Blog

01/17/2024

RCS Chatbot : Your 24/7 Customer Service Solution

RCS Chatbot

The digital age has brought with it ever-increasing customer demands. Everyone wants more speed, easier access, and the ability to interact with companies 24/7. Customers may need service during the day or late into the night. The traditional 9 to 5 solution doesn’t work anymore; any company unable to keep pace risks losing its clients to competitors who offer 24/7 service.

This is where RCS chatbots come in—to combine the richness of RCS with the efficiency of chatbots for the delivery of uninterrupted customer service. From answering simple questions to providing personalised product recommendations and even facilitating transactions, RCS chatbots handle everything directly from the messaging apps people use.

What Are RCS Chatbots?

RCS chatbots enable businesses to interact with their customers. RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, an upgrade of SMS that allows for much greater richness in messaging. Businesses can send messages containing images, videos, or even interactive buttons directly within the standard messaging app on a smartphone. When combined with chatbots, this creates a powerful tool that automates customer interactions in a way that is both personalised and engaging.

Key Features of RCS Chatbots

Automated Customer Engagement

RCS chatbots can automatically process customer inquiries. Whenever customers have questions, they respond quickly and accurately to improve the customer experience with your brand.

Rich Media Support

RCS, unlike traditional SMS, allows businesses to share high-quality images, videos, and even interactive buttons, making interactions lively and more engaging.

Personalisation

RCS chatbots customise messages by considering customer preferences and behavior. Whether it’s about product recommendations or some special deal, the bot makes sure that the message is relevant to the user.

24/7 Availability

One of the major benefits that RCS chatbots bring is their availability, round-the-clock. The chatbot is available any time during the day in the scenarios where a customer requires support; it shall step in to your rescue, ensuring your business never sleeps.

Integration Capabilities

RCS chatbots easily integrate with other existing systems, such as CRM platforms or customer support tools. That makes all data about the customer flow smoothly and provides more personalised communication and smoother overall operations.

Analytics and reporting

RCS chatbots have inbuilt analytics that provide valuable insight into customers interactions. You can track metrics regarding response rates and user engagement to keep on improving strategies continuously.

Benefits of Using RCS Chatbots

Better customer experience

The use of RCS chatbots makes customer experiences better by providing smooth, interactive, and personalized communication. They allow customers to get information about products, receive updates, and get answers to their questions in a way that’s more attractive and easier to use.

Increased Conversion Rates

By delivering rich media messages directly in customers messaging apps, RCS chatbots reduce much of the friction in the buying process. This ease will thus result in higher conversion rates since customers are likely to complete purchases or engage with offers.

Cost-Effective

RCS chatbots can respond to thousands of queries at once, thus eliminating the need for a large workforce. This not only helps save money but also reduces human errors, bringing consistency to the response.

Enhanced Brand Image

Introducing RCS chatbots conveys to customers that your brand keeps up with technological advancement. The ability to offer modern and visually rich communication options will make you stand out from competitors and show the level of quality of service that a business is set on providing for its customers.

How to Register for RCS to Activate Chatbot

To activate an RCS Chatbot, businesses must first register for RCS services. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Choose an RCS Service Provider

Choose a trusted RCS provider, such as GreenAds Global, to register for RCS messaging. Your provider will help you with the technical setup and approval process required by mobile carriers.

Submit Business Information

RCS registration involves submitting your business details, including your brand name, industry type, website, official E-mail, physical address, GST or PAN card details. This information is necessary for mobile carriers to authenticate your business.

Register Your RCS Chatbot Template

Once your business is registered, submit the Chatbot template for approval. This includes the type of messages you will be sending, such as promotional, transactional, or informational. RCS templates need to comply with carrier regulations and policies.

Carrier Approval

Once you have submitted it all, mobile carriers will do some checks to make sure your chatbot stays within all the RCS rules. Once they have approved your submission, you can move on to the next step.

Enable Your Chatbot

Your Chatbot will be enabled once it’s been approved. Now, go ahead and use it to send messages to your customers.

Maintain Compliance

Ensure that your RCS Chatbot maintains compliance with messaging regulations, especially regarding user privacy and data protection. Regularly check for updates on carrier policies to avoid service disruptions.

