Bird: Empowering Small Businesses with Omnichannel Communication

By Jill Federico



In a fast-paced digital world, small businesses face increasing pressure to connect with customers effectively while keeping costs under control. While assisting a client in the healthcare space, I had the opportunity to introduce and ramp Bird as part of a new marketing strategy. I was impressed by the capabilities and affordability of their tech stack—a perfect fit for businesses needing powerful communication tools without the hefty price tag. Bird, formerly known as MessageBird, has emerged as a transformative force in the realm of omnichannel communication, redefining how small businesses engage with their customers.

Why Bird Matters for Small Businesses

Small businesses often operate with tight budgets and limited resources, making finding cost-effective and easy-to-use tools crucial. Bird’s omnichannel communication platform checks all the boxes:

  • Affordability: In 2024, Bird announced a groundbreaking 90% reduction in SMS pricing through its APIs, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for businesses seeking advanced communication tools. Their CRM solution offers a further 40-90% savings compared to competitors.

  • Ease of Use: The no-code Flow Builder simplifies creating communication workflows, ensuring even non-technical users can set up and manage customer engagement strategies.

  • Flexibility: Bird supports multiple channels, allowing businesses to meet customers where they are—whether via WhatsApp, SMS, or email.

These features make Bird particularly appealing to small businesses looking to maintain a personal touch with their customers without breaking the bank.

Target Businesses and Industries

Bird primarily targets small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across a variety of sectors, including:

  • Retail: Bird helps retail businesses connect with customers by offering tools to send promotions, manage inquiries, and provide delivery updates. Retailers can personalize their messaging to drive repeat purchases, announce new products, and improve overall customer satisfaction.

  • Hospitality: For hotels, restaurants, and travel services, Bird streamlines the booking process, ensures timely reminders, and enables seamless post-stay follow-ups. This helps hospitality businesses reduce no-shows, enhance guest experiences, and build loyalty through personalized communication.

  • Healthcare: Bird enables clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers to send appointment reminders, manage patient inquiries, and provide follow-up care instructions. This reduces missed appointments and fosters better patient engagement while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

  • E-commerce: Bird empowers online retailers with real-time order tracking, automated customer service responses, and promotional campaigns. This boosts customer confidence in their purchase journey, reduces cart abandonment, and creates opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.

By focusing on these industries, Bird ensures its solutions address the specific pain points and opportunities within each sector. Whether it's enhancing customer service, driving sales, or improving operational efficiency, Bird equips businesses with the tools to grow and thrive.

Managing Marketing Expenses with Bird

Marketing can be a significant expense for small businesses, but Bird helps alleviate these costs in several key ways:

  • Cost-Effective Campaigns: Bird’s reduced SMS pricing and affordable CRM solutions enable businesses to launch large-scale marketing campaigns without high upfront costs.

  • Automated Messaging: With tools like the no-code Flow Builder, businesses can automate customer interactions, saving both time and resources. Automated follow-ups, reminders, and promotions ensure consistent engagement without requiring manual effort.

  • Multi-Channel Integration: Bird’s platform allows businesses to consolidate their marketing efforts across multiple channels, reducing the need for separate tools and subscriptions. This integration not only saves money but also provides a clearer picture of campaign performance.

  • Targeted Communication: By leveraging customer data and insights, Bird enables businesses to send highly targeted messages, ensuring marketing efforts are focused on the right audience and maximizing return on investment.

  • Scalable Solutions: Bird’s flexible pricing structure ensures that businesses can scale their marketing efforts as they grow, without encountering steep cost increases.

The Growth Story

Since its inception in 2011, Bird has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation and growth:

  • Rebranding and Expansion: In 2024, the company’s rebranding to Bird marked a new chapter, signaling its focus on affordability and accessibility.

  • Funding Success: With over $300 million raised across funding rounds and a $3 billion valuation, Bird continues to strengthen its position as a market leader.

  • Global Reach: Headquartered in Amsterdam, Bird operates in multiple countries, supporting businesses worldwide with localized communication solutions.

What’s Next for Bird?

Looking ahead, Bird aims to further enhance its offerings and expand its market reach. Key initiatives include:

  • AI-Driven Enhancements: Integrating artificial intelligence to provide smarter customer insights and automation capabilities.

  • Expanded Partnerships: Collaborating with more third-party applications to offer seamless integrations.

  • Continued Cost Reductions: Ensuring businesses of all sizes can afford cutting-edge communication tools.

  • Sustainability Goals: Exploring eco-friendly practices to align with global sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

Bird is not just a communication platform; it’s a game-changer for small businesses. Bird empowers businesses to connect with their customers effectively by providing affordable, easy-to-use, and versatile tools, driving growth and fostering loyalty. As Bird continues to innovate and expand, it’s clear that the future of small business communication is brighter than ever. 

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