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As a channel to communicate with an audience, there are similarities between SMS and Twitter. For example, communication is instant and limited to less than 160 characters. However, as a tool to engage with an audience, SMS and Twitter are quite different.

To keep the comparison simple, here’s an analogy to explain the difference between SMS and Twitter.

Twitter is similar to an internet billboard. Tweets are instantaneous, and disappear as quickly as they appear. Most active people on Twitter follow close to 250 people. On high volume days, it is difficult to know who has read your tweet.

SMS is similar to a piece of mail on your mobile phone. You read every SMS on your cell phone before taking an action of responding, forwarding to a friend, saving, or deleting. Your messages are only sent to people who want to hear and interact with you and your brand.

Studies also show that SMS messages are on average 15 minutes and an action is taken within 60 minutes.

SMS is quick and easy to set up, provides powerful metrics, and great for customer support and feedback.