SMS is a universal tool for any marketer around the world, it contains only 160 characters, but it can be used for many purposes and can convey information to customers in various forms at an affordable price. Regardless, whether it is a large corporation or a small local online store — the functionality and effectiveness of SMS is available to everyone. However, a lot depends on how SMS will be used, in what form the information will be provided for the client — many factors affect the overall success of the SMS campaign.
Although on the other hand it can show what new can SMS offer, is it a relic of the past, archaism that has remained for us from past generations? You will be surprised, but SMS is a unique invention of mankind. You can use 160 characters in different ways,for example you can embed an SMS link in the text through a short URL and redirect the user to where we want (to the desired page of the site with the action, to your blog article, etc.), and track his reaction and actions there.
There are various types of SMS depending on the purpose of use and the type of SMS content … but it can be summarized that there are 2 types of SMS.
Mostly SMS is used to achieve two goals: inform and advertise.
- SMS informs
- SMS 1 Reminder
- SMS 2 Notices
- SMS 3 Congratulations and Invites
- SMS 4 Customer service
- SMS 5 Information of interest
- SMS advertises
- SMS 6 Offers, coupons and discounts
- SMS 7 Sale
- Be it direct sale…
- Be it cross-selling…
- Or be it a reservation
SMS informs
We know that SMS is an ideal channel to make sure that the client receives information quickly and in a timely manner, the information should be relevant and really useful for the client. This is because SMS is distinguished by fast delivery to the user’s phone, an average of 5 -10 seconds.
In this case, SMS is not aimed at selling, but at creating customer comfort, using your service. Thus, we create pleasure from using your brand and create the necessary positioning of your brand among many competing brands in the brain of your client.
For this reason, you should maximize personalization of your communication with the client and adapt to his interests in the future.
SMS 1 Reminder
From appointment reminders to enhanced campaigns, the client will appreciate our actions positively if the information is useful and completed at the right time.
It is proved that the correct use of a reminder of an action (making a purchase or receiving a service) reduces the number of rejections of the order by 20%, which increases the conversion for new customers and increases overall revenue for the business.
“Helena, you have an appointment with the dentist Mr. Jenkins on 03/02/19 at 18:00. This is the address of our clinic (link). If you cannot attend, call +1234567890. Unsubscribe from SMS (link) “
SMS 2 Notices
Notices on received orders, new stock, time schedules … practical information that improves the service quality and brand image.
“Isabella, we have received the product you ordered. You can stop by our store. This is the address linkxxx. Should you have any enquiries call us at +1234567890. Unsubscribe from SMS (link)”
SMS 3 Congatulations or Invites
It’s some details that make the difference.
SMS Marketing is a simple way to surprise the user:
-Wish your client happy birthday or congratulate them on special dates.
-Reward their loyalty by inviting them to a private event in your store, with a very special gift, anticipated sales…
“John, we want to wish you a happy birthday. Here is your gift (link)”
SMS 4 Customer service
Report back on order status, it is an added value to our service that creates trust and minimizes possible logistic problems. It’s not the same to be aware of a slight shipping delay than to be completely unaware of your order’s status.
“Juan, we inform you that your order is on its way. Should you have any doubts (link) or call us at +1234567890. Unsubscribe from SMS (link)”
In this way, sending bulk SMS allows us to accompany the client throughout the whole purchase process, from the very first moment, when they start looking for information, until the after-sales service.
Telling your client that you’re there, far beyond the sale or carrying out a satisfaction survey will help you improve their satisfaction and focus better on your business.
SMS 5 Information of interest
Your client has given you their phone number. They’re willing to talk to you, and in fact, appreciate you wanting to communicate with them.
Marketing through SMS is an excellent channel to transmit valuable information.
If you send a link with your new blog post, not only you provide relevant content to your client, but you also increase traffic to your post.
“Jorge, are you familiar with this trick to remove stains? Check out our new post, (link) will surprise you. Unsubscribe from SMS (link)”
Furthermore, according to the sector or type of business, there is certain real-time information, which can be key for the user. For example, the current meteorological situation: an SMS informing on the ski tracks’ conditions is a good example of relevant information for a user that happens to be a keen skier.
SMS promotes
A person may receive over 2000 impacts a day. We can’t expect them to react miraculously to our message. We must tell them clearly what we want from them. In this sense, the CTA accomplishes its commitment. Messages ought to be clear, concise and convincing.
SMS 6 Offers, coupons and discounts
The immediate and direct nature of SMS makes it the ideal channel for real-time communications, such as flash offers, as well as sending coupons and discounts, for instance with a code to access the offer through a link.
“Enjoy a 50% discount until 14:00. Here you are (link). Unsubscribe from SMS (link)”
SMS 7 Sale
Be it direct sale…
Through a link you can take your client to the online store and close the window with just a click.
Be it cross-selling…
You know what they have bought previously and which products are of their interest. You can use this type of information to make an offer on a complimentary product, related to the product they just bought or that they might need.
Or be it a reservation
If you make it easy for your client to make a reservation, your possibility of selling increases and in case it doesn’t come out in the end, you have very valuable information in your hands you can use.
“Your reservation has been completed successfully. For any changes linkxxx or call us at +12345678910. Unsubscribe from SMS (link)”
In any case, the key is to create an effective message and it will make the difference between having a satisfied user or a disappointed one.
SMS is a great communication tool. You just have to know how to make the most of it.