApp Chatbots or use the WhatsApp Business API to promote personalised interactions, answer your customers’ questions, and offer exclusive deals.
Don’t fall behind.
With our WhatsApp Business Solution, API and chatbot services, you can both reach, interact and delight your customers directly on WhatsApp.
Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, there’s a suite of features and services to make your customers love you and return for more.
For whatever you need it for — support, transactional messaging, lead generation and nurturing. See how our WhatsApp Business API and chatbot services will help you stay ahead of the trend.
Book a demo today to see how we can help you use WhatsApp to make your customers love you more.
2. Customers don’t want to receive generic messages anymore
According to the latest statistics, a whopping 80% of customers are more likely to make a purchase when they receive personalised service.
Gone are the days of mass messaging. Generic messages just don’t cut it anymore.
Get it wrong and you’ll be shooting yourself in the foot. But, get it right and watch your revenue increase. The bar chart below paints the entire picture.
Personalised messaging is the hottest trend in SMS and texting, and the Saudi Arabia market isn’t left out.
People want to see their own name or something that feels unique to them. It’s like a virtual pat on the back. And let’s be honest, we all love that.
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What does this mean for your business?
Here’s the real secret sauce: It’s not just about using your customers’ names in your messages.
You have to dig deeper.
You must understand their preferences and needs.
How?
Analyse customer data, and treat your customers like real people, not numbers. Once you have that insight, you can craft messages that truly resonate with their likes and dislikes.
That’s how you build a strong and lasting relationship with your customers.
Imagine walking into your favourite restaurant and the staff not only knows your name but also remembers your last meal.
And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, they surprise you with a complimentary dessert to say “thank you.”
Now, wouldn’t that make you feel special? Of course, it would.
So, hop on the personalisation train and take your business to the next level.
And guess what?
When you do, customers will choose your brand, make repeat purchases, and spread positive word-of-mouth.
Book a demo today, and let’s make your customers feel like the VIPs they truly are. They’ll love you for it.
3. Integration of SMS and texting with other technologies
Gone are the days of asking customers to download yet another app or go through complex website hoops.
SMS integration is where the fun begins.
You can provide seamless assistance right where your customers are.
Today, you can team up SMS with voice assistants like Alexa and Siri. You can even integrate SMS with your business CRM to set up automated personalised campaigns. This unlocks a whole new level of convenience and accessibility.
Now, imagine a future fusion of AI + mobile SMS. It’s as exciting as the dawn of a new era of SMS messaging.
An amazing leader of this fusion is the Mei messaging app that personalises your messages according to your relationship with your receiver.
It’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come.
Mei’s personalised approach has already influenced an exciting fusion of Google Assistant and Android Messaging, which continues to take the world by storm today.
Indeed, SMS integration is a game-changer. And Saudis, already attuned to texting, will continue to embrace it as the market booms.
Now, let’s talk business.
| Check out the best SMS service provider in Saudi Arabia. If you want to send fast and secure OTP SMS, you need to choose from the top OTP service providers. |
What does this mean for your business?
It means you can reach your Saudi customers through their preferred channels.
Now, here’s the best part: it’s all automated.
No more need for customer service reps to respond to SMS messages all day long. Many industries adopt chatbots and automated responses to do the job seamlessly. This saves you time, money, and, let’s be honest, a few headaches too.
By embracing SMS integration, you’re not just staying ahead of your competition; you’re soaring above them.
So, don’t rest behind. Combine our exclusive human touch with the power of technology today using our top-notch SMS APIs. This will give you a competitive edge and a direct line of communication with your Saudi customers.
Request a demo today and see how our WhatsApp Business API and chatbot services will skyrocket your business.
4. Increasing focus on privacy and security in SMS
We live in a time when data breaches and hackers targeting mobile devices are on the rise.
Saudi Arabia experienced a wave of phishing attacks in the second quarter of 2022. It was a staggering 168% increase from the first quarter.
Privacy and security in communication are now more vital than ever. Saudi residents want to know their information is safe from prying eyes.
Unfortunately, even SMS messages have not been spared from these threats. And “smishing” has taken over as the latest cyber threat in Saudi Arabia.
Smishing occurs when hackers send phishing links via SMS, just like their email counterparts.
