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SMS is an essential marketing channel for all kinds of businesses. But figuring out what kind of messages are right for SMS and what kind of messages will annoy and drive away your customers can be tricky. Read this article for five incredible examples of SMS marketing that your audience actually wants to read.
Everyone loves to receive gifts. But everyone also has that odd family member. You know, the one that makes your ugly Christmas crochet “fashion statement” and buys underwear for your birthday.
Often, they have good intentions, but they may be unaware and out of touch with what people really want. Unfortunately, in short message service (SMS) marketing, many brands have become like your great-aunt Margaret. They were told that “those trendy young people love texting” and they started sending text messages, the equivalent of crocheted ties and tights.
according to ZendeskPopularity of use Text messages used to contact businesses grew 75% in 2020. However, like gift giving, when people start having a text conversation with your brand, it’s key that you actually give them what they want.
For example, according to Simple SMS, only 9% of consumers want to know about your customer satisfaction survey through text. (Truthfully, 99% of the text messages people receive from businesses are this type of text message. Annoying?) On the other hand, according to the same survey, 35% of consumers want text messages for special offers or promotions.
If SMS marketing isn’t personalized and isn’t valuable to your audience, it can feel invasive and unwelcome. If you’re still not sure what your consumers want to receive, you’re in luck. This guide covers five SMS marketing examples that your audience actually wants to receive, so you don’t become the marketing equivalent of Aunt Margaret. You’ll increase your conversions and your bottom line.
1. Activity update
It’s hard to beat an SMS marketing campaign for timely updates that you know your audience will see.Americans Check Their Cell Phones Often – About 344 times a day, according to review.org. and McKinsey Report SMS messages have the highest read rates Across any commercial messaging channel, the open rate is 42%. This combination makes SMS text messages an ideal channel for communication of time-sensitive events.
You can use SMS messages to promote your event lineup, send QR codes for tickets, provide meeting time updates to attendees, and even provide interactive content during the event.
For example, event attendees can opt-in to receive messages so they can be the first to hear who the speakers in the headlines are or receive a mobile ticket. Then, once they’ve opted in, you can SMS them throughout the meeting with important information, such as the meeting space where their meeting is taking place.
2. Special Offers
according to Simple SMS, 50% of consumers said they would be more likely to choose to receive SMS messages from businesses if they knew they would receive a time-sensitive promotion.through audience segmentation and Marketing AutomationMarketing teams can personalize promotions for each consumer, increasing brand value and connection.
SMS marketing for special offers can be as simple as promoting a flash sale or as specific as sending customers a discount code on their birthday. The key to maintaining consumer value is to only use it for timely or personalized offers, rather than constantly bombarding them with text.
3. Product launch
A world that consumers have at their fingertips through the Internet. If you want your product to stand out from the start, you need a unique promotional mechanism.According to a survey Harris Interactive, 77% of consumers think companies that offer text messaging are more positive (Not to mention those impressive read rates we mentioned earlier). So if you want everyone to be eagerly watching new product launches, you should start with SMS.
The timeliness of SMS provides an opportunity for brands to roll out products in stages to increase hype. For example, you should post VIP and Influencer Early Access messages before opening the sale to all customers.
In addition to the timeliness of SMS, it has the advantage of very measurable results. Campaign Monitor’s SMS reporting dashboard shows a comprehensive view of your launch campaigns, including audience responses to emails and SMS. Instead of guessing how interested you are in new products or the success of your campaigns, you can easily assess them at a glance.
4. Community building
SMS messaging provides a unique opportunity to build brand affinity by connecting with your audience personally and creating a community around your brand.In this way, you can Promote your brand.
For example, if you are a wellness brand, you can send daily wellness tips or mindfulness tips, or links to interactive branded content such as how-to videos and online communities.All of this promotes user-generated content, which 79% of users According to Stackla, it can greatly influence their buying decisions.
5. Donation Drive
People are bombarded with groups asking for donations. If it’s not Boy Scouts on the street, it’s a fundraiser in the mail, or a grocery store clerk asking them to “round up for the cause.” So how do you break through the noise? SMS.
The key to using SMS for donation campaigns and fundraising is crafting a message, not just banging cymbals in the hustle and bustle of a fundraising event. Gone are the days of cold calling TV shows. Today, consumers expect personalized and timely communication. This is where SMS shines.
For example, you can use Campaign Monitor’s Subscriber list upload functionality and customizable fields. Segment your list by region, income range, age, or any other custom qualifier of your choice. Personalize each message with the subscriber’s name for an added personal touch.
With SMS, you can respond to any community or global crisis in minutes, giving people the opportunity to act as soon as the news comes out. You no longer have to wait a few weeks for mail to reach their home, or for your social posts to reach them. Hit your donors while your donor base is still fresh before they get bombarded with other organizations asking for donations.
Once you have your audience’s attention, it’s important to provide them with an accessible and straightforward way to donate. Relying on outdated payment methods won’t cut it anymore. When was the last time you wrote a check for anything? It may have been a while.according to Fed, the use of checks and cash has fallen sharply year-on-year, and mobile payments are replacing most payments previously made by check or cash. In short, if you want people to donate to your event, you need to offer mobile payment options.
Combine SMS and Email Marketing Strategies
The benefits of SMS marketing are undeniable, but it’s far more impactful Used in conjunction with email marketing strategy. Each serves your customers in a unique way and enhances the other’s influence. What they have in common is the ability to expand their customer base and bottom line. If you want to learn more about how to use SMS marketing strategies in conjunction with email marketing, Check out our guide.