How to Build an RCS Chatbot

Building an RCS Chatbot is pretty simple by following these steps:

1, Define the Purpose

Start by identifying the specific tasks your RCS Chatbot will perform. Whether it’s customer support, sending offers, or booking appointments, a clear purpose helps guide the development process. When you know what it is supposed to do, building becomes simpler.

2, Choose a Platform

You will be required to make use of a platform that can enable you to create an RCS Chatbot. There are a number of platforms through which you can design, customize, and deploy your bot. Ensure the platform you will have leveraged provides features such as images, buttons, and replies, which are some of the key elements to RCS.

GreenAds Global offers a powerful, easy-to-use platform designed for Chatbot development. With our platform, you can seamlessly build, customize, and deploy your Chatbot in 2 minutes.

3, Build the Chat Flow

Design the conversation flow to match customer interactions. Create sequences for different scenarios, such as answering queries, sending promotions, or providing transaction updates. With RCS, you can even attach images, videos, or buttons that people can click on.

At GreenAds Global, we will provide comprehensive training on how to set up and manage your RCS Chatbot flow.

4, API Integration

To make your chatbot more effective, integrate it with your business systems using APIs. You can link your CRM, payment gateway, or scheduling software to provide seamless service directly through the RCS Chatbot.

We will provide APIs to connect your RCS Chatbot with your business systems, including your CRM, payment gateway, or scheduling software. Furthermore, we will guide you through the integration process to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery.

5, Test the Chatbot

Before the Chatbot is released for public use, ensure that you test the Chatbot. Make sure all features are working as they should, and the responses of the Chatbot are coming out as it is supposed to.

6, Deploy and Monitor

Once the Chatbot is ready, launch it for your customers. Regularly monitor its performance and make updates based on customer feedback to continually improve the experience.

How does RCS Chatbot work?

RCS Chatbots operate on advanced messaging capabilities, bringing a growing dynamism and interactivity directly inside the chat applications. Sent messages are dynamic in the form of images, videos, or sent carousels, which can be customised for better fitment into the context of the user. 

The chatbot is based on natural language processing: it interprets the texts and gives the right answer or guides the user in predefined workflows. It seamlessly integrates back into CRM systems and other back-end platforms for information retrieval when needed, like order statuses, appointment schedules, or updates related to customer support. Unlike traditional SMS, RCS allows for real-time interaction with features such as read receipts and typing indicators. This enables a more enriched and effective communication channel for businesses to better their customer engagement and satisfaction.

Security Features of RCS Chatbot

End-to-End Encryption

One of the most secure features of RCS chatbots is their end-to-end encryption. The communication between a business and a customer is fully secure; messages sent and received are fully encrypted. Due to the high level of encryption, there is no doubt that sensitive information, such as personal details or financial data, is kept confidential during communication.

Data Protection Regulations

The RCS chatbots are also designed to comply with data protection at the different levels, such as GDPR, among other local data privacy laws. That is, RCS ensures your customer data is treated responsibly and securely by adhering to the different kinds of regulations. This is considered through proper storage, processing according to set rules, and management of consent, hence giving the customers their most needed peace of mind when it comes to their information.

Comparison with Traditional SMS, RCS, WhatsApp API

Feature
Traditional SMS
RCS
WhatsApp API

Message Type

Text-only

Rich media messages (text, images, videos, carousels)

Rich media messages (text, images, videos, documents)

Media Support

Limited to text, no multimedia support

Supports multimedia content

Supports multimedia content

Interactivity

Basic, text-based interactions

Highly interactive with buttons, carousels, and suggested actions

Highly interactive with quick replies, buttons, and automated flows

Security

Standard SMS encryption

End-to-end encryption

End-to-end encryption

Read Receipts & Typing Indicators

Not available

Supported

Supported

Integration with Apps

Not supported

Integrates with apps and CRM systems

Integrates with apps and CRM systems

Personalisation

Limited

Highly personalised with user data

Highly personalised with user data

User Verification

Basic phone number verification

Advanced verification options (OTP, two-factor authentication)

Advanced verification options (OTP, two-factor authentication)

Customer Support Capabilities

Limited, requires manual responses

Advanced capabilities with automated responses and chatbots

Comprehensive support with automated responses and chatbots

The common business problems RCS Chatbot can solve

RCS Chatbot for Retail Businesses

RCS chatbots can smoothen customer engagement in retail by providing them with real-time support, personalised product recommendations, and the instant status of their orders. It reduces cart abandonment, eases returns, and offers smooth customer service, hence improving the overall shopping experience.

