SMS MARKETING
short message service marketing) is a technique that uses permission-based text messaging to spread promotional messages.
To receive text message specials, new product updates or more information, customers are usually required to opt in to an automated system by texting an initial shortcode. When the 5 digit code is texted, that user’s phone number is then stored by whatever SMS marketing software is issuing the texts. A confirmation response is usually sent as receipt for opting in, with an opt-out code included for potential future unsubscribing (Ja.Txt).
Generally speaking, the goal of SMS marketing is to build a database of subscribers to increase customer loyalty. When implementing close range marketing tactics, text messages are an ideal way of notifying people within your vicinity of any immediate offers, without having to use push-notification applications. More than informing your customers of upcoming deals, it can also be a great way to send reminders for upcoming events and engage your customers by polling their opinions.
In fact, for at least 60% of consumers, SMS marketing is preferred to other email marketing and push-notification services (Forbes). Many delivery platforms allow for easy segmentation and management, so the most relevant text messages can be sent to those who are most likely to convert. It’s also preferable in that it tends to be less expensive when compared to other methods of distribution, making it a cost effective mobile solution.
Keep in mind that while similar, SMS marketing is not the same as close range marketing. To learn more about the relationship between SMS and close range marketing, read my brief on the differences between the two. Furthermore, see how we can help you with your SMS and mobile marketing needs.
What is SMS Marketing and How Does it Work?
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SMS marketing is just another way to reach your potential customers and keep them in the loop about your services. Click here to answer the question, what is SMS marketing and learn how it works.
Let’s face it, we all want to connect with a bigger audience through marketing. But it’s often easier said than done.
The ever-changing digital landscape has made target audiences more accessible than ever before. But the multitude of platforms and mediums can be overwhelming for even the savviest marketing minds.
Are you looking to expand your marketing reach?
Are you trying to connect with more consumers without breaking the bank?
If so, you might want to consider SMS marketing.
What is SMS marketing? SMS marketing is just another way to reach your potential customers and keep them in the loop about your services. In plain terms, it’s using text messages to communicate and market to your customers
Keep reading to learn more…
What is SMS Marketing?
Before we dive into the benefits of SMS marketing, let’s first give an explanation as to what exactly it is.
SMS marketing is shorthand for short message service marketing. You send and receive text messages every day on your phone… well, an SMS message is a text message… they are the same thing.
SMS advertising is a form of mobile marketing that lets your business appeal to users on mobile devices. It’s a way to text your prospects, customers and VIPs. It’s a tried and true marketing technique that lets you share text messages to an individual, or a group of users.
How it works is simple. Your customers, prospects and VIPs opt-in to your marketing campaign to receive updates, specials, and important information. It’s a form of inbound marketing that lets you target users who have already expressed interest in your business.
The goal of SMS marketing is not only to make sales. It’s also to build your brand and increase customer retention!
You can notify people of upcoming promotions, events, and sales.
Even better, since SMS messages are quickly delivered and quickly read, you can deliver time-based messages. You can set your system up to automatically send text messages to customers at a precise time… when they are most likely to be receptive to your offer.
For example, if you run a restaurant, sending a message shortly before dinner time is a smart thing to do… it will be better received, and your customers will be more likely to act on your message.
The Basics of SMS Marketing
You’ve likely been part of an SMS campaign before. But let’s take a quick look at the basics and terminology.
SMS campaigns revolve around a keyword and a shortcode. People will opt-in to a campaign will receive a welcome message with the keyword and shortcode.
For example, let’s say a hockey team wants to promote their upcoming deals and games.
They might promote the following message through ads, banners, flyers, or any other marketing channel:
Let’s go Hawks! Text “PUCK” to (480) 508-9444 to get highlights, ticket deals and important info!
In this example, the subscriber will text the keyword “PUCK” to opt-in to the campaign. Afterward, the hockey team will freely send text messages to the subscriber.
Go ahead and try it out… Text PUCK to (480) 508-9444 to see how it works. (This is a demonstration number only, and obviously we’re not going to text you about hockey!)
