Tuturial: How to build your own USSD application

Unstructured Supplementary service data, commonly known as USSD, is one of the most preferred, easy, and fastest modes of sending messages to recipients. Its ability has made it possible for business owners to connect with their customers in the most remote areas with poor network issues. It doesn't really matter where you are receiving the message from, the most important thing is that the message and services will reach you anywhere anytime.

In this article, we are exploring more about what USSD is and how it can work for you as follows;

• What is a USSD?
• How does USSD work?
• Uses of USSD
• How to build a USSD code application (without coding)
• Conclusion

What is a USSD?

USSD, also referred to as "quick codes," is a GSM-based communication protocol used to send messages to telephone users through texts. The messages are created to give users a real-time service experience communicating with the other person on the far end. Your next question will be where it can be used, right? A USSD application can be used for prepaid callback services, WAP browsing, and mobile money services, among many others, to mention but a few.

With USSD, messages characters sum up to 182 alphanumerics, and the best part is that they cannot keep someone waiting for too long on the other side since it responds quickly. 

How does USSD work?

Are you curious to know how the USSD code works, worry not as we give you a step-by-step guide on how it functions from the point a customer dials to the last response as follows;

1. The customer dials the code

This process takes place when a customer wants to inquire, let's say, about their balance from MPESA. They will dial the MPESA USSD code to contact their USSD service provider.

2. Send the USSD request

The customer will then select send the USSD code on their mobile phones so the message can automatically reach the service provider for assistance. The best part is that These codes are meant to support both smart and feature phones for operation. The customer will then await a response from the service operator.

3. The service provider's response

After the message gets to the service provider, he or she will go through an interactive USSD menu, allowing the customers to explore and choose from whatever services they want.

4. Customers' response

The customer will then input the option they want for the service choosing from the options offered by the service provider. On the other side, after submitting, the service provider's USSD gateway will then give back a response to the customers.

Uses of USSD 

USSD codes can be used for several purposes. The code is used by the user initiating a command that is through * and ends with #. Below are ways in which they can be put to use;

1. Banking services

Most of the time, banks use a USSD code to assist their users when it comes to checking and inquiring about the balances on their bank accounts. They would input a specific code meant explicitly for that bank to access their services.

2. Simcard access

There is a safe way used to access a mobile phone by users. They must input their sim card PIN whenever they want to use their phone number. Other times, whenever they have blocked their phone or used a wrong pin, they would be required to enter a PUK number that their mobile phone operators give to fix the problem.

3. Payment

Most services would include a USSD payment option in their system since it's easy for users to pay for their services. You will find most of these command codes to be put are short and straight to the point, which would take them right to their payment option. Examples of a service that uses these USSD codes include supermarkets such as Naivas, which give users an easy time paying for their items purchased.

4. Ticket booking

Do you want to book a movie night or attend a concert, but you don't have an easy way to go to book physically? With everything digital, you can reserve a spot for all these events using a USSD code. Sometimes not all services offer this option, but most of them do, so it would be wise to inquire from the service provider first before going any further.

5. Weather forecast

Did you know you can receive background information on weather changes around you? Yes, it is very possible! The method will give you a real-time weather read if you have subscribed to them in your area.

6. Advertisement

Mostly, you will find promotional messages from businesses on your phone if you have once associated yourself with certain businesses. They will use USSD codes to send you offers they maybe promote, among other things, for viewing.

How to build a USSD code application (without coding)

For easy tutorial purposes, click on our video for a step by step guidance to create your USSD code app.

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Are you aware you can build your own USSD code application without using a web developer for coding? Being among one of the most used applications, coming up with effective ways you can build it is a good idea. With us is an illustration of how you can build your USSD code using the HelloDuty flow as follows;

1. Login to HelloDuty on the "Apps" section, and click to sign up at demo.helloduty.com to access services.

2. After completing the sign up process, click on the gear icon "New USSD Flow."  

3. On the 'New USSD flow" section, name your code with a preferable name you wish to have, then press save.

4. Once the name is saved, go back to the "Action" and drag the "Menu Action" to the center, where you will give it a name, i.e., "welcome." Under the "Response type" drop-down, select "value with the options."

5. Under "Text," You can choose to type or not since it's optional to type in your "menu title." Once you are done, click on the save button and then "Run" the program to test and see what people you will be sending this code to will see.

6. Repeat the same procedure as many times as you want on the "menu action" and fill in the required information but with different names or titles, i.e., "John." Then after you are done, select "save" and then "Run" the test to see the outcome.
7. Once done with filling in the menu part, you will be required to set your status to "live," and it will be ready to use.

Conclusion

As seen above, USSD is the number one go-to application every business is counting on. Not only does it help people in business, but also other people get to know what they are searching for. Different people get to use them for different purposes, such as  USSD MPESA loans for money lending apps from the MPESA application. 

If you are looking to block fraud, different mobile operators provide these codes, such as Safaricom, which will be of assistance. USSD codes come in handy to us in many ways, and we should consider using them. Imagine using the code to block unwanted calls. That's how helpful and convenient they are.

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