RCS Messaging: What Sales & Marketing Pros Need to Know

Texting has come a long way. And now, it’s about to grow up.

RCS (Rich Communication Services) takes the familiarity of texting and layers on everything modern messaging has been missing—rich visuals, branded conversations, real interactivity. No app downloads. No new habits to learn. RCS (Rich Communication Services) fixes that. It brings rich visuals, buttons, and two-way chat to your default messaging app—no downloads, no friction.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes RCS different, where it’s already winning, and how sales and marketing teams can start thinking about it now (even if you’re not ready to implement it just yet).

The Power of RCS Messaging 

RCS gives your messages actual substance: images, videos, tappable buttons, branded headers, read receipts, even payments. It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to an app store—inside the inbox.

And it’s working:

• Vodafone boosted read rates to 80% and got a 25% response rate using RCS (vs. 1% on SMS).
• Pizza Hut saw a 280% higher click-through rate using RCS.
• OneSource increased payment completion by 30% and raised read rates from 59% to 92%.

RCS vs. SMS: What’s Actually Different?

When You Might Consider RCS Over Regular Text Messaging 

RCS isn’t always the right tool—but in certain sales and marketing situations, it’s a clear upgrade from standard SMS.

Here’s when to consider it:

You need more than plain text to convert
You’re selling something visual (like a solar install, insurance bundle, or degree program) and want to show, not tell. RCS lets you use carousels, images, and buttons without sending someone to a separate landing page.

Your SMS replies are low, or messages feel like spam
With branded headers, verified sender info, and a clean interface, RCS builds more trust and cuts through the clutter.

You’re sending transactional updates that need context
You want to go beyond generic alerts and let customers take action in the same thread—like rescheduling, viewing documents, or connecting with a rep. RCS makes it easy to embed those next steps right in the message.

You want two-way engagement without overloading reps
RCS enables guided conversations with quick replies and built-in logic—reducing manual back-and-forth while still feeling personal.

A Few Ways To Use RCS Messaging 

Here are a few examples of how RCS Messaging might be used in your company’s text messaging campaigns.

Higher Education
Admissions teams are using RCS to confirm appointments, answer FAQs, and share updates in a more engaging way.

Example: A University sends a reminder:

Financial Services
RCS is helping insurance and financial services teams re-engage leads faster and with less friction—especially when speed-to-contact matters.

Example: A Financial Group texts a warm lead:

Home Services
Home improvement and service companies are reducing no-shows and speeding up scheduling.

Example: ACME Solar sends a confirmation:

These aren’t just better-looking messages. They reduce drop-off, get faster replies, and feel more personal without adding manual work.

How to Make the Most of RCS (When You’re Ready)

• Build for Action
  RCS isn’t just about info. It’s about outcomes. Always include a clear next step.
• Segment Smart
  Send the right message to the right people. Use behaviors, location, timing—whatever gives context.
• Timing Matters
  Late-night pings feel intrusive. Well-timed nudges feel helpful. Test and learn.
• Get Permission First
  Consent isn’t just legally required—it’s also how you build trust before sending richer experiences.
• Learn and Improve
  Built-in read + click data helps you fine-tune messages quickly. Use it.

So… Is RCS the Future?

Not “if.” When.

Google’s all in. Apple’s rolling it out in iOS 18. And carriers worldwide are finally aligned. RCS isn’t just gaining traction—it’s becoming the new mobile default.

Forecasts say the RCS business messaging market will surpass $5.6B by 2028. That’s not hype—that’s because it works.

Marketers and sales teams who get ahead of this shift will be the ones building more trust, earning more replies, and spending less time chasing cold leads.

How Conversational AI Can Complement RCS

RCS unlocks a richer messaging experience—but the real power comes when you combine it with conversational AI.

Imagine messages that don’t just include buttons and carousels—but adapt based on what someone says. AI can personalize replies, qualify leads, and even book meetings automatically, all within the RCS thread.

This is especially helpful for industries like higher education, financial services, and home services—where the next step isn’t just a click, it’s a real conversation.

We’re actively exploring how to bring conversational AI and RCS together at Meera. Stay tuned!