USSD has proven itself as a quick and cost-effective way to transact with customers and many businesses and organisations use it to grow their business. If you thought USSD was only useful for buying electricity or topping up airtime, think again. USSD is a quick and effective business tool.
So – in the highly competitive realm of business, how can USSD communication contribute to the growth of your business?
Grow Your Business With USSD
Unlock the hidden potential of USSD codes, which offer an unexpected marketing gem – spreading word about new products or reaching untapped audiences effortlessly. USSD has become a popular channel for delivering value-added services to customers – here’s how you can tap into this powerful, accessible communication channel.
1. Surveys And Reviews
Surveys and customer feedback play a crucial role in comprehending the needs and desires of your customers. However, how many of us willingly respond to an unexpected call from a company and dedicate the next 10 minutes to a survey?
Customizing a USSD survey according to specific customer segments, considering their purchasing patterns, demographics, or location, can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Using a concise and unobtrusive message increases the likelihood of obtaining responses and acquiring the necessary information.
2. Competitions
Competitions are an excellent means of involving your customers and expanding your clientele. While social media is rife with competitions and giveaways, the reality is that not everyone possesses the time or data to participate online.
USSD competitions extend your outreach and provide a rapid (and super low cost) method for responses.
3. Inquiries And Requests For Contact
Special promotions and advertisements should always include a call to action. Depending on your product, the most effective approach may involve a call from a sales agent.
Employed in coordination with other advertising channels, USSD works seamlessly as a primary call to action. The simple USSD code drives genuine interest, no time wasted on casual clickers.
A simple yet highly effective application of USSD for the expansion of smaller businesses.
4. Discount Vouchers and Coupons
Businesses frequently leverage USSD for customer engagement through special promotions, vouchers, and coupons. Retailers often provide discount coupons to shoppers who submit a designated pin code within a specified timeframe.
5. Updating Customer Information
USSD technology can integrate with ERP/CRM systems to request updated customer information, no matter the industry. As a result, it promotes data accuracy and better customer service.
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USSD Use Cases
USSD continues to play a crucial role in the technological frameworks of businesses, particularly in emerging markets. It is frequently employed in mobile financial services catering to large numbers of unbanked and low-income consumers.
However, USSD finds application in many diverse socio-economic services, including insurance, healthcare, education, commerce, and various other sectors. Here are some notable instances of successful implementation:
- M-Pesa (Kenya): Africa’s most successful mobile money service, and the region’s largest fintech platform. Its safety and convenience make it the preferred way to make payments across the continent both for the banked and unbanked. More than 51 million customers in seven countries use it to send and receive money, top-up airtime, make bill payments, receive salaries, get short-term loans and more.
- HealthCheck (South Africa): Launched by the National Department of Health, the digital health assessment tool allows for early detection, mapping and management of COVID-19 cases using USSD and the official COVID-19 WhatsApp service. The service has had over 6.2 million users since its launch in March 2020.
- Chalkboard Education (Ghana): An e-learning application dedicated to universities targets remote zones and works thanks to USSD technology. The edtech start-up provides Africans with distance-learning courses, which allows universities to upload teaching materials. Students can access these courses with or without an internet connection.
- Stax: Allows Africans to buy airtime, send and request money, and transfer funds between accounts via automated USSD codes. The start-up raised $2.2 million seed extension round in 2022. It combines bank accounts, mobile wallets, crypto in a single app that works without mobile data.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
The strength of USSD lies in its inclusivity and cost-effectiveness, enabling businesses to reach customers across diverse segments. This technology can be leveraged to enhance customer experience, foster connections, engage with customers effectively, and drive revenue growth. Far from becoming obsolete, USSD is only beginning to realize its full potential, making it a technology worth keeping a close eye on.
USSD remains a relevant and significant technology. At Channel Mobile, we offer tailored USSD solutions to align with your business needs, and we can help you bring your USSD business ideas to life and ensure a seamless user experience.
For further details on our USSD solutions, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll assist you in taking your business to new heights.
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