Many businesses are seeing the benefits of text message marketing, often referred to as SMS marketing. Frankly, promoting products and services using traditional advertising is dead. Email ends up in the spam folder, and social media has become crowded and restrictive. So, businesses are looking for new ways to spread the word about their brand, and text messaging has been a huge benefit for them.
What is text message marketing?
Text message marketing is a promotional strategy that uses SMS messages sent to prospects and existing customers. It is also commonly referred to as mass texting. SMS messaging marketing is significantly more effective than email marketing and can reach a larger audience.
The way it works is businesses send text messages about their products or services to customers. These messages can include alerts and time-sensitive updates, as well as information about products and services.
Benefits of text message marketing
There are several benefits to SMS marketing. One of the most obvious is that it’s an opt-in process. Customers have to sign up to receive texts from businesses, so they are already interested in what you have to say. This cuts down on the amount of unwanted messages people receive.
Another benefit is that text messages have a high open rate and seems to be the preferred method for receiving marketing promotions. In fact, studies show that text messages have a 99% open rate, while email has only a 20% open rate. This means that more people are likely to see your message when you send it via text, which increases customer engagement.
Text messages are also read quickly. The average person reads a text message within five minutes of receiving it. This is compared to email, which can take up to two hours to be read. This means that your message will be seen and action can be taken more quickly.
Text messages are also personal. They are sent directly to a person’s phone, so they feel like they are being communicated with on a one-to-one basis and receiving exclusive deals. This helps to build trust and rapport with customers.
Finally, text messages are relatively inexpensive. You can reach a large number of people for very little cost. This makes SMS marketing an affordable option for both large and small businesses.
Using text message marketing successfully
There are a number of businesses that are using SMS marketing successfully. A few examples include:
Retail stores – Retail stores can use SMS marketing to send special promotions and discounts to customers. This helps to drive traffic to the store and increase sales.
Restaurants – Restaurants can use text message marketing to send customers updates about special events or promotions. This helps to keep customers informed and engaged with the restaurant.
Service businesses – Service businesses can use SMS marketing to send appointment reminders or updates about service changes. This helps to keep customers updated and helps to reduce no-shows.
Education – Educational institutions can use text message marketing to send reminders about upcoming events or deadlines. This helps to keep students on track and helps to reduce missed opportunities.
Healthcare – Healthcare providers can use SMS marketing campaigns to send appointment reminders or updates about changes in service. This helps to keep patients informed and helps to reduce no-shows.
Network marketing – SMS campaigns are a powerful tool for network marketers. It allows you to instantly reach your downline and customers with important information. The speed, reach, open rate, and low cost of text messages make them a powerful marketing tool.
How to get started with text message marketing
Getting started with SMS marketing is a fairly easy process. First, you need to find a third-party provider that offers a text message marketing service. Once you have found a provider, you will need to create an account and then provide your contact information.
The next step is to create your first campaign. This will involve creating a message and then sending it out to your target audience. Once your campaign is live, you will be able to track its performance and make changes as necessary.
One of the best ways to get subscribers is by using promotional marketing campaigns. This can be done by requesting people send a specific keyword to a shortcode to be added to your list. Checking a box while making a purchase is another method to get people to opt in.
Before opting-in, subscribers will want to know what to expect. How often will messages come and what type will they be? This way, people will know what they are signing up for and be more likely to opt in.
Tips for creating successful text message campaigns
There are a few things to keep in mind when using SMS marketing. First, make sure your messages are clear and concise. No one wants to read a long novel on their phone. Second, don’t send too many messages. You don’t want to become a nuisance. Lastly, give customers an opt-out option so they can stop receiving messages if they want.
When sending text messages, keep the receiver’s daily habits in mind. When are they using their phones? Mondays are the worst for response rates, per Mobile Marketer. It’s best to avoid that day, unless there is a specific reason.
Typically, 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. are bad, as people are in the car and won’t notice texts or bother to respond.
It seems 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. is most effective for SMS marketers. Remember to keep the send times appropriate for a receiver’s time zone.
CTIA’s guidelines for text message marketing
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association’s (CTIA) rules for text message marketing are pretty simple, but it is a must every business follow them. Always include “msg & data rates apply” in your auto-reply messages. This disclaimer lets your subscribers know that they may be charged for receiving text messages, so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to opt in.
Most SMS marketing services will add this disclaimer automatically, but it’s always good to double-check. Following the CTIA’s guidelines is a great way to make sure you’re staying compliant and providing a good experience for your subscribers.
Additionally, make sure you’re only sending marketing messages to people or existing customers who have opted in to receive them. It’s not only a courtesy, but it’s the law. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibits businesses from sending unsolicited text messages, and you could be fined up to $1,500 per violation if you’re caught doing it. So, play it safe and always get explicit permission before sending marketing texts as well as the ability to opt out.
The future of text message marketing
Text message marketing is becoming an increasingly popular way to reach consumers. This is because billions of people own a phone and spend a lot of time on them. Additionally, mobile phones are becoming more popular, so consumers expect to get updates about their purchases, shipping, and returns via mobile alerts.
As we move further into the 21st century, it becomes increasingly important to connect with customers and prospects. In order to stay ahead of the competition, it is crucial to build and maintain customer relationships. One of the most effective ways to do this is through SMS marketing.
Compared to any other marketing service, the benefits of SMS marketing are vast and can be used in a number of different industries. If you are looking for a way to reach a large group of people at the same time, text message marketing may be the right solution for you.
