A simple message is a message that is sent to your audience that does not request a response from the fan. An example of a simple SMS would be a text reminder of a tv show or an announcement of a sale.
A conversation message is a string of messages between a brand and their audience. These messages typically start with a question from the brand that offers choices from which the audience can choose. Once an audience member texts back with one of the choices, the system will automatically send them the brand's pre-chosen response. The conversations can contain as many strings as a brand would like.