6 Steps to a Successful SMS Marketing Campaign

Did you know that 8.6 trillion text messages are sent on a yearly basis, which is why SMS marketing has become such an influential leader in transforming marketing efforts today. While only around 20% of emails are looked at, SMS messaging techniques have open rates near 98%. Not only is this method effective, but SMS messaging has become the preferred communication method for customers. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your SMS marketing campaign.

Step 1: Ask Permission

In order to receive high open rates, your customers must want to receive your text messages. By asking permission, you are allowing for an opt-in decision. Your client-base will not feel as if you are being invasive since they have chosen to participate in your marketing campaign.

Step 2: Short. Simple. Sweet.

People these days are on-the-go and crave convenience. Nobody wants to read a long, lengthy text message that separates into more messages and makes your phone buzz three times while you are in a meeting. The faster you get to the point of your message, the better.

Use caps sporadically for keywords such as, OFFER, SALE, DISCOUNT, EVENT, or RSVP. Eliminate the use of acronyms that are not widely known. Remember, your main objective is to communicate effectively to your clients by giving them important information that they will understand for your text message marketing campaign.

Step 3: Focus on Exclusivity

This is one of the biggest advantages in using a SMS marketing campaign. You want to make sure that the information offered through mass texting is unique and unattainable to those who aren’t subscribed. Likewise, this information should not be able to be found on any other media platforms or mediums.

Step 4: Understand Timeliness. Frequency is Key.

Using SMS gets your message seen. Testing different times when sending an SMS messages will help you understand the best time your audience responds. For example, if hosting a webinar you may want to send out a reminder text 30 minutes prior in order to increase attendance.  If you are planning an event or hosting a sale, send your subscribers a text message the night before or the day of the event. Your audience will easily forget if the message was sent a week prior to the event. Along with timeliness comes frequency.

You don’t want to spam your customers, however, you don’t want them to feel neglected either. Daily messages cause subscribers to stop engaging or to opt-out altogether. A general rule with SMS marketing campaigns is to follow a 4-6 messages a month, or 1-2 messages a week maximum. Less is more. Prioritize consistency to sustain the loyalty of your customers as well as increase business.

Step 5: Integrate With Other Marketing Strategies

If you are popular on a social media page or have your own website, share the opportunity of opting into exclusive deals or information your business has to offer. When creating these SMS messages, you can also provide a link to your social media page(s) or website. Doing this broadens your audience because you are expanding your marketing campaign through various mediums, and therefore, potentially reaching more customers.

Step 6: Analyze Your Results

It is crucial to have an integrated system that provides feedback and statistics about your marketing campaign. This also gives the opportunity to try new things and experiment different time schedules, etc. Compare different outcomes and formulate the best approach that drives the most results.

If you aren’t reaping the benefits SMS messaging  is capable of,  you are missing out on a lucrative opportunity to generate sales and increase the exposure of your business. Start a SMS marketing campaign today!