According to Arab News, five scammers were arrested in connection with an SR300,000 ($80,000) scam.
The victims were either asked to update their banking information or told they had won prizes to gain access to their accounts. The scammers then used the data they gathered to make bank transfers and cash withdrawals.
What does this mean for your business?
It means you must take the necessary steps to protect your customers’ data.
How?
First: choose the most secure SMS provider like SMSCountry.
Opt for a provider that prioritises encryption and employs robust security measures.
Next, reinforce your own security practices.
Use strong passwords for your software and systems. This creates an additional layer of protection against potential threats.
Thirdly, don’t forget about the human element.
Educate your employees on data security best practices. Ensure they understand the importance of confidentiality when handling business and customer data.
By fostering a culture of security within your team, you send a strong message to your customers that their privacy and data security matter to you.
Engaging with your brand in a safe and secure way begins with SMSCountry. With our secure SMS providers, strengthen your internal security practices, and instil confidence in your audience.
5. Rise of Rich Communication Services (RCS)
A staggering 67% of Saudis prefer text messaging over email and voice calls. It’s clear that RCS has captured the hearts and attention of Saudis.
Why?
Customers want a more engaging and interactive messaging experience.
These numbers paint a clear picture of the exciting future of RCS for the Saudi market. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing down.
So, why is RCS gaining such traction worldwide? The answer lies in its rich features and enhanced capabilities.
RCS allows you to send high-quality images, videos, and interactive content directly to your customers’ favourite messaging apps.
It offers read receipts, real-time typing indicators, and more.
With RCS, you can engage your audience in a whole new way and create memorable interactions that leave a lasting impression.
And the future? Expect a market growth of more than $11.7 billion by 2025, as projected below.
The future of business communication in Saudi Arabia will obviously be driven by RCS. This undeniable force promises immense growth and opportunities for businesses.
Now, to you.
What does this mean for your business?
This is an exciting opportunity to level up your messaging game.
Gone are the days of generic, one-size-fits-all messaging. With RCS, your text messages will be more than just words.
With features like:
- Suggested replies
- Quick actions
- Interactive buttons
- Read receipts that eliminate the guessing game of message delivery, and
- Group messaging, bringing people together for lively conversations.
You’ll create an immersive experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
That’s some high-quality marketing right there. And the possibilities are endless.
So, no matter where your customers are – browsing on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or other popular messaging apps – RCS ensures your brand stays on their radar.
Oh, did we mention that RCS is cost-effective too?
No more hefty phone call bills and expensive email campaigns. You can send as many messages as you want without worrying about extra charges.
Best practices for SMS and texting in Saudi Arabia for 2024
If you’re ready to take your SMS and texting game to the next level in 2024.
These best practices will give your business success and help you scale.
Here are 6 top best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep it short: A lengthy read is unappealing. Keep your texts brief and to the point.
- Be relevant: Don’t send random messages unrelated to your customer’s interests. Make sure your messages are relevant and valuable.
- Use good timing: Send messages at the right time to maximise impact.
- Get personal: Customers want to feel special. So, use their names and personalise your messages to create a more intimate experience.
- Be crystal clear: Don’t confuse your customers with vague messages. Be simple and crystal clear about what you want them to do.
- Play by the rules: Follow SMS and texting regulations in Saudi Arabia. Don’t be spammy or annoying.
The world of messaging is evolving at a rapid pace. And Saudi Arabia is keeping up excellently.
Your Saudi customers are counting on you.
And with this great power comes greater responsibility. That’s where these best practices come in.
So, follow these tips and trends.
Use SMSCountry to send powerful and engaging SMS to your customers
To help you, we recommend SMSCountry. It’s fast, secure, reliable and has an army of responsive customer support agents to help you at every step of the way.
Also Read:
- SMS and Texting Trends in The UAE in 2024
- 2024 SMS And Texting Trends in India
- US Text Messaging Statistics: 6 Texting and SMS Habits in 2024 and How They Affect Your Business
Disclaimer: SMSCountry acknowledges that though we try to report accurate data, we cannot verify the absolute facts of all the data we presented in this post. The data presented in this post is based on research from different online sources. SMSCountry will not be liable for any errors or damages, or losses of any kind that may result from using the data in this post.
