If you're looking to give your business a boost, consider something as simple as sending a text message. That's right, texting isn't just for chatting with friends or ordering your favorite pizza. It can also be a game-changer for your marketing strategy.
But how? How do you use texting for marketing? How do you make sure it's effective? And how do you know your customers will even be receptive to it? Don't worry. We've got the answers to all these questions – and more!
First, what is Text Message Marketing?
At Cloud9VoIP, we believe in defining terms. Text message marketing is precisely what it sounds like - using SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Services) to reach out to customers for promotional or informative purposes.
But (and this is a big one) you can't just send marketing texts to anyone, anytime. Please do not do it. You must abide by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and FCC rules to ensure compliance. This means you must get explicit consent from your customers to text them. And offering a clear and easy way for them to opt-out if they want. If not, you could face serious legal ramifications. Thankfully, if you choose a texting service like Cloud9VoIP's, this compliance is built in from the start – so no worries there.
Big Business Benefits of Text Message Marketing
Now that we know what text message marketing is, and what to avoid when using it, let's talk about some of the reasons why using texting for marketing is a brilliant idea. Keep in mind, this is a short list with many more unstated reasons.
It gives you higher engagement because people actually read their texts. Unlike email or social media, where messages can get lost in overflowing inboxes or crowded newsfeeds, text messages are interacted with immediately. Why? Because we tend to check our texts within minutes – not days. In fact, 90 percent of all texts are opened within three minutes of being received.
Using texting for marketing can significantly boost your sales. When done right, texting for marketing can drive immediate action, from purchasing to visiting your store. In fact, almost 30 percent of consumers said they've made a purchase in response to a company's text messages.
Texting is a great (and affordable) equalizer. Text message marketing is budget-friendly, highly targeted, and offers a fantastic return on investment. Small businesses can benefit from the power of SMS just as much as the big players.
Texting for marketing complements your other communication channels. Mixing texting with email, phone calls, and social media can boost your customer's lifetime value by 30 percent.
FUN FACT: Sending a text reminder to customers on your email lists (like "Did you get our newsletter?") can increase email open rates by over 25 percent.
Do Clients Prefer Text Message Marketing?
Now, you might be wondering, do customers even want text message marketing? The answer is a resounding yes! Just last year, about 75 percent of consumers said they'd like businesses to text them. And here's why:
First and foremost, it's a channel that most people use and are familiar (and comfortable) with. After all, approximately 65 percent of the entire world can send and receive text messages. Opening, reading, and responding to a text message is practically second nature to most of us.
Second, it's non-intrusive. Unlike telemarketing calls, recipients can choose when to read a text message, making it a less disruptive form of communication.
Third, text messages feel personal. People tend to perceive SMS as messages from friends or family, making them more likely to engage with the content. The statistics back this up, with text messages boasting an astonishing 98 percent read rate. In comparison, email open and read rates typically hover around 21%.
How You Can Use Texting for Marketing
Alright, so we've learned that texting can benefit your business, and people want to receive texts from you. But one question remains: "How do you use texting for marketing?" Well, we've got a few suggestions:
Provide Immediate Customer Service. Instant communication lets you quickly respond to customer queries and issues, enhancing their experience.
Share Promotional Campaigns and Offers. Announce sales, discounts, and exclusive offers directly to your customers' mobile phones.
Offer Opt-In Information for Email Marketing. Expand your email marketing list by allowing customers to subscribe through text messages.
Send Appointment Reminders and Notifications. Reduce no-shows and keep customers informed about appointments and events.
Collect Feedback and Surveys. Gather valuable insights from your customers to improve your products and services.
And a whole lot more!
Integrating Text Message Marketing into Your Strategy
Now that you know how to use texting for marketing, it's time to incorporate it into your overall marketing strategy. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Build a subscriber list. Encourage customers to opt-in for your messages and grow your subscriber list organically.
Segment your audience. Divide your subscribers into categories so you can send them personalized text messages based on their particular preferences and behaviors.
Craft engaging content. Keep your messages short, sweet, and engaging to grab your audience's attention.
Time your messages. Send your texts at the right time to maximize their impact. For instance, sending lunch specials just before noon can be more effective for a restaurant.
Monitor and optimize. Continuously analyze the performance of your campaigns and adjust your strategy as needed for better results.
Ready To Start Texting? Cloud9VoIP's Got Your Back.
Cloud9VoIP takes all the goodness of text message marketing and cranks it up a notch. We help you reach your customers more effectively, manage your messages with ease, and keep your marketing efforts organized.
So, if you're a business owner looking to connect with your customers more personally, efficiently, and cost-effectively, give the team Cloud9 a call. Your customers - and your bottom line - will thank you!