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The Top 5 Tips to Mastering SMS Marketing

The average person checks their phones up to 85 times per day. Even 80% of millennials alone are quick to say the second they wake up they check their notifications. Are you guilty of either of these? Because I sure am.

We are all dependent on our phones and constantly have them nearby, whether it’s to see what’s going on in our group chats, email, or on social media. You can totally use this to your advantage, especially if your team is looking for new strategies to market your brand.

The fact that we are so reliant on our phones opens many doors for testing new mediums and tactics. When it comes to SMS marketing, in particular, the statistics above mean a world of possibilities. So, let’s enter that world, together!

SMS marketing basically means text messages going straight to consumers’ phones to impact them directly and communicate more personally. These campaigns drive loyalty and engagement while (ideally) leveraging open rates and conversions.

Now, we’re not saying email marketing is a thing of the past. What we are saying is that we see a big benefit to SMS marketing, in addition to email marketing. Yes, you can (and should) use them together. Sending sale updates and new product launches directly to consumers via text messages allows brands to engage with their audience more comfortably and strategically. Discover our top tips on implementing SMS marketing below.

Follow the Rules 

There’s a time and a place for rule-breaking and rule-following. With SMS, it’s definitely a rule-following scenario. You can’t send text messages to people without their consent (seriously though, it’s the Federal Law!). If you don’t start your SMS marketing campaigns with a written opt-in agreement, you could be practicing unethical marketing. Have an easy opt-in (and opt-out) service for your subscribers so they feel it’s mutual.

Offer Incentives 

Who doesn’t love a discount code? When someone is opting into your mobile campaigns, they’re most likely looking for an exclusive offer to use on their next purchase. Sending an exclusive discount as the first text message is a solid start to hanging onto subscribers. To keep your members subscribed and not feeling pressured by your weekly texts, read on.

Increase Customer Engagement with Creativity

Creativity drives SMS marketing. At first, the action-driven tactic can be difficult to embrace, but by adding branded creativity, you’re giving your subscribers something to look forward to, even if it isn’t a new discount and instead it’s a new product launch. Texting has undoubtedly the best engagement rates than any other medium, so making sure your messages have that approachability aspect is key. For example, our client Salty K Swim by Kim Zolciak-Biermann uses SMS to create messages that are “from Kim” herself! By including this intimate approach, her subscribers feel welcomed and unbothered.

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Integrate Other Channels 

Something important to note is that all marketing channels should work well together. SMS marketing isn’t an exception, even if it is a great standalone. It should mix well with email campaigns and social media promotions. To use email and SMS marketing together, you can create a flow that texts customers to remind them of an email you sent out that wasn’t opened. A specific example of this could be sending a simple text that reads “Have you seen our latest email?” with an attached sale sneak peek image.

Include Images, Videos, GIFs, and Emojis 

In addition to general text messages, attaching images, videos, gifs, and emojis is a great way to add more personalized and expressive flare. Your subscribers joined your text chain to be in the know about your brand’s latest releases and sale updates. Attaching a gif or photo that is related to your text adds another layer of excitement– just what your subscribers were hoping for. And whatever you do, don’t ? forget ? emojis ?.

Let me be brutally honest… SMS marketing can feel kinda spammy when done without intention and best practice, but by following these tips, you can be sure your messages won’t sit unopened or unread. If you’re stumped creatively, consider browsing this resource to help you get your feet wet. The options are limitless when it comes to sending text messages to your consumers. Get creative, get personal, and most importantly, get to texting.

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