According to ComScore, 72,500,000 is the number of smartphone users in America alone, and that was back in March 2011. Of that number, 75% of these users would prefer to be notified of new offers from their favorite stores or dealers directly to their phones via SMS and different mobile applications. This statistic underscores the immense potential of SMS marketing as a direct and personal communication channel that businesses can leverage to reach their customers effectively. In a world where people are constantly on their mobile devices, SMS provides a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience in real-time.
With a single text message sent in bulk within a few seconds, more than 54 million people were informed and updated about offers and new products and services. This cost-effective and streamlined Bulk SMS service is benefiting all small and big businesses around the world. The ability to reach such a vast audience almost instantaneously makes SMS marketing a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their outreach efforts. Whether it’s a small local shop or a large multinational corporation, the benefits of SMS marketing are universally applicable.
It is no wonder that SMS marketing is nowadays a rage among micro and macro companies. It is a very effective tool when used correctly and smartly. Unlike traditional advertising and marketing strategies of the past, text messages, within no time, reach a large number of customers at a much faster pace. This speed and efficiency can translate into higher engagement rates and quicker responses from customers, making it an ideal medium for time-sensitive promotions and updates.
Compared to internet ads that are often overlooked or ignored, recipients of a text marketing message actually read the message they receive, and if convinced may take the desired action. Unlike budget-friendly Bulk SMS services, billboards, TV ads, print ads, and radio ads are much more expensive and with limited coverage to reach the targeted audience. The lower cost of SMS campaigns allows businesses to achieve a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to more traditional forms of advertising.
In comparison to the aforementioned advertising and marketing approaches employed by various businesses for promotional purposes, it takes just a few minutes to prepare an SMS campaign and send it to thousands of customers in a jiffy. Millions of your clients will receive your message with a single push of the send button. This simplicity and ease of execution mean that businesses can quickly adapt their marketing strategies to respond to changing market conditions or capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Given there is no way to retrieve or withdraw your text message, chances are your mobile text message marketing will fail for many reasons. To avoid failure and to ensure your message is communicated effectively, extra caution and a lot of thought are needed for a successful Bulk SMS campaign. Crafting a clear, concise, and compelling message that resonates with your target audience is crucial to the success of any SMS marketing campaign.
To prevent customer kickbacks, here are the types of messages that you should not send to your customers.
- Instant Mini Sale
Many local companies make the general mistake of sending mass text messages on slow days when they see their staff standing and doing nothing but waiting for customers to come in. It is unwise to invite customers to visit your store for a direct mini sale of, say, 10% and worse on selected items. Customers want to feel special and love a good sale. Everything that is mediocre turns them off. A hasty and poorly planned promotion can damage your brand’s reputation and lead to customer dissatisfaction.
So, they unknowingly regret receiving these updates, which otherwise would be of some value to them. Sending updates or messages that they cannot easily pick up is not recommended at all. An offer of no less than 30% on a preset date every now and then would not make them look forward to receiving your updates. To create anticipation and excitement among your customers, it is essential to design offers that are genuinely attractive and provide real value.
However, if your offers are special and make the customer feel valued, the traffic to your website will increase automatically. Well-planned promotions that are communicated effectively through SMS can drive significant traffic to your online and offline stores, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty. By consistently delivering valuable offers, you can build a strong relationship with your customers and encourage repeat business.
- Annoying Unnecessary Infomercials
Given the current economic status of the nation, more and more people are very selective in choosing from a plethora of options provided. The majority of the population chooses brands that offer value for money. Everything that is affordable and usable is worth trying for many. Keep in mind that some subscribers pay for messages they receive. This underscores the importance of ensuring that every message you send is relevant and valuable to your customers.
Customers do not want to be billed for messages that offer no value to them. If it is necessary to advertise a new product or service that your company offers to the public, you must keep your message infomercial, and direct, and do away with flowery language. Present your product as a necessity instead of a luxury. Again, it has to offer something of value to customers. Clear and direct communication that highlights the practical benefits of your product or service is more likely to resonate with your audience.
- Spam Messages
Spam messages are unsolicited messages. Not all customers would like to receive updates from your company. Do not allow prospects and customers to avoid your business, worse is its existence only because of your persistent and unsolicited SMS Marketing. Bombarding customers with unwanted messages can lead to high opt-out rates and a negative perception of your brand.
Show courtesy by giving them the option to subscribe or unsubscribe to your massive text messages. The opt-in and opt-out options are a prerequisite for any SMS or email marketing campaigns. Respecting your customers’ preferences and providing them with control over the messages they receive can enhance their overall experience and foster trust in your brand.
Make sure your text messaging campaigns are effective and add value to your customer’s life. Mobile marketing is a cheap medium that has the power to increase your brand awareness, more than traditional advertisements. So use this fantastic technology wisely, sporadically, and effectively. Thoughtful and strategic use of SMS marketing can lead to significant benefits for your business, including higher engagement rates, increased sales, and improved customer satisfaction.
You would not want your mobile efforts to backfire and cause a huge kickback for your customers. Effective mobile marketing is achieved through quality and sincerity. Let every message count! By prioritizing the quality of your messages and ensuring they provide real value to your customers, you can create a successful SMS marketing campaign that drives positive results for your business.
