Can U Read Me Now? SMS for Small Business
We’re continuing my fab five’s of marketing where I’m outlining the key marketing tactics available to you as a small business.
All you have to do is walk down the street and you’ll see them. Cell phones. Lots of them. We talk on our cell phones while we walk to work, while we cook dinner, and even when we’re running at the gym.
We are a nation addicted to our mobile phones.
When it comes to business marketing, however, the world of text messaging is still in its infancy. But, text message marketing is going to be the next big thing.
Want proof? Well then, think about this…
According to Smallbusinesstrends.com,
- Text Messages have a 98% read rate
- Text Messages have a 100% open rate
- Texts are typically read within 15 minutes of being received
- Mobile phones have reached 100 percent penetration in the United States
All I can say is…Wow.
Text Messaging is new, really new – well for small businesses anyway. But since you’re a trailblazer, it makes sense to get on-board and gain first mover advantage, right? If you’re considering this as a strategy here are some ways to use SMS (short message service) or text message marketing:
Text Message Marketing Strategy #1: Mobile Coupons
Coupons are king with customers. Who doesn’t love coupons?
You can offer customers who sign up for your text message program exclusive coupons that everyone else won’t get. That will spark their interest…
Text Message Marketing Strategy #2: Daily Tips
One great way to use text message marketing is to come up with some quick tips that have to do with your business. These should be tips that are not only short, but that really offer something valuable to your customers.
For instance if you own a dry cleaning business, create tips that teach people how to get out stains when they’re at work or away from home. If you own a building company, why not create some easy ways your customers can make their homes more energy efficient?
You could send out these tips through text messaging every day, or a few days per week.
But again, make sure they’re valuable to your customers. If the tips aren’t useful, your customers are only going to get annoyed.
Text Message Marketing Strategy #3: Product Promotions or Launches
Want to spread the word about a great new product you just got in? Want to let everyone know exactly why it’s so cool?
Text message marketing is a great way to do that. Keep it short, relevant, and sweet.
Text Message Marketing Strategy #4: Appointment Reminders
Reminding your customers or clients that they have an appointment with you is an excellent use of text messaging. You’ll not only save time and headaches by preventing no-shows, but your clients will appreciate the reminder!
Text Message Marketing Strategy #5: Event Invitations
If you’ve decided to host a Customer Appreciation Night at your store, you want to make sure all your customers know about it. Sending out invites through text messaging is a great way to spread the word about your upcoming event.
Desiree Recommends…
If you’re interested in starting a text messaging campaign, then you’ve first got to get your customers to sign up. Randomly blasting people with text messages will not put your business in a good light!
So,
- Start a sign up sheet at your store and on your website, and make sure that you’re getting permission first.
- After you’ve started collecting numbers, then figure out which strategy you want to start with. Any will work great, and you could even use a combination of strategies. But, don’t overuse it. Choose carefully.
- Identify a reputable service to help run the campaign. This is not an area you want to rely on your own phone’s ability (or lack thereof) to handle. Check out a list of services I found here.
Also, comment here on what you did and the results you found. I may highlight you in future posts. And we all know what that is, right? More exposure for your business…
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