How Small Businesses Should Use SMS Text Message Marketing

SMS text message marketing is a powerful tool. Because 90% of people read text messages within three minutes, most marketers are eager to add it to their marketing strategy. Also, SMS text message marketing is a budget-friendly tactic. Its ROI and effectiveness make it especially important for small businesses. In this article, we'll review the importance of SMS marketing for small businesses. In addition, we'll go through the SMS checklist you need before getting started.

Why is SMS text message marketing important for small businesses?

If you own a small business, chances are, you don't have the same advertising budget as an international brand. So, you need your advertising tactics to be efficient and targeted. And, compared to other forms of advertising like broadcast television and radio, SMS marketing has low costs of entry.

SMS marketing is scalable and allows you to deliver messages to custom audiences. Thus, you're able to send messages to your customers based on their interests and history with your brand. So, this means your messages even more likely to be impactful and drive sales for your company.

Getting started with SMS marketing

If you're just getting started with SMS marketing, you're in luck. We've put together a checklist to make sure your SMS marketing strategy is effective.

● First, Know Your Audience

Relevance is the key to successful marketing. Remember to think about the demographics and location of your audience. What motivates them? Why are they interested in your messages? If you have CRM data or analytics available, now is the time to put it to good use. For example, you might find that a demographic that makes up most of your sales are women over the age of 35. Use SMS marketing to deliver consistent and clear messaging to your core segment. Continuously building segments and lists is one of the most important parts of text message marketing.

● Set SMART Goals

Firstly, setting SMART goals is important in all aspects of marketing. And, SMS marketing is no exception. Make sure your goals are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely

Do you want to increase online revenue? Set a dollar amount and deadline. Make sure the revenue goal is realistic and attainable within the given time period. If you need help setting SMART goals, this resource can help.

● Send Clear Messages

Now, this isn't the time to send your customers a novel! Limit your messages to 160 characters or less. Make your text messages clear, simple, and to-the-point. Remember, be brief, but deliver value. Also, don't over-abbreviate. Using your own jargon and acronyms will only confuse your customers.

● Select the Right Keywords

Keywords are an important part of SMS marketing. And, it's important you choose the right ones. Your customers will usually need to input a keyword to receive a response back from you. For example, they can text LUNCH to 40551 to receive 10 percent of their next meal before 5 PM. So, you want your keywords to be short and relevant. Also, keep them consistent with your overall message.

● Include a Call to Action

Including a call to action is crucial. This should align with your SMART goal. What is it that you want your customers to do? Visit your website, visit your location, view a new product? Ultimately, make sure they know how to take advantage of your promotion.

● Treat SMS Subscribers Like VIPs

SMS subscribers are on your exclusive list. Thus, you should treat them like VIPs. By offering them exclusive deals and information, you'll make them feel valued. And, this will go a long way to ensure they stay subscribed to your messages. You'll build brand loyalty and choice among your customers.

● Keep it Personal

Again, this helps your customers feel valued. For example, you can include their name when you message them and send recommendations specific to them. Also, sending birthday messages and deals will keep your brand top-of-mind.Remember, the more you segment your lists the more personal your messages can be. For example, sort customers into categories like “people who have been subscribed for more than one year." This will help you send messages that show you value their loyalty.

● Plan Your Frequency and Timing

Use data to plan when and how often you send text messages. So, if you see trends in the data, use it to your advantage. For example, are most people opening your messages around lunchtime? Do your messages perform better on the weekends? If so, start messaging them on their schedule.Also, make sure you're not over-doing it. Sending text messages too frequently could annoy your audience. You don't want your customers to get frustrated and unsubscribe to your messages.

Make sure you use the right tools for SMS Text Message Marketing

Next, selecting the right platform for SMS text message marketing is key. You'll want an easy-to-use API that allows for a high level of customization. Make sure you aren't limited to the number of contacts, and your vendor is reliable. Select a partner like Routee that has a proven track record and a strong network for deliverability.

Routee's SMS marketing solutions make it easy to manage all of your campaigns. And, we make it easy to handle opt-ins, opt-outs, AB testing, and much more. So, let us do the heavy lifting so that your business can focus on what it does best.

Contact the experts that leading the way in connecting small businesses with customers. Get in touch, today.