Request for Feedback: Outgoing SMS API
Last year I finally created a paid version of my open source SMS API, Textbelt.
Textbelt is a no-BS version of Twilio, Plivo etc. aimed at developers. It's very simple: no account signup, no secrets/access tokens/SIDs, no client libraries, simple quota instead of cash balance/variable cost. Just generate an API key and send an HTTP request.
Overall, this project is geared toward people who want to get something off the ground with minimal hassle. Most of my customers come from the open source community and decided to pay a little so they don't have to worry about running it.
Link: https://textbelt.com
Looks cool but your landing page can use a bit more color :-). How did you advertize your service?
Thanks, could definitely add more color. The austere homepage reminds me of the project's open-source roots! I haven't advertised the service - most customers via open source or word of mouth.
I've used both Nexmo and Twilio, I don't get what is this "hassle" you're referring to. Could you briefly explain why would I be using this as compared to say Twilio which essentially is just registering, topping up funds and then using the API Key as well.
You said no account sign up, I still need to sign up for a key or is that not a signup?
Also, is it possible to see the rates to the different countries or is that strictly sign up only (if so is there a reason to do so?).
Don't mean to sound negative but I am always looking out for cheaper SMS options so this is something I would definitely like to see more. I don't see however, how much "easier" or "simpler" this is as compared to the other offerings that are already out there.
Hey @swift, thanks for the comment. Some thoughts on simplicity:
Signup process: Other providers require login with email and password, buy a phone number, download and set up a requests library with SID and auth, etc. This stuff isn't needed for someone who just wants to send a text. Textbelt has no login, no extra libraries, exactly one credential. I guarantee you can get up and running significantly faster.
Predictable costs: Many of my international users see SMS rates vary significantly. It's impossible to predict how much your campaign will cost on Twilio. Textbelt has a simple quota system, 1 quota = 1 sms.
Flat pricing: Pricing by region (North America, Europe, Asia, etc) rather than by country + provider which leads to literally thousands of different rates.
Low-budget friendly: Other services require ~$20 purchase up-front. 1 quota = 1 sms means we can sell small packages. Smallest is $3 - good for hackers and hobbyists.
Now points 3 and 4 is particularly interesting. I would see how this will benefit people that are sending in regions that are significantly more expensive for example my own country Singapore (I would think it is cheaper with yours in this case) as compared to say in the US (which is much cheaper compared to my own country).
I get the idea now, it is good to get started for testing and prototyping. Thanks for the clarification, I'll definitely check it out as I do quite a bit of prototyping and early stages kind of development. This will be something to showcase the ability and capabilities of SMS as a means to communicate to users.
Thanks!