Unlocking the Power of SMS Marketing

UNLOC KING The Power OF SMS MARKETING WHAT SMS MARKETING CAN OFFER 98% of SMS messages received are opened-90% within the first 3 minutes. People aren't ignoring text messages, nor are they waiting to read them. Globally, 5 billion people can send and receive SMS messages. Text messaging enables you to reach more people, even those without internet access. SMS marketing for B2CS and B2BS grew by 92% and 197% respectively from 2015 to 2017. More and more businesses are taking advantage of SMS marketing to reach people on their mobile phone. compared to almost 50% of emails. Only 10% of SMS messages are spam, SMS marketing campaigns perform 7x better than email marketing campaigns. The market is far less saturated than others (like email) when it comes to spam. With its wide reach and better open/response rates, SMS marketing should be at the core of your marketing strategies. 75% of consumers who opt-in welcome SMS marketing messages from brands. As long as you have the permission from users, most people are happy to engage with your promotional offers via text. 6 out of 10 consumers tend to have a positive view of companies that text them with marketing messages. SMS marketing shows that sending the right kind of message at the right channel or platform leads to favorable results. After receiving an SMS branded text, a discount code, or a QR code, 50% of U.S. consumers make a direct purchase. SMS marketing can be a huge revenue-generating tool for your business. 64% of consumers think businesses should contact them through text messaging more often. SMS marketing allows you to engage with your audience while gaining insights about their mobile shopping More than 50% of consumers prefer text-based customer support. SMS is a versatile tool that enables you to be easily accessible to customers, providing the information they need at the time that they need it. behavior. TYPES OF SMS MARKETING $% Promotional deals SMS coupons Let people know about an upcoming sale or promotional event. • Serve as a special discount that customers can use with their purchase. Offer discounts on your product or service for a limited time. • Higher redemption rates than traditional coupons. Showcase relevant terms and conditions, or a link to your landing page. • Great for boosting in-store visits or online purchases. 24 Text-to-win competitions Flash sales Advertise a contest where prizes are up for grabs. > Promote the clearance sale of older stocks or models. Require participants to submit responses to your SMS account, allowing you to create a database of marketing contacts. > Usually contain phrases that denote urgency. (“All stocks must go," “Until supplies last," etc.) Loyalty programs Alerts and notifications Convey personalized texts to valued customers, ranging from welcome messages to exclusive deals and loyalty rewards. > Communicate various marketing messages, including new product arrivals, special company events, and so on. 24 Customer service • A way to add value for customers by keeping them informed about order or shipping status, bill payment, operating hours, and other general information about your business. SMS MARKETING TIPS FOR BUSINESSES Always ask for permission Rationale: SMS marketing is a permission-based activity, so you should only do it with consumers who choose to opt in to your campaigns. How to do it: Include an opt-in keyword in your text (i.e. respond with “YES"), or a link to an opt-in box on your website. Pay attention to time of the day Rationale: Knowing when customers are most engaged can give you better open and response rates. How to do it: Most SMS marketing messages get sent at noon because people generally have time to look at their phones during their lunch breaks. However, you should test different times of the day to see which gives you the best performance. Personalize your message Rationale: Personalized messages help you connect with customers, earn their trust, and move them through the sales funnel. How to do it: Address customers in their first name, and use their most recent activity as a bridge to your marketing message, which adds context and relevance. Make your value proposition clear Rationale: People need to see what's in it for them when you send them information or offers, serving as a motivation for them to act on your message. How to do it: Always showcase WIIFM (What's in it for me?). Highlight the benefits to customers based on what you think is important for them. Think about branding Rationale: Branded messages allow your audience to develop an association with your products or services better. How to do it: BRAND Use elements that help you build brand awareness, such as your company name, slogan, website, or email address. Structure your message Rationale: You are only allowed to have up to 160 characters in your messages, so structuring them helps you maximize space while delivering all essential information. How to do it: Include the name of your company, customers' name, name of the offer, terms and conditions, redeeming instructions, expiry date, and the keyword/s to opt out. Use a call to action Rationale: CTAS serve as a vital opportunity to motivate customers to take action. How to do it: Use clear, simple, and directive language that will prompt customers to click. Infographics by: SEMAPHORE www.semaphore.co Sources: instasent.com • neilpatel.com · sendinblue.com • smsglobal.com • techjury.net • voicesage.com %24