SMS marketing is a form of direct marketing that uses text messages to promote products or services. The advantage of SMS marketing is that it allows businesses to reach a large number of people with minimal effort. All you need is a phone number and a list of recipients.
SMS marketing can be used to promote special offers, coupons, discounts, and new product launches. It can also be used for appointment reminders, event notifications, and customer service updates. In order to get started with SMS marketing, you will need to acquire a dedicated phone number for your campaign. This can be done through an online service or by working with your mobile carrier.
Once you have a phone number for your campaign, you will need to create a list of recipients. This can be done by collecting phone numbers from customers who opt-in to receive messages from your business. You can also purchase lists of mobile numbers from third-party providers. When creating your list of recipients, be sure to segment it into different groups so that you can target your messages appropriately.
Once you have created your recipient list, you will need to compose your text message content. Keep in mind that SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, so make sure your message is clear and concise. You should also avoid.
Set up a simple opt-in process for your customers (one that will get phenomenal results)
1. Give customers a compelling reason to opt in to your SMS marketing campaign. Offer them something they can’t refuse, such as a discount or coupon code, special sale alerts, or access to exclusive content.
2. Make it easy for customers to sign up for your SMS marketing campaign. Include an opt-in keyword prominently on your website, social media pages, and email signature, and make sure the sign-up process is quick and streamlined.
3. Get creative with your opt-in process. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, consider placing a QR code near the register that customers can scan to subscribe to your text messages; if you’re exhibiting at a trade show or event, include an opt-in form on your booth display so people can sign up on the spot.
Incentivize people to join your SMS list (so they’re thrilled to receive your messages)
1. Give them a discount.
2. Make it super easy to sign up (for example, by including a sign-up form on your website).
3. Send them exclusive offers or coupons that they can’t get anywhere else.
4. Let them know about upcoming sales or events before anyone else does.
Stay compliant with the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) to prevent any legal issues
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was enacted in 1991 in order to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls and faxes. The act requires that businesses obtain prior consent from consumers before making any type of solicitation call, and imposes a number of other restrictions on telemarketing activities.
If you are planning on using SMS marketing as part of your business’s marketing strategy, it is important to make sure that you are in compliance with the TCPA. Failure to do so could result in significant fines and penalties, as well as damage to your reputation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind in order to stay compliant with the TCPA:
1. Get prior express written consent from consumers before sending them any promotional or marketing SMS messages. This means that you will need to have a signed agreement from the consumer stating that they agree to receive text messages from your business. It is important to note that simply having someone’s phone number is not enough – they must specifically agree to receive texts from you before you can start sending them.
2. Honor opt-out requests promptly and completely. Once someone has opted out of receiving SMS messages from your business, you must stop sending them messages immediately. This includes any automated or pre-recorded message system that you may be using. You must also provide customers with an easy way to opt-out of receiving future messages, such as by replying “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE.”
3. Do not send texts during prohibited hours. The TCPA prohibits the sending of promotional or marketing text messages before 8 a m or after 9 p m local time. Make sure that your text messaging system is programmed accordingly so that you do not accidentally violate this rule.
