Rich communication services (RCS) are poised to turn text messaging on its head. What is it? It’s a new technology that brings the functionality of apps and websites into the text messaging app. So people could make donations directly from a text. In this episode of Your Rally Point podcast, James Martin and Jack Bobin dive in to all things RCS and what it means for nonprofits. They’ll talk about why you should care, what it might look like, and when it’s coming. Don’t worry—Rally figures these things out so you can focus on the work you do and still win with cool new tech.

What You’ll Learn

• RCS stands for rich communication services, enhancing text messaging.
• RCS allows for richer interactions, like an app or website in a text message.
• The transition to RCS will not eliminate SMS and MMS; all will coexist.
• RCS can reduce barriers to donations and increase engagement.
• The future of RCS looks promising, and it’s likely coming next year.
• The industry is complicated, so challenges remain.
• We’re testing RCS and exploring how nonprofits might use it.

Quotables

• “RCS means rich communication services—and of course it's complicated.”
• “It kind of turns your text messaging app into [what] feels like a little mini browser.”
• “It's going to be interesting because I don't think we'll ever leave our text text messaging application.”
• “Now, could you have done it on a website? Yeah, of course… but it's very interactive, kind of the swiping mindset that we're already used to.”
• “It's going to be a new way of interacting with information from a business or nonprofit.”
• “Here's my prediction. I think it's going to be probably 12 months before it's meaningful for a company like Rally and our customers and the nonprofit organizations. So hang in there.”
• “You've got enough to worry about. You just love on people and let these tech heads deal with the rest of it.”

Skip to What You Want to Hear

• 00:00 - Introduction to RCS and Its Importance
• 02:54 - Understanding RCS: The Basics
• 06:04 - RCS vs. Traditional Messaging: A New Era
• 09:03 - RCS for Nonprofits: Enhancing Engagement
• 12:00 - The Future of RCS: Predictions and Expectations
• 14:59 - Challenges and Opportunities in RCS Adoption
• 18:04 - Conclusion and Encouragement for Nonprofits

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