SMS marketing can help you nudge customers at the right time and drive sales. Nowadays, customers are targeted by tons of brands out there. Check out advanced WebMaxy tools to get new customers!
Grasping customers’ attention and leading them to the end of the funnel has become difficult, especially for start-ups and small businesses.
SMS marketing is also known as text message marketing has turned out as a way to directly reach customers on mobile.
As per statistics, 70% of customers say that marketing SMS is a great way to get their attention. This shows that SMS marketing ideas hold an ample amount of potential for businesses.
Keep reading the blog as we will discuss in detail SMS marketing meaning, types of SMS marketing, benefits of SMS marketing, SMS marketing examples, and so on.
What is SMS marketing?
SMS marketing definition: SMS marketing refers to the process of businesses sending promotions, alerts, and reminders to customers via text messages.
SMS marketing is also known as short message service marketing. Businesses can use SMS marketing to connect with customers at a personal level.
Brands can only do SMS marketing for customers who have opted in to get marketing communication from them.
Increase engagement with SMS marketing!
WebMaxy Marketing automation helps you create and execute SMS campaigns easily.
What messages can you send with SMS marketing?
Above we answered what is SMS marketing, you must be wondering what is it used for.
SMS marketing can be used in different ways to engage with customers.
Here, we will tell you about the messages you can send from SMS marketing. It not only helps you to reach out to customers but convert them as well.
1. Promotions
What is SMS marketing? With SMS marketing, you can send promotions, discounts, and offers to customers. It is a great way to bring customers to your website.
For instance, if you’re running a New Year sale then you would want as many people as possible to know about it. This way you’ll be able to drive more sales and revenue.
SMS marketing is a good way to reach people personally on their phones. In case, customers haven’t opened your website and aren’t aware of sales they’ll get to know about it.
You can also send exclusive offers and discounts to abandoned cart customers. This way you’ll be able to make sure that you don’t miss out on potential customers.
2. Updates about customer orders
You can use SMS marketing to give updates to customers about their orders or events. Nowadays, since emails are heavily used by many brands, customers don’t tend to open and check them.
With SMS marketing you can send order confirmation, delivery updates, delay and cancellation messages to customers.
You can send this general information via text and engage customers effectively. For example, most companies use SMS to send security codes for delivery.
3. Appointment reminders
If you have a business where customers need to schedule an appointment, SMS marketing is a good way to communicate.
For salons, doctors, and vets people often need to book an appointment priorly. You can use SMS marketing to send appointment reminders to customers.
WebMaxy Marketing automation can help you automate SMS marketing. It helps you send automated messages to customers post their booking and just prior to their appointment.
4. Alerts
SMS marketing is great for sending alerts to customers. You can communicate urgent messages as people tend to check their mobile when there is a pop-up or flash on the screen.
You can send alerts when a sale is live or there is an emergency update. SMS marketing helps you ensure that your messages are seen by people.
Types of SMS marketing
Now, we will tell you the types of SMS marketing based on the communication you do with customers.
1. Promotional SMS marketing
Promotional SMS marketing includes messages that you send to customers to promote your product or services. These can be awareness-building messages as well.
Promotional messages are sent to customers when they show interest in your brand. SMS marketing can be automated with WebMaxy Marketing automation.
So when a customer takes an action that exhibits interest, SMS campaigns are triggered. However, you need to get permission from the customer beforehand if they want to receive communication.
Promotional messages are focused on selling to customers. Thus, you should make sure that you send creative and compelling messages.
There are various forms of promotional messages that you can send to customers through SMS marketing:
- Send exclusive offers and discount coupons to abandoned cart customers.
- Inform customers about an ongoing sale.
- Announce a new product or product range launch.
2. Transactional SMS marketing
Transactional SMS marketing refers to any text messages that brands send to customers regarding their orders. There are different types of transactional messages that we have mentioned below:
- Order confirmation messages
- Shipping updates
- Order delay notifications
- Delivery updates
Transactional SMS marketing messages are direct because they are sent to inform customers. You don’t need to focus on the content of these messages too much.
