To be a marketer today is indeed a blessing. Unlike in the past when brands used single-channel marketing, nowadays you have access to various marketing channels at your disposal. And just as you would like to enjoy the convenience and efficiency these channels offer, customers also expect the same privilege from you.
SMS marketing is rapidly thriving after social media marketing. You can use it for effective and targeted real-time reach to your potential and already existing customers.
In today’s article, we take you through all you need to know about text message marketing, to help you implement it effectively in your marketing strategy. Let’s get started!
SMS Marketing Definition
Also known as text messaging marketing, SMS marketing is simply the practice of creating and sending marketing messages via text. Just as you would message a friend. However, with SMS messaging, your contacts have the right to opt-in or opt-out.
What are the Common Types of SMS Marketing?
All types of SMS Marketing messages are personalized. And they include, but are not limited to:
- Surveys
- Offers coupons/ discounts
- Remarketing
- Personalized promotions
For a start, you can begin with two or three types of marketing messages to taste your market. And once your customers get comfortable interacting with you via text, you can exploit many more options. Most text marketing service platforms such as textedly.com have a lot of bulk SMS options you can choose from.
What is SMS Customer Service?
If you thought that you cannot offer customer support via text, you’re wrong. Any communication means that helps you efficiently serve your customers should be welcome. Just like when talking to their friends, customers can talk to the customer support agents via text.
It’s a convenient way of communication since they can message even when in a noisy place, or chilling out with people they don’t want to let into your conversations.
Some of the ways customer service agents can use texts include giving delivery updates (order confirmations, tracking details, and dispatch notifications), appointment reminders, booking confirmations, and much more.
Customers value such texts, as they make them feel valued by the business.
Best Practices for SMS Marketing
- Always give your customers clear opt-in instructions. For example, you can ask them to opt-in for SMS marketing via your other online marketing channels. Then follow-up to allow them to confirm by replying with either a “yes” or “no” to your message.
- Give them an option to opt out for messages they might not need.
- Ensure you identify yourself by including your brand name at the start of the message
- Send your messages at the right time, especially if you work with different time zones. You can also send messages immediately after an appointment.
- Be precise and direct with your message. Use links to direct customers to extra information