by Hannah
14. July 2010 03:02
You know we’re an email marketing service provider – but do you even know that we also provide mobile marketing tools? I know, it’s probably my own fault for not focusing on that a bit more, right?
So, I thought I’d get back to basics and answer a question we hear often: “Why do you offer SMS marketing – what would I use it for?”
Sending bulk SMSes can fulfill multiple functions. It is, of course, a convenient way of keeping your customers informed. As soon as I get my monthly SMS from Elle magazine to let me know the latest issue is on the shelf, I know I need to stop by the shops to pick up a copy. Some businesses also send promotional SMSes, so that when consumers go into a store and show the SMS on their phone, they receive a discount. SMS reminders are, of course, very convenient for your clients – we all forget appointments occasionally. Doctors and salons find it much easier to stay on schedule when their clients show up on time, and an SMS is such an easy reminder.
Personally, I greatly appreciate when companies make use of SMS as alert systems. My neighbourhood watch sends out a mass SMS/text message to all their subscribers to notify us immediately when any suspicious activity has been reported or noted in our area, as well as details like which streets are affected. They also let us know once the culprits have been caught.
Of course, SMS campaigns also hold certain benefits for your business:
It’s quick
Like email, SMS/text messages are delivered almost instantly and, as most recipients probably carry their mobile phones on them all day, they’re bound to read the message upon or soon after receiving it. It’s especially useful when you’re sending out urgent messages or time-sensitive information, e.g. Please remember that the school after care closes in 15 minutes!
Everybody gets it
Who do you know that receives a text message and DOESN’T read it? Unlike email, which your recipients sometimes choose to delete without reading, it’s very unlikely that someone will delete your SMS or text message without reading it. Perhaps it’s the intimacy of the mobile phone in my hand, the knowledge that I don’t hand out my number to Tom, Dick or Harry or simply the fact that I know it only takes us 2 seconds to skim through a text message, or simply curiosity getting the better of me – whatever it is, I know I never just hit delete on my phone.
With SMS sends you’re virtually guaranteed that your recipients will get your message.
Your recipients are interested in what you have to say
As with email you should only send your SMSes to recipients who have opted in or agreed to receive mobile communications from you. This does, however, mean that anyone who has opted in clearly is interested in what you have to say and you are therefore much more likely to persuade them to make a purchase through your marketing SMSes.
Sending bulk text messages can be a great way to complement your email marketing or to reach those who aren’t connected online. Find out more about our mobile marketing tools here!