SMS marketing is a form of mobile marketing that allows businesses to send text messages to customers and prospects. SMS stands for short message service, which is the technical term for the text messages we send and receive on our phones. SMS marketing can be used for various purposes, such as:
- Promoting products, services, or events
- Sending coupons, discounts, or special offers
- Sharing news, updates, or tips
- Collecting feedback, reviews, or ratings
- Confirming appointments, reservations, or orders
- Providing customer service, support, or assistance
SMS marketing has many benefits for businesses, such as:
- High open and response rates: SMS messages have an average open rate of 98% and a response rate of 45%, compared to 20% and 6% for email, respectively¹.
- Instant delivery and reach: SMS messages are delivered within seconds and can reach anyone with a mobile phone, regardless of internet access or device type.
- Personal and direct communication: SMS messages are sent to the recipient’s personal phone number and can be customized with their name, preferences, or location.
- Cost-effective and easy to use: SMS messages are relatively cheap to send and can be automated with software platforms or tools.
However, SMS marketing also has some challenges and best practices that businesses need to follow, such as:
- Getting permission and consent: Businesses must obtain explicit and verifiable consent from customers before sending them SMS messages, and provide them with an easy way to opt out at any time.
- Complying with laws and regulations: Businesses must adhere to the relevant laws and regulations in their country or region, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU.
- Segmenting and targeting customers: Businesses must segment their customers based on their interests, behaviors, or demographics, and send them relevant and personalized messages that match their needs and expectations.
- Measuring and optimizing performance: Businesses must track and analyze the key metrics of their SMS campaigns, such as delivery rate, open rate, click-through rate, conversion rate, and return on investment, and use the insights to improve their strategy and tactics.
To get started with SMS marketing, businesses need to follow these steps:
- Choose an SMS marketing platform or tool: There are many options available, such as Twilio, Shopify, TextMagic, GatherUp, or Sprout Social, that offer different features, pricing, and integrations.
- Build an SMS marketing list: Using Bos – Business management software, Businesses can use various methods to collect phone numbers and consent from customers, such as online forms, landing pages, QR codes, social media, email, or in-store signage.
- Create and send SMS messages: Businesses can use templates, variables, or keywords to craft engaging and effective messages, and schedule them to be sent at the optimal time and frequency.
- Monitor and optimize SMS campaigns: Businesses can use reports, dashboards, or analytics tools to measure the performance and impact of their SMS messages, and test different variables, such as content, length, tone, or timing, to optimize their results.
SMS marketing is a powerful and versatile way to connect with customers and prospects, and drive more sales, loyalty, and satisfaction. By following the best practices and tips outlined in this article, businesses can leverage SMS marketing to grow their brand and business.