RCS Chatbot for Banking Sector

RCS chatbots in banking enable secure and personalized communication with customers. They simplify routine tasks such as balance inquiries, transaction alerts, and loan applications. Additionally, they reduce operational costs by automating customer support, providing quick responses to customer inquiries.

RCS Chatbot for Healthcare Service

The RCS chatbots in healthcare can significantly improve patient engagement through appointment scheduling, medicine reminders, and immediate access to medical information. They reduce the administrative burden, increase patient satisfaction, and ensure timely communication between healthcare providers and patients.

RCS Chatbot for Automobile Industry

RCS chatbots enhance the automobile industry by helping customers schedule test drives, book maintenance services, and request quotes, all while providing personalized updates. Using rich media, dealerships can share images and videos to enrich the customer experience. By automating inquiries, RCS chatbots reduce costs and increase sales.

RCS Chatbot Service for Android and iPhone

Criteria
Android
iPhone

Platform Support

Native support with carrier integration

Native RCS support enabled in iOS 18

Integration and Setup

Straightforward setup within the default messaging app

Easier setup with native RCS support in the default messaging app

User Experience

Smooth and integrated experience with rich media and interactive elements

Enhanced experience with rich media and interactive elements, similar to Android

Feature Availability

Full range of RCS features available

Full range of RCS features available in iOS 18

Market Penetration

Widespread adoption across Android devices

Increased market penetration as RCS becomes available on iPhones

Business Considerations

Robust and reliable for businesses targeting Android users

Greater opportunities for businesses to target iPhone users with RCS

Why Integrate Chatbots to RCS with CRM?

Integrating RCS chatbots with CRM systems means one thing: a comprehensive solution for customer interactions and business operations. This will integrate rich media capabilities of RCS with the powerhouse of data management features of CRM systems. Businesses will be able to deliver richer, more personalised customer interactions, create automated support that makes responses easy and lightens workloads, and track and analyze customer data in real-time. 

This synergy provides insight into customer behavior and preferences, refines marketing strategies, and offers effective customer retention. Further, RCS chatbots keep customers moving down the sales funnel, while CRM integration allows making personalised follow-up calls and sending offers that will interest the clients at again lower marketing costs by effectively posting relevant content to segmented audiences.

Steps to Integrate RCS Chatbots with Your CRM System

1. Define Business Requirements

Identify the specific business needs and objectives for integrating RCS chatbots.

Determine which customer interactions or processes (e.g., customer support, marketing campaigns, lead generation) will be managed through the RCS chatbot.

Choose the CRM system you are using (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho) and ensure it supports RCS integration.

2. Select an RCS Platform

Choose an RCS messaging platform or provider that offers chatbot services and integration capabilities with CRM systems.

Ensure the platform supports features such as multimedia messaging, suggested actions, and analytics.

3. Set Up RCS Messaging

Register your business with an RCS provider and get approval for your RCS messaging templates.

Obtain necessary credentials (e.g., API keys, tokens) from the RCS provider to enable messaging.

4. Develop the Chatbot

Create the RCS chatbot using a development platform or by coding it from scratch.

Design the conversation flow, including predefined responses, multimedia content, and action buttons.

Implement AI and NLP (Natural Language Processing) for advanced conversational capabilities, if needed.

5. Integrate RCS API with CRM

Connect the RCS chatbot to your CRM system using APIs. Most CRM systems offer API documentation to guide the integration process.

Ensure the integration allows for two-way communication, where customer interactions via RCS are logged and responded to within the CRM.

Map customer data fields between the RCS platform and CRM to ensure seamless data flow (e.g., contact details, interaction history).

6. Set Up Automation and Workflows

Automate responses and follow-up actions based on customer interactions through the chatbot.

Create workflows in the CRM to trigger specific actions (e.g., updating lead status, sending follow-up emails) based on chatbot conversations.

7. Test the Integration

Test the entire system by simulating customer interactions to ensure the RCS chatbot responds correctly and updates the CRM accordingly.

