If you’re interested to know more about “what is SMS marketing and how can I use it to grow my business?” you’re not alone. SMS marketing has become an increasingly popular way for businesses to communicate with their customers in a world dominated by smartphones.
This post will unpack what SMS marketing is, how it works, and what types of businesses can use it to reach out directly to an audience, increase engagement, and, more importantly, drive results.
What is SMS Marketing?
SMS marketing (short message service marketing) is a marketing technique that businesses can use to send promotional or transactional messages via text to their audience on their mobile device. The messages are usually very sent very short, direct as well and prompt action.
In contrast to other marketing channels, SMS marketing has an exceptionally high open rate—statistics suggest that 98% of text messages are opened, often in only a matter of minutes of being received.
And this is where SMS marketing shines, especially for sharing sales, reminders, or offers with your audience.
Why Does SMS Marketing Matter?
SMS marketing is different for a few reasons. Here’s why it should be on your radar as a marketing strategy for your business:
- Unparalleled Open Rates: SMS has higher open rates compared to email and other channels. Almost every text is read, making it a direct point of contact for addressing your audience.
- Spot Delivery: Texts are sent and received immediately, so SMS marketing is ideal for the messages that depend on timing (like flash sales or event reminders).
- Broad Coverage: With over 6.8 billion mobile phone users worldwide, SMS is capable of reaching nearly anyone.
- High Engagement: Because SMS marketing does not beat around the bush, subscribers are much more likely to engage with the communication, be it clicking a link or responding to your text message.
Types of SMS Marketing
Promotional SMS
Promotional SMS is a type of SMS that is primarily used for marketing your brand or campaigns. The rub is to pique interest, persuade a click, or make a sale. Examples include:
- Announcing discounts or special offers
- Sending flash sale alerts
- Sharing exclusive loyalty rewards
Transactional SMS
They’re transactional emails, with useful updates or information for customers. Examples include:
- Order confirmations
- Shipping updates
- Appointment reminders
Personalized SMS
Personalization moves SMS marketing up a level. These messages are generally personalized to reflect the recipient’s preferences, personalities, or behavior/stimuli. This could be a birthday discount or a product suggestion based on a previous purchase.
Getting Started with SMS Marketing
Text marketing campaigns are not a difficult thing to begin, as long as you approach them correctly. Here’s a guide to help you get started, step by step.
Step 1: Create a Customer List or Bulletin
First of all, you have to compile a database of customers who are ready to receive your messages. Make sure to get consent, as SMS marketing without permission can damage your business and break laws such as the TCPA (in the US).
Step 2: Select the Best SMS Marketing Platform
Several applications exist for maintaining SMS marketing campaigns. Twilio, SlickText, and SimpleTexting are some popular ones. Pick the best one that fits your budget and requirements.
Step 3: Create Compelling Messages
Your text should be short and intriguing. In a 160-character message, every word matters. Use direct action calls such as “Shop now,” “Claim your discount,” or “Reply YES to confirm.”
Step 4: Timing is Everything
Find the ideal time to message. For instance, sales texts can do well between one and two o’clock in the afternoon, when customers are more likely to click through. Try not to text too early in the morning or late into the night.
Step 5: Personalize Your Campaigns
Segment the audience according to their location, shopping history, or preferences. Custom messages can generate much higher click and conversion rates.
Step 6: Measure Results
Leverage the analytics features on SMS platforms to measure your open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. This information will enable you to make changes or improve future campaigns.
How to Do SMS Marketing Right
For the best results in SMS marketing, remember these tips.
Always Obtain Consent
Only send SMS to people who have agreed to receive your campaigns. Unsolicited messages can harm your brand and could result in fines.
Make It Valuable
When you send an email, ensure it’s of value to the recipient, whether in the form of a discount, useful information, or a reminder.
Provide a Strong CTA (Call To Action)
Always tell the reader the next step to take. A simple “Click here to find out more” or “Reply YES to confirm” can work like magic.
Respect Privacy and Timing
Text during normal business hours and accommodate customer preferences. Do not message too much so you feel spammy.
Add an Opt-Out Option
Have an unsubscribe link built into your messages or offer a way for users to remove themselves from your mailing list. For instance, “Reply STOP to cancel.”
Advantages of SMS Marketing for Businesses
When used effectively, SMS Marketing has a lot to offer to businesses, such as:
- Increased Engagement: SMSs are opened and read at a much higher rate than other marketing efforts, such as email.
- Increased Customer Loyalty: Users who know your brand and value the content delivered are more likely to make repeat purchases.
- Increased Sales: Time-sensitive promotional texts can lead to direct action and higher conversion rates.
- Budget-Friendly Solution: SMS marketing is low-cost, which works for companies of any size.
Real-World SMS Marketing Success Stories
- E-Commerce Brands: A few stores retarget abandoned carts with SMS marketing, reminding them about what they’ve left behind, with also offering a discount.
- Restaurants: Fast-food outlets such as Domino’s use SMS to deliver time-limited exclusive promo codes that encourage instant orders.
- Fitness Studios: Gyms and fitness studios all use text to manage bookings, confirmations, and information around classes, but tend to get it mixed up with email.
So Let’s Get In Touch With SMS Marketing
When it comes to marketing through SMS, there’s a lot more than just promotional text messages. When employed in a strategic way, it’s a highly effective way to get your customers involved, enhance your brand, and grow your business.
With that understanding of “what is SMS marketing,” and its powerful benefits, why not put it to work for you? Whether you’re a little café or a successful e-commerce shop, the missing element of your marketing strategy might be SMS marketing.
SMS marketing is a powerful component of modern outreach strategies, and when viewed within the broader scope of digital marketing, it becomes clear why adopting comprehensive digital tools is essential for business owners looking to stay competitive and connect with their audiences more effectively.
