What is Text Message Marketing?
Text Message Marketing is about connecting with customers via text (aka SMS) messages on their mobile phones. It's an extremely powerful - and personal - marketing tool. It is also known as SMS Marketing and SMS Text Marketing.
Why is Text Message Marketing so effective?
Because everyone texts and almost every single text is read within 5 minutes. Period.
You can reach your customers easily, on the one device they carry with them everywhere. And they are practically guaranteed to read your message.
Here are the stats to prove it:
- 97% text at least once per day 1
- Text message open rates exceed 99%2 (email open rates are only 17-28%3)
- 95% of texts are read within 3 minutes.4
Text marketing is the best way to reach and engage your customers.
text message marketing for small business
It's quick & easy
Agreeing to receive texts is easy. All customers have to do is text a keyword to a number, like Text 'WINNER' to 555888. It only takes seconds! Email marketing is much more complicated in comparison. Forget about spam filters and confirmation links - text marketing is the easy & effective route.
It's everywhere
91% of people keep their mobile device within reach 24/75. That means you can reach your customers no matter where they are - at the beach, on the trail, or on their couch. No other way of marketing comes close.
It's opt-in
The best part of text marketing is that it's opt-in. That means your customers give you permission to send them deals and offers. Your current customers will keep coming back. They'll develop brand loyalty. And maybe they'll bring a friend with them too.
Text Message Marketing for Small Business
- Bring existing customers back by keeping them informed and interested
- Increase traffic on slower days
- Build your customer base with referrals from existing customers
- Engage your customers with polls, contests and more
- Get to know your customers and give them what they want
The 80/20 principle states that 80% of your revenue will come from 20% of your customers. Take care of your loyal customers - and they'll take care of you. When customers feel appreciated, they'll keep coming back, they'll spend more than new customer and they'll spread the word - bringing you new customers!
All you have to do is send periodic messages offering coupons/discounts/etc. And we handle all of these communications for you.
Who uses text marketing?
Retail stores
Invite customers to join your VIP Text Club to get exclusive offers and discounts. Increase brand loyalty & improve traffic on slow days with time-sensitive offers. Remember: people love to shop - and people love to save money!
Food Trucks
Texting and food trucks are a match made in heaven. Let customers know your weekly schedule - or your daily specials. Increase your traffic with simple offers like a BOGO specials or $2 off an order.
Pizza Shops
Keep your customers happy with food & drink specials. Encourage them to come back and build up brand loyalty.
Restaurants & Cafes
Invite customers to opt in with a freebie. Or offer a freebie with a minimum purchase. We can be creative and make an offer that's unique for your business.
Yoga Studios
Text out schedule changes because emails and Facebook posts are easily missed. Let your students know about special classes and retreats. Or send them an inspiring message to make their day.
Freelance Instructors
Dreaming of opening up your own school or studio? Jumpstart the dream by offering exclusive discounts to students. Or invite them to bring a friend for free. Keep in touch with them and watch your audience grow.
Bars
Boost attendance by promoting specials and tap takeovers. Let everyone know about your events. They may not see your Facebook posts but they will see your texts!
Salons & Spas
You know that repeat customers are your best customers. Encourage customers to come back by giving them limited time offers. Or start a tell-a-friend program to grow your clientele.
Night Clubs
Bring back customers by promoting drink specials. Double your attendance with bring-a-friend deals. Make sure your concerts and special events are hoppin'.
No matter what industry you're in, Text Marketing can work for you.
What kind of promotions can we do?
- Pricing based offers, like specials, deals & discounts.
- Time sensitive offers, like flash deals to increase traffic on slow days.
- Product-based offers, like weekly specials or BOGO deals.
- Location-based offers.
- Text-2-Win contests (great for growing your list too).
- Text-2-Vote promotions.
- Send coupons or other promotions.
- Encourage bringing friends with two-for-one offers.
- Grow your social media audience.
- Increase good reviews.
- Get feedback on your service.
What industries can benefit?
- Bars
- Churches & Temples
- Food Trucks
- Freelance Instructors & Teachers
- Night Clubs
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Pizza Shops
- Quick Service Locations
- Retail stores
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Salons & Spas
- Yoga Studios
Text marketing can be more than just promotions too.
Unions can keep members in the loop with reminders. Churches can encourage and inspire parishioners. Non-profits can help their constituents with timely information.
Not sure how text marketing can help you? Click the blue button in the corner and ask us a question.
Footnotes
- http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/
- http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/
- https://mailchimp.com/resources/research/email-marketing-benchmarks/
- http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/
- https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/24082/9-amazing-mobile-marketing-statistics-every-marketer-should-know.aspx