Happy Birthday to SMS Messaging!
Today, text messaging is something we take for granted. SMS messaging is an active part of almost everyone’s lives, whether texting your grandma to wish them a happy birthday, or texting your spouse you’ll be home late from work. Yet, as prevalent as texting has become, SMS messaging has only been around for 25 years! This relatively “recent” feature in communication has not only integrated itself into how we talk with one another but has created a unique avenue for potential marketing.
The day was December 3rd, 1992, when Neil Papworth, a 22-year-old software programmer, sent a text message to his colleague simply saying, “Merry Christmas.” However, this wasn’t just “any old” text message; this was the first text message ever sent! It was part of a program Neil was developing for a client: a Short Message Service (SMS). It wasn’t until a year later that Neil’s program was rolled out in full, as Nokia introduced the SMS feature as part of their new phones in 1993. The popularity of text messaging grew in convening years and blew up in 1999 when texts could finally be exchanged on multiple networks. Since then, messaging has evolved to include images, videos, emojis, and more.
More Than a Tool for Communication
As incredible of a tool SMS messaging is for communication; it’s no surprise that advertisers would discover texting as a reliable and effective avenue for marketing. That’s right; you can target new and returning customers and clients through SMS marketing! But why should a company invest in this unique marketing method? Is it more effective than other advertising strategies, such as email marketing campaigns? It absolutely can be, and here’s why:
- High Open Rates – When you get a text message, do you leave it unopened or look at it within a few minutes of receiving it? You’re likely among most phone users who trust SMS messaging, checking texts as they come in. In fact, SMS texts have an astounding 98% open rate compared to the nearly 20% of users who open the emails they receive. In other words, when you send clients or potential leads a text instead of an email, they are significantly more likely to read it.
- Instant Delivery – Because phone users are likely to open a text within a few minutes of its arrival, SMS messaging is the best way to relay time-sensitive information or promotions. For example, SMS texts can relay holiday hours or promote flash sales. Not only is this quick communication appreciated by your customers, but it’s a great way to entice them into engaging with your business.
- Exclusive and Personalized Messaging – SMS allows businesses to send personalized messages that help foster a sense of customer connection and loyalty. For example, messaging a customer with a special discount on their birthday! These personalized and exclusive offers not only show customers you care, but can significantly enhance engagement rates for your advertising strategy.
- Broad Reach – Here’s another impressive fact: 97% of people in The United States own at least a basic mobile phone, meaning texts can reach almost the entirety of the U.S. population! For marketers, there’s nothing more exciting than an avenue of marketing that nearly everyone uses. No matter the type of business you wish to promote, SMS marketing is always a viable option for targeting the widest audience.
- Excellent User Engagement – Of course, if your messaging reaches potential leads but does not result in conversions, it’s not doing your business much better! Thankfully, most SMS marketing campaigns show a large amount of user engagement via high click-through rates (CTR). On average, SMS marketing boasts a CTR of 20-30%, significantly higher than the 1-5% CTR most email marketing campaigns pull.
What Are Some Ways Your Business Can Leverage SMS Messaging?
Thanks to 309 Marketing Group, your business can utilize SMS messaging to promote your brand, attract new customers, and help retain loyal ones. We’ve helped connect our clients with easy-to-use platforms and programs that make sending mass messages a breeze. Furthermore, we help our clients develop effective messaging for SMS marketing designed to bring in customers at all levels of the “sales funnel.” Some examples of effective SMS marketing tactics include:
- Welcome Messages – Greet new customers with an introductory text when they first engage with your brand. A personalized welcome message can include a special offer or discount to encourage a purchase or just thank a potential new customer for their support.
- Promotional Offers – “Hot deals, available for a short time” is the sort of message we might send via SMS. Businesses can use SMS to inform customers about limited-time deals, discounts, and promotions. Such a marketing tactic can drive immediate sales and create a sense of urgency.
- Event Reminders – Send reminders for upcoming events via SMS, such as sales, webinars, or in-store happenings. Timely reminders can help maximize attendance and participation. Additionally, those interested in your business or brand will appreciate the reach out.
- Abandoned Cart Notifications – It’s perfectly normal for potential customers to get through your sales platform only to get distracted or wish to do further research. Thus, a cart becomes abandoned! SMS messaging can reach customers who have left items in their online shopping cart without purchasing. A gentle reminder, possibly with an incentive, can recover lost sales.
- Feedback Requests – Ask customers for feedback through a quick SMS survey after a purchase or service. Collecting feedback via text is convenient for customers and provides valuable insights for businesses. Additionally, having customers provide reviews via Google, Yelp, or other platforms can build your credibility and increase the value of your website and online profile.
- Loyalty Program Updates – Keep your loyal customers informed about their points balance or any new rewards they can redeem. Such updates can enhance customer retention and participation in loyalty programs. If you give your customers reasons to engage with your business, they’ll keep returning for more.
Wish to Give SMS Marketing a Try?
As effective as a text messaging marketing campaign can be, there’s no reason your business shouldn’t utilize it! All it takes is the proper mass texting programs and messaging management that 309 Marketing Group can provide. If you wish to learn more about SMS marketing and its benefits, contact the advertising and website specialists at 309 Marketing Group today! We also provide a range of digital and traditional marketing services tailored to your unique business. Call 309-213-9398 to request a free consultation with our team.
