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Learn what you need to know about SMS marketing – from simple tips and compliance concerns to building a world-class opt-in flow.
Looking to build an effective SMS marketing campaign for your local business?
Did you know that text is the only marketing channel with a 98% open rate?
On August 19, I moderated a sponsored Search Engine Journal webinar presented by Thomas Clawson, Partner Marketing Manager at Podium.
He shared tips on what SMS marketing really looks like and how to run an effective campaign as a local business.
Here’s a recap of the webinar presentation.
SMS marketing is the practice of sending text messages in order to convert leads or keep customers engaged.
Text, however, is underutilized. With well-timed messages and relevant content, SMS marketing can actually strengthen relationships.
When was the last time you received a marketing email with a 98% open rate?
You guessed it: it was never.
It’s quite astonishing, but it doesn’t happen on email. However, for businesses sending SMS, that’s the average open rate.
Ninety-five percent of texts are opened within three minutes and that’s 200 times higher than phone, email, or Facebook.
Text-based offers and redemptions for coupons produce good open rates.
When done correctly, it has a significant impact on the customers.
SMS marketing in a compliant way requires being transparent and only messaging people who have opted in.
By opting in, you agree to adhere to the rules set forth by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, as well as other regulations similar to them.
Send them relevant content that makes them excited to work with your company once you get their opt-in permission.
It is important to follow regulations and common-sense practices to keep your customers happy.
SMS marketing’s first priority is to be effective and increase conversions.
Local businesses use SMS marketing to engage new customers, increase customer lifetime value, and generate revenue.
You don’t want to irritate customers, damage your brand, or contribute to consumer burnout.
It’s important to give your texts the feeling and value of one-to-one interactions.
You can achieve this by keeping a few key practices in mind.
Pinki Palm does a nice job including an expiration date, personalizing their message, and encouraging specific questions that lead to a transaction.
Their textable payment links make their conversations even more worthwhile for their customers.
Sam’s Cycling addresses Rachel by name and identifies themselves immediately.
They also take their anniversary as an opportunity to benefit Rachel and encourage conversation with “feel free to text any questions!”
LB Carpeting uses SMS marketing to employ an effective referral campaign, encouraging response with their appealing promotion and inclusive feel.
Build and manage an opt-in list, use targeted offers to engage their customers via messaging, and report on engagement efforts.
Not all SMS marketing tools are made equally.
With Podium Campaigns, local businesses are able to build and manage an opt-in list, use targeted offers to engage their customers via messaging, and report on engagement efforts.
Check out the SlideShare below.
Join Lindsay Boyajian Hagan, VP of Marketing, and Pat Reinhart, VP of Services & Thought Leadership at Conductor, walk through a full AEO Playbook for assessing your maturity, strengthening the four pillars of AI visibility, and operationalizing AEO across enterprise teams.
Image Credits
Featured Image: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock
All screenshots taken by author, August 2021
Heather has over 20 years of industry experience and is the VP of Sales & Marketing at Search Engine Journal. …
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