The short message service market, that is, SMS, is booming. According to a recent report, about 73% of American adults text. The study showed that people in the US are increasingly preferring SMS over voice calls. These statistics and more present marketers with tremendous opportunities for mass SMS marketing.
Mass text message marketing is sadly a widely abused marketing medium. To fully harness the power of this effective marketing channel, it’s important for businesses to follow certain guidelines. Keep reading to know more:
in bulk SMS Marketing: 6 SMS Marketing Best Practices
1. Get Permission – Start by getting users to opt in. It’s important to make sure the consumer has agreed to receive text messages from you through the keyword pre-subscription or web subscription. Getting permission is one of the safest options to build a valuable bulk SMS database. Make it easy for customers to join your SMS marketing list. And make sure they know how often to expect your messages.
2. Use a simple code: It is always a good idea to work with a short code that is easy to memorize. You don’t want your customers to have trouble remembering your code. Small businesses may find it too expensive to purchase dedicated short codes. Sharing codes with non-competitors can help in such cases.
3. Keep the message direct: Avoid the temptation to include all the details of your great offer in just 140 characters. An effective SMS ad copy simply lets the customer know “what’s in it for them.” Most effective messages use simple, plain language that employs only well-known text messaging shortcuts to avoid ambiguity.
4. Keep the message relevant: The relevant factor cannot be overemphasized. Even if you create the most creative ad copy, it doesn’t matter if it’s not relevant to your customer. Segmentation and targeting come into the picture here. Take into account the main demographics and your target group when crafting your SMS message.
5. Keep it personal: SMS marketing presents a unique opportunity to build a lasting relationship with your customers through personalized messages. Using the subscriber’s name in your SMS message is an awesome way to make your customers feel needed, special, and valuable.
6. Time it: And even if you create the most creative, relevant and exciting SMS message of all time, it doesn’t matter if you’re not at the right time. A text message sent during the day while people are busy may not get the same response as one sent at a more appropriate time. Are messages sent early in the morning or late at night effective? The times depend on the characteristics/preferences of your target audience. The continuous timing test is an ideal way to find the “right” time.
In conclusion:
Mass SMS sending is perfect for harnessing the power of the “local” market. Location-based marketing is already a booming industry. A Google study showed that close to 90% of searches are for local businesses. Mobile SMS marketing is a great way to personally connect with customers and offer value “instantly”, “locally”.
With SMS marketing it is important to see the “big picture”.
When businesses send bulk SMS online, it may not always result in a sale. However, and very importantly, it is part of the great plot. Bulk SMS marketing can be used for lead generation, public relations, or customer education. Remember: never lose focus of your reason for sending an SMS.
