The use of Promotional SMS is exploding in popularity these days as more and more small businesses are learning how effective it really is. The idea behind permission-based marketing methods, where your customers volunteer to hear what your business has to say, is proving to be an excellent way to grow a business. This approach not only ensures that your messages are welcomed but also fosters a sense of trust and loyalty among your customer base. By opting in to receive your messages, customers indicate their interest in your offerings, which leads to higher engagement and conversion rates.

Now that more business owners are looking for new marketing methods, we wanted to put together a quick list of some of the basic things that our customers are using our Promotional SMS service for. These methods showcase the versatility and effectiveness of SMS marketing in various business scenarios, helping you understand how to leverage this powerful tool to enhance your marketing efforts.

7 Methods to Use Promotional SMS Service:

1. Mobile CouponsBlast out deals and promotions to all of your customers via text message. 97% of them will be read within the first 5 minutes! Mobile coupons are a highly effective way to drive immediate traffic to your store or website. They create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging customers to act quickly to take advantage of the offer.
2. Event InvitesWant to invite your customers to a special event? Send a mass text message to them as a special way of saying: “Hey, we want you to come to spend time with us!” Event invites via SMS are more likely to be noticed and responded to than emails or social media posts, ensuring higher attendance rates.
3. Event RemindersThrowing a party? Got an event coming up and you want to make sure people show up? Send out a text message to all your subscribers! Offer them a deal or special promo for showing up. It gets the word out better than any other form of advertising. Event reminders help reduce no-shows and ensure your events are well-attended, maximizing their success and impact.
4. Appointment RemindersDoes your business provide a service or require appointments? You can schedule texts to send out at any time in the future to even single numbers reminding them to show up. Appointment reminders via SMS are a great way to minimize missed appointments, ensuring that your schedule runs smoothly and efficiently.
5. Running ContestsDo you ever run contests at your business? Text messaging is a great method for throwing contests. An example might be… “Text “FREE MEAL” to 31996 between 3 and 8 PM today for a chance to win a free meal for two at Jack’s Bar and Grill!” Not only does it engage your customers but it builds your list at the same time. Contests can create excitement and buzz around your brand, driving increased engagement and loyalty.
6. New Product NotificationsHave some new products just landed on your shelves? Let your customers know by blasting out a text, telling them about all the cool new stuff you have in stock. New product notifications help keep your customers informed and excited about your latest offerings, driving foot traffic and sales.
7. Text for Info CampaignsWant to provide some simple information for the public? You can set up an “auto-reply” to send back information when someone texts in. For example… “Text “NEWS” to 31996 to find out what’s happening today!” These campaigns are an excellent way to provide valuable information to your customers while also building your list and encouraging engagement.

Promotional SMS is a powerful tool that can help businesses reach their customers directly and effectively. Here are a few more tips on how to maximize the effectiveness of your promotional SMS campaigns:

Personalize Your Messages: Personalization can significantly increase the impact of your messages. Use your customers’ names and tailor the content to their preferences and behaviors. This makes the message feel more relevant and engaging, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

Keep It Short and Sweet: SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, so it’s essential to be concise. Make sure your message is clear and to the point, and include a strong call to action that encourages the recipient to take the desired action.

Time Your Messages Appropriately: Timing is crucial in SMS marketing. Send your messages at times when your customers are most likely to read them, such as mid-morning or early evening. Avoid sending messages too early or too late, as this can be intrusive and annoying.

Use Clear and Compelling CTAs: Your call to action should be clear and compelling. Tell your customers exactly what you want them to do, whether it’s visiting your store, clicking a link, or replying to the message. Make it easy for them to take the desired action.

Segment Your Audience: Not all your customers are the same, so it’s important to segment your audience and send targeted messages. This can help you tailor your messages to the specific needs and interests of different groups, increasing the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Test and Optimize: Continuously test different elements of your SMS campaigns, such as message content, timing, and CTAs. Use the insights from these tests to optimize your campaigns and improve their performance over time.

Ensure Compliance: Make sure you comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines, such as obtaining consent from your customers before sending them messages and providing a clear opt-out option. This helps build trust with your customers and ensures that your campaigns are legally compliant.

By following these tips and leveraging the power of promotional SMS, you can create effective and engaging campaigns that drive results for your business. Whether you’re sending mobile coupons, event invites, appointment reminders, or new product notifications, SMS marketing offers a direct and impactful way to reach your customers and grow your business.

Promotional SMS is a versatile tool that can be used in various ways to enhance your marketing strategy. Here are a few additional methods to consider:

Customer Feedback: Use SMS to gather feedback from your customers. Send a quick survey or ask for a rating after a purchase or service. This can help you gain valuable insights into your customers’ experiences and identify areas for improvement.

Loyalty Programs: Reward your loyal customers with exclusive offers and discounts via SMS. This can help you build stronger relationships with your customers and encourage repeat business.

Flash Sales: Promote limited-time offers and flash sales through SMS to create a sense of urgency and drive immediate action. This can help you boost sales and clear out inventory quickly.

Birthday and Anniversary Messages: Send personalized birthday or anniversary messages to your customers, along with a special offer or discount. This can help you make your customers feel valued and appreciated.

By incorporating these methods into your promotional SMS strategy, you can create a more comprehensive and effective marketing plan that drives engagement, loyalty, and sales. SMS marketing is a powerful tool that can help you reach your customers directly and effectively, making it an essential part of your overall marketing strategy.