Check for any data synchronization issues, response delays, or errors in conversation flow.

8. Deploy the Chatbot

Once testing is complete, deploy the chatbot for live customer interactions.

Ensure that the RCS messaging is fully functional and accessible to your target audience.

9. Monitor and Optimize

Continuously monitor the chatbot’s performance through CRM analytics and RCS platform dashboards.

Gather insights on customer interactions, response times, and conversion rates.

Make adjustments to the chatbot’s conversation flow, automation rules, and CRM workflows based on performance data.

10. Ensure Compliance and Security

Ensure that the integration complies with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

Implement security measures to protect customer data during transmission between the RCS platform and CRM system.

11. Provide Ongoing Maintenance

Regularly update the chatbot to improve its functionality and adapt to changing business needs.

Ensure that the integration remains compatible with any updates or changes to the CRM system or RCS platform.

RCS Chatbot Pricing Plans

Google RCS Messaging Pricing

Basic Messages

INR 0.15

+ GST

Rich Card Messages

INR 0.22

+ GST

Rich Card Conversation

INR 0.25

+ GST

RCS Chatbots ROI and Cost Effectiveness

Increase ROI with RCS Chatbot

By implementing RCS chatbots in your business, you will achieve a considerable increase in ROI and reduction in costs. Due to rich media features, it brings advanced engagement rates that make your marketing campaigns more effective and lead to better conversions.

Operational costs are reduced by automation, which deals with repetitive tasks and has your team working on strategic activities. Other than that, in-cadence personalised and targeted campaigns reduce waste spending and make your marketing efforts cost-effective. This additionally builds up the cost-effectiveness because of excellent scalability and granular analytics to have the substantial return on the investment made as the business grows.

Conclusion

RCS Chatbots are the next business communication, which allows customers to engage effectively and personally and integrate smoothly within the systems. As new technology keeps developing, companies that will take advantage of the RCS Chatbots will be ahead of others and be able to keep up with the ever-increasing expectations from their customers.

If you are ready to discover what RCS chatbots can do for your business, getting started is not as difficult as you might think. Our team at GreenAds Global will be assisting you through this process, ensuring that the transition to this strong communication tool is as seamless as possible

Please be free to contact us for more information or to discuss how RCS chatbots can benefit your business. We are here to help you unlock the full potential of RCS technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

RCS chatbots are highly secure, offering end-to-end encryption that ensures messages are protected from unauthorized access. This makes them a reliable solution for businesses that need to communicate sensitive information with their customers. Additionally, RCS follows strict guidelines set by mobile network operators, further enhancing security measures.

Yes, RCS chatbots are multilingual, so if your business is serving several markets, this would be a perfect solution. You can ensure the experience is regionally tailored and specific to various segments through multilingual capabilities, therefore being able to effectively communicate with all of your customers.

Absolutely. RCS chatbots are highly customizable, allowing businesses to align the chatbot's design, tone, and functionality with their brand identity. You can personalize the chatbot to fit your specific business needs, whether it's through custom messaging, branding elements, or interactive features.

Especially, RCS chatbots are highly useful in the retail, e-commerce, travel, and hospitality, banking, and customer service industries. Any business that deals with messaging can leverage the rich media capabilities of RCS chatbots for better interaction.

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Yes, RCS chatbots are an excellent tool for marketing campaigns. They allow businesses to create interactive, visually appealing messages that can include images, videos, and buttons, making campaigns more engaging and effective. With RCS, you can send personalised promotions, offers, and updates directly to customers’ messaging apps.

RCS is a secure platform for business messaging because the strong built-in encryption ensures that operational standards for security at the operator level are maintained. This ensures that the sensitive information shared between businesses and customers is kept confidential and safe from breaches.


The costs associated with RCS chatbots can vary depending on the complexity of the chatbot, the volume of messages sent, and any additional features such as AI integration or advanced analytics. Businesses may incur charges from both the RCS service provider and the mobile network operators. However, the enhanced customer engagement often provides a strong return on investment

Yes, AI can be combined with RCS chatbots to develop more advanced and responsive customer interactions. AI-driven RCS chatbots would handle more complicated customer queries and establish personal recommendations, eventually learned from the interaction of the customer and updated. This enhances the overall customer experience, able to attain higher satisfaction and engagement rates.

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