Does SMS Marketing Work?
Does SMS marketing work? You tell me…
Do you read text messages that are sent to your phone? Did you test out our example above… did you read what we sent?
Of course it works… want more proof? Keep reading.
There’s no denying that SMS marketing can be beneficial. But just how effective is this type of marketing?
64 percent of modern consumers think businesses should use SMS messaging more often. Consumers aren’t the only ones who like SMS marketing.
Businesses are turning to this form of marketing because it’s a fast, efficient, and cheap way to access their target audience.
In comparison to other marketing campaigns, the cost of SMS marketing is minuscule.
If you don’t want to pay someone like Betwext.com to help with your text messaging, you can always pay top dollar for a special programmer (if you can find one) to build you a custom texting program.
Why SMS Marketing Is Effective
Do you remember using the Yellow pages to find a business?
What about finding a business through a local mailer or flyer?
These old school marketing techniques may seem like a blast from the past. But there are still businesses relying on dated marketing platforms.
In today’s world, nearly everyone has access to a cell phone… and a mart phone at that! They also spend a significant amount of their time on these devices. Meanwhile, consumers are using smartphones at historic rates. In fact, U.S. consumers now spend five hours per day on their mobile devices.
That means there’s a good chance that your SMS messages will reach your subscribers. Think about how fast you check your phone after you hear that “ding” come in for a text message.
Whatever way you decide to go, the costs are minor in comparison to the ROI you’ll see from setting up and running a solid mobile marketing campaign.
Why SMS Marketing Is Effective
Do you remember using the Yellow pages to find a business?
What about finding a business through a local mailer or flyer?
These old school marketing techniques may seem like a blast from the past. But there are still businesses relying on dated marketing platforms.
In today’s world, nearly everyone has access to a cell phone… and a mart phone at that! They also spend a significant amount of their time on these devices. Meanwhile, consumers are using smartphones at historic rates. In fact, U.S. consumers now spend five hours per day on their mobile devices.
That means there’s a good chance that your SMS messages will reach your subscribers. Think about how fast you check your phone after you hear that “ding” come in for a text message.
Engagement among other marketing platforms can be low: billboards, radio ads, even email marketing. You don’t have to worry about engagement with SMS marketing.
Your audience is just a text away.
SMS Marketing Best Practices
You might feel tempted to send out a bunch of text messages to your list of subscribers… But hold off.
Keep reading before clicking that send button.
You need to foster the relationship with your SMS advertising list. No one likes being overwhelmed with texts. No matter how loyal a customer is, if you annoy them with too many texts, you’ll lose them forever.
Every business is different… but most text once a week… and some a few times a day – around a special event.
You should also be aware of the time you are sending out your texts. If you send a message too early in the day, it will be ignored or forgotten. Sending messages late at night can also be a problem. Again, this is business dependent. I know of a nightclub who sends texts on Friday and Saturday night after 9:00 PM.
Remember to respect people’s time!
Want a quick tip?
Work to engage with the people on your text marketing list. The best way to get good engagement is to enhance your SMS campaigns by learning how to write great text marketing
Heres a few tips:
- Always let your customers know who is sending the text message. You may craft the wittiest, amazing text message only to forget to let your audience know who sent it. Don’t let that be you.
- You should also include a call to action in all texts. This will encourage your customers to take action and move down the sales funnel.
- Your content needs to be something that is actually valuable to your customers. Cater texts around discounts, promotions, or sweepstakes.
- You can also send your customers photos of new products, surveys to get their feedback, and even create a drip campaign.
There’s no wrong way to text. But remember that a little bit of etiquette goes a long way. Follow these best practices to make the most of your SMS marketing campaign.
Your SMS Marketing Plan
Remember SMS marketing is a great way to increase customer engagement, promote loyalty, and increase revenue for your business!
I hope today’s article gave you some great ideas on how to use SMS marketing for your business. To learn more about getting started with SMS marketing, or to learn how to promote your small business check out our special report… “The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Marketing“
