Each time you send out an SMS message, you’re engaging a captive audience that has already shown interest. You should see each marketing text message as a direct marketing connection that is far more powerful than any non-targeted or generalized advertisement. But to truly make the most of your SMS campaigns, you’ll need to break out of the usual routine of basic messaging. Using SMS reminders and other types of texts to their best potential requires creativity, ingenuity, and a tailored approach based on each customer’s information. Try these ideas out with your SMS API, and watch your open and conversion rates soar.
Secret Deals for Customer Groups
When using a powerful SMS gateway to track customer details and send out specialized targeted messages, you can create secret deals that only certain customers hear about. This creates a mystique and drives interest in your brand, even among people who haven’t received these offers. SMS reminders should go beyond just providing a blanket announcement of a product release or price drop. Perhaps you could give your most loyal customers a big discount or create a limited release of a product that sells out shortly after the texts are sent. Developing a membership in a special VIP users club that provides discounts or first access to sales is also easily achieved through targeted SMS campaigns.
Post-Purchase Request for Testimonials
It’s common practice now for businesses to use SMS when following up with customers after they make purchases or sign up for subscription agreements. What if you went one step further when requesting feedback and turned it into a game? Asking your customers to take photos or short videos of themselves using the product could help you generate a high volume of positive reviews that you can use to create more impactful marketing materials. Gamify the experience by setting up an interactive process for recording or uploading photos and videos. Don’t forget to include a reward delivered through SMS, or make it all an omnichannel experience so that customers can participate in multiple ways.
Time-Sensitive Offers
According to Mitto, more than half of all customers will open the texts you send within one to five minutes of receiving them. That means you can leverage a sense of urgency and create campaigns that rely on a quick response. Discounts and free shipping deals are some of the most common types of promotions that companies publicize in this manner. Break out of the mold by setting up quick-response offers for services or memberships that aren’t usually sold that way. The novelty of changing up your call to action and adding a time limit may trigger a whole wave of sales that might otherwise not occur.
Tips for Use
Follow-up texts make up the bulk of many SMS campaigns at today’s top brands. Whether it’s an SMS reminder about an abandoned cart or a request for customer feedback, the follow-up text all too often goes ignored. Instead of just asking how a customer liked the product, try throwing in an image tutorial with tips on using a product or service. Videos can go even further, especially when the linked webpage also promotes accessories or related products. This type of message helps you connect with dedicated fans of the product, giving you the chance to find people who might evangelize your brand simply because they’re passionate about it.
Controlling the Experience
Don’t overlook the emotional impact that a simple text message can create. Certain holidays and events might seem like great opportunities for marketing and sales, but they can also trigger negative memories in consumers for a wide range of reasons. Sending out simple opt-out messages before Mother’s Day or other holidays can help customers control exactly what they receive from you. This greatly reduces the likelihood of an unsubscribe request if something you advertise reminds them of a sensitive part of life. You can continue sending other marketing messages and transactional SMS notifications without worrying about alienating certain customers despite your best intentions. It’s becoming a popular tactic with brands like M.A.C., DoorDash, and others.
Of course, your efforts to make your SMS campaigns stand out from the competition will go much further when you’re using omnichannel solutions to make them as useful as possible. Expand your text marketing efforts by thinking outside of your usual messaging routines.
