The Beginner’s Guide to SMS Marketing：Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started

Let’s break it down.

Think about how glued people are to their phones these days. We’re talking over 2,600 times a day kind of glued. And get this, they open and read more than 90% of the SMS messages they get. Blink, and you might miss it because most of the time, they crack open those messages within 3 minutes.

Imagine getting that kind of attention if you were knocking on doors. Not happening.

People are practically attached to their phones, with nearly half of them sneaking a peek before even getting out of bed. Now, that’s what you call accessibility.

So, SMS marketing is the real deal. But here’s the catch—it’s like a secret language. You need the right moves, a bit of savvy, and a sprinkle of best practices to nail it. Whether you’re running a cozy corner store, a do-good nonprofit, or a giant enterprise, we’ve got your back. Let’s dive into the world of SMS marketing together.

What is SMS Marketing?

SMS marketing, also known as text message marketing, involves sending promotional messages and alerts to customers’ mobile devices via SMS. These messages can include offers, discounts, reminders, updates, and other relevant information. SMS marketing enables businesses to reach customers instantly, as text messages have an open rate of over 95% within seconds of being received.

Benefits of SMS Marketing

1. Instant Reach: SMS messages are delivered directly to customers’ mobile devices, ensuring instant communication and high visibility.
2. High Open Rates: Text messages have an incredibly high open rate, with over 90% of messages being read within three minutes of delivery.
3. Personalization: SMS marketing allows businesses to personalize their messages by addressing customers by name and tailoring offers based on their preferences and purchase history.
4. Cost-Effective: Compared to other marketing channels, SMS marketing is relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.
5. Increased Customer Engagement: SMS marketing encourages immediate action from customers, as they can easily click on links or respond to the message, leading to higher engagement and conversions.
6. Opt-in and Opt-out Functionality: With SMS marketing, customers have the option to opt-in to receive messages and can also easily opt-out if they no longer wish to receive them, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining a positive customer experience.

Effective SMS Marketing Strategy

To run a successful SMS marketing campaign, it’s essential to have an effective strategy in place. Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Define Your Objectives: Clearly outline your goals for the campaign. Are you looking to drive sales, increase brand awareness, or improve customer loyalty? Understanding your objectives will help shape your messaging and call-to-action.
2. Build Your Subscriber List: Encourage customers to opt-in to receive your SMS messages. Provide incentives such as exclusive offers, discounts, or valuable content to entice them to join your list.
3. Segment Your Audience: Divide your subscriber list into smaller segments based on demographics, preferences, or purchase history. This allows for more personalized messaging and targeted offers.
4. Craft Compelling Messages: Keep your messages concise, clear, and engaging. Use a friendly and conversational tone, and include a clear call-to-action that prompts customers to take action.
5. Timing is Key: Consider the timing of your messages, ensuring they are sent at a time when your audience is most likely to be receptive. Avoid sending messages during late hours or when customers may be busy.
6. Test and Analyze: Continuously evaluate the performance of your SMS marketing campaigns. Test different messages, offers, and timings to identify what works best for your audience. Analyze the data and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Best Practices for SMS Marketing Campaigns

To make the most of your SMS marketing campaigns, here are some best practices to follow:

1. Ask Nicely: Get Permission First Before you start bombarding people with your witty and informative texts, make sure they actually want to hear from you. It’s like being invited to a party; you don’t just show up uninvited. Politely ask for permission, whether it’s through a form or a text with a magic word like “join” or “subscribe.” And when they do subscribe, give them a little nod with a follow-up text to confirm they’re on board.

2. Make It Easy to Say Goodbye: Provide an Opt-Out Nobody likes clingy messages, and that includes your SMS subscribers. Always give them an easy way to bail out if they’re not feeling the vibe. Include a clear opt-out option, like telling them to text “stop” if they want to bow out gracefully. It’s better they leave on good terms than block your number or mark you as spam.

3. Say Hello Properly: Introduce Your Brand Imagine getting a text from an unknown number that just says, “Thanks for subscribing.” Um, who are you? Avoid the mystery and introduce yourself properly. Brand your texts so your subscribers know it’s you. A simple sign-off with your brand’s name or a snippet of your tagline can work wonders. And for newbies on your list, set the stage by letting them know what kind of goodies they can expect.

4. Time It Right: Nail Your Timing Timing is everything, even in the world of SMS. Respect your audience’s time zone – no one wants a buzzing phone at 5 a.m. on a Saturday. Consider when your message will be most welcome and impactful. Sending news about your latest product launch during Sunday brunch? Maybe not the best call. Stick to regular business hours during the workweek for better engagement.

5. Keep It Short and Sweet: Concise is Nice Text messages aren’t novels, so keep them short and sweet. If you find yourself typing a novella, maybe switch to email. Focus on one clear call-to-action (CTA) and give your audience something to sink their teeth into, like a special offer or a free shipping discount. Plus, remember that longer messages might cost you more, so brevity is not just the soul of wit but also the wallet.

6. Set Expectations: Tell Customers How Often No one likes surprise texts, especially not from marketers. Be upfront about how often you’ll be sliding into their inbox. At sign-up, let them know what they’re getting into, like “never more than 6 per month.” Test and tweak your message frequency until you find the sweet spot that keeps your audience engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

So there you have it – the lowdown on SMS marketing best practices. Remember, a little respect, clarity, and brevity go a long way in the world of text messages.

Choosing the Right SMS Marketing Platform

When selecting an SMS marketing platform, consider the following factors:

• Features and Functionality
• Integration with Existing Systems
• Scalability
• Delivery and Reliability
• Customer Support

Get started!

If you’re new to SMS Marketing, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and how it can fit into your overall Marketing Strategy. SMS Marketing allows businesses to directly reach their target audience through text messaging, creating a more personal and immediate connection. When done correctly, SMS Advertising can be a highly effective tool with high open and response rates.

To get started with SMS Marketing, uSpeedo is a wonderful starting point for you, uSpeedo is a multichannel automation platform for APIs, service & marketing across SMS, Email and WhatsApp.

Visit uSpeedo to learn more about how our services can enhance your SMS Marketing efforts.