3. Conversational SMS marketing
Conversational SMS marketing is when messages are sent to customers based on specific words. Conversational SMS marketing uses NLP to carry out conversations with customers.
Many businesses use automated systems and customer support agents in combination to offer the best support experience.
Benefits of SMS marketing
Now, you are aware of the types of SMS marketing and what you can do with it. But what are the benefits of SMS marketing?
Here, we will tell you about the benefits of SMS marketing and why probably you should consider it in your marketing.
1. High open rates
Businesses use multiple marketing channels to get the attention of customers. They want customers to remember their brand and offerings.
According to a report, SMS marketing open rates are higher than 90%. Thus, SMS marketing holds great marketing potential.
As per statistics, 64% of customers say they want to receive promotions and coupons via text. This is one of the main reasons why brands should use SMS marketing.
2. Direct communication
When you send messages to customers on Facebook, Instagram, & WhatsApp, it requires them to open these platforms.
With SMS marketing, you can reach out to customers directly on their devices. They can read your message without opening any application.
SMS marketing is a direct communication and leads to higher engagement & response rates. Businesses can leverage SMS marketing to increase online customer engagement and get more conversions.
3. Personalization
With so many brands available for customers to choose from, they just want the best for themselves. Personalization can help you make your brand stand out to customers.
You can personalize your SMS marketing messages with names, interests, and purchase history of customers. This way your messaging will be relevant and have a greater impact on customers.
4. Timely and immediate
SMS marketing messages get the attention of customers immediately. Text messages are delivered in real-time so customers tend to engage with them.
When you want to communicate important information with customers, you can use text messages. For example, you want to notify customers that their order is out for delivery.
It doesn’t make sense to send an email to customers. As this email will land in their inbox which is already filled with tons of marketing emails.
Thus, SMS marketing is a quick and effective way of communicating with customers. You can send important information to customers via text messages.
5. Cost-effective
SMS marketing is cost-effective compared to other marketing channels like emails. You can create SMS campaigns and communicate important information with people.
Additionally, SMS marketing gets the attention of customers quickly. You can send Login OTPs and security codes through SMS.
SMS marketing best practices
SMS marketing is simple and doesn’t require you to put in too much effort. Now, we will tell you SMS marketing tips that you can follow to get better results.
1. Create a list of customers who have opted in for communication
SMS marketing is an effective and direct way to connect with customers. But to start with SMS marketing you need a list of customers who have opted in for communication.
When a customer creates an account and provides information, you can ask them if they want to receive communication from your brand.
If they agree then you can include them in your SMS marketing customer list. However, remember to provide an option to customers to unsubscribe through a link.
When a customer opts out of communication you must remove them from your SMS marketing list.
2. Send text messages at the right time
SMSs are seen by people immediately whereas emails and social media messages are not checked by people often. Thus, SMS marketing is good for urgent communication.
Also, the timing of text messages plays a great role in how much customers pay attention to them. You can’t send an SMS to customers at 2 AM in the night and expect them to take action.
Therefore, the right timing of your messages is important. To prevent messages at the wrong time some countries have even put laws in place.
3. Make your messages short and crisp
You shouldn’t make your text messages long like emails. For SMS, it’s always better to keep them short and crisp.
With SMS marketing, you have customers’ attention for a very short span. You need to make sure that you communicate the complete information in that time.
Keep your message length about 160 characters. Use opening words that grasp the attention of the customers quickly like Hurry Up!, Limited-time offer!, Huge discount, etc.
Ensure to end your messages with a clear and concise call to action if needed. If it’s an informational message then you can give an option to customers for unsubscribing.
4. Add your brand’s name in SMSs
Most bulk SMS messages are sent to customers through providers which send them through a shortcode. This means the customers won’t know who’s sending them a message.
