Podium vs SimpleTexting

Podium was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Lehi, Utah. They first entered the market as a communication and reputation tool for local businesses, then expanded into messaging, payments, automation, and text message marketing as more companies needed faster ways to reach customers. Their platform brings texting, reviews, webchat, and payments into one dashboard, giving teams a simple way to manage conversations and follow-ups. Key features include AI-assisted message creation, automated sequences, list-building tools such as QR codes and text to join, and the ability to send secure payment links by text. Customer feedback varies across platforms. Many users highlight the convenience of keeping all communication in one place and note that texting often leads to faster replies compared with email. Others mention concerns about pricing transparency, long contracts, and slower support responses. Podium holds a B rating on the Better Business Bureau website, and they have earned recognition on industry lists like the Forbes Cloud 100.

SimpleTexting is a U.S.-based SMS and MMS marketing platform founded in 2010 in New York and now operating as part of MessageMedia. They offer a straightforward way for businesses to run mass texting, two-way communication, automation, and audience management from a single dashboard. Their platform supports a wide range of use cases, from promotions and reminders to customer service and internal updates. They stand out with unlimited keywords, flexible segmentation options, detailed analytics, and multiple phone number choices, including local, toll-free, and text-enabled landlines. Their native integrations, API access, and developer-supported customizations give teams the ability to extend SMS into broader workflows. Customers generally praise the platform’s ease of use, reliability, and support, while some note concerns around pricing flexibility, billing clarity, and occasional compliance-related delays. SimpleTexting holds a B+ rating on the Better Business Bureau and maintains strong ratings across software review sites. Their combination of usability, automation tools, and targeted messaging features makes them a practical option for organizations that rely on timely mobile communication.