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If you receive text alerts from your favorite pizza place or clothing store announcing specials and events, you are familiar with SMS and MMS Marketing.
SMS and MMS marketing have become useful tools for many businesses in a variety of industries as a communication vehicle to stay engaged with customers and employees.
Studies show that 95% of text messages are read and responded to within the first 3 minutes. This statistic well exceeds the average email open rate of 18.0%. However, we are not saying to nix email; email and SMS can work hand-in-hand, and one can promote the other.
In order to send a SMS message, businesses must have documented consent from a mobile phone user. It is beneficial for businesses to utilize a SMS platform with a variety of opt-in methods.
Multiple opt-in methods are key to growing your list.
Through the Age Texting platform, consumers can subscribe through multiple opt-in methods:
Upload a list of existing opted-in subscribers, if moving over from another provider.
Desktop and mobile opt-in forms.
Unique landing page or webform.
Keywords
SMS Keyword QR codes
Mobile Opt-in link
Checkout page opt-in form
Kiosk screen/ Loyalty keypad
Integrations with CRM and POS software
Keep in mind that customers opted into your SMS program because they want to stay connected and updated on your products, services and specials. Utilize SMS to engage with them. Invite them to your events. Announce new products. Offer exclusive deals and sneak peaks on products you have not yet announced to public.
SMS is a quick and easy tool to reach out to your customers regularly, but be respectful of their time and make sure your messages are worth their time. Other items to keep in mind:
Frequency: This depends on your industry. We suggest a maximum of twice per week.
Opt-out method: In at least one SMS per month, state how the subscriber can unsubscribe. Our platform includes the default: "Txt STOP to STOP". You can disable this.
Timing: Be mindful of when you send the message: between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM is acceptable. Some telecom's research reports that mobile phones are used most frequently between noon and 6:00 PM. We generally suggest 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Have fun with SMS! Be creative with weather-related messages and promotions or local events. Announce surprise specials to help move inventory. Share a link to your latest video or blog post. Let subscribers know you value them as a customer and appreciate their loyalty. This doesn’t mean you always need to offer discounts—they already see value in your products and services or they would not have signed up for your text alerts. Establish yourself as a reliable and trustworthy source of information. Build a following—a “community” —with your subscribers.
Interested in learning more about Age Texting, we'd love to hear from you! Let's visit!