You don’t want this to happen as your customers won’t click on links that feel suspicious to them. That’s why it’s important to include your company’s name in the message to make it clear to customers that you are the sender.
5. Use SMS marketing tools
SMS marketing tools like Marketing automation by WebMaxy can help you conduct SMS campaigns for marketing easily.
These tools come with advanced features with which you can schedule campaigns and automate your SMS marketing.
In an SMS marketing system, you need to upload the list of customers’ contact info. You can even segment customers based on their traits and send personalized messages.
6. Track SMS marketing results
After you have executed an SMS marketing campaign, it’s crucial to track its results. For example, analyze how many people clicked on the link in it.
Evaluate how many people made a purchase using the same link that you provided in the SMS. By checking your SMS marketing results, you can find out how effective your text messages are.
Best SMS marketing strategies to implement
Now, we will tell you about the best SMS marketing strategies that you can implement for your business.
We’re sure that these SMS marketing strategies will help you to engage customers effectively and drive sales.
1. Welcome texts
You can send Welcome texts to customers with SMS marketing. As soon as a customer makes an account, you can send them a welcome text.
For example, a customer visits your website and creates an account but doesn’t make a purchase. Then, you can send them a special discount for the first purchase.
2. Announce product launch
You can use SMS marketing to announce a new product launch. You can tell people when the product is launched and when they can start purchasing.
This is a good way to create buzz around the new product and boost sales. However, do this only once in a while and not for every product that you’re launching in a day or two.
3. Flash sales
You can use SMS marketing to inform customers about live or ongoing sales. You can send messages to customers like 24 hours left, it’s now or never, and so on.
Customers don’t open a website until and unless they want something. However, if they know that a sale is going on, they’ll definitely open the website and purchase something.
4. Surveys
You can use SMS marketing to ask customers to fill out surveys. Taking customer surveys can help you understand them better and implement effective strategies.
You can send survey links to customers through SMS. Since customers check their SMS often, there are higher chances of them completing the survey.
5. Promote your social media accounts
Use SMS marketing to promote your social media accounts. You can tell customers that they can follow you on social media to get updates.
You can also announce social-media giveaways through SMS and garner attention. By making customers follow you on social media, you can build strong relationships.
The bottom line
SMS marketing is the best way to reach customers on their mobile devices. There are many benefits of using SMS marketing for brands like real-time and higher engagement.
However, if you’re just starting with SMS marketing then you can use a mix of SMS and email marketing.
Marketing automation by WebMaxy lets you automate your SMS marketing. You can create an SMS marketing campaigns and schedule messages priorly.
You can set SMS marketing workflows that are triggered by different customer actions. Not only this, you can automate your Email and WhatsApp marketing with WebMaxy Marketing automation.
There’s a lot more to WebMaxy Marketing automation. To learn more schedule a demo now.
Want to automate SMS marketing?
WebMaxy Marketing automation helps you automate SMS, Email, and WhatsApp marketing.
SMS marketing FAQs
-
What is SMS marketing?
SMS marketing or Short Message Service marketing helps you reach customers directly on their phones. You can send different types of messages to customers like promotions, updates, reminders, and alerts. Text messages have an open rate of more than 90% which makes them a good marketing channel for brands. You can even personalize messages
-
How SMS marketing works?
SMS marketing messages are sent from short codes and not from telephone numbers. These short codes are of 5-6 digits and are associated with one sender or sometimes shared across multiple senders. You can send two message types with SMS marketing such as campaigns and transactional.
-
What is SMS marketing software?
SMS marketing software helps brands plan, create, and execute SMS campaigns to target customers. WebMaxy Marketing automation is an SMS marketing software that helps you set up SMS campaigns that are triggered by specific customer actions.
-
What are the benefits of SMS marketing?
SMS marketing is a direct and quick way of reaching out to customers. There are many benefits of SMS marketing that we have mentioned below:
-
High open rates
-
Direct communication
-
Personalization
-
Timely and immediate
-
Cost-effective