3 More Reasons to Use SMS Marketing This Year
Are you still holding out on using SMS marketing for your business?
If so, the “usual” statistics that get thrown around obviously aren’t going to help you decide to start now. But what about something that will convince you of the value of it? Especially the long-term value it has for you and your customers? Sound interesting?
There are three excellent reasons to use SMS marketing that go deeper than just open, read or click through rates. Together they paint a picture of why SMS is a critical part of any mobile marketing plan. Let’s look at them one by one.
1. People Prefer SMS
Multiple surveys show the number of people who prefer SMS for brand communications is growing every year. Because people prefer it, it is quickly becoming a crucial part of any brand’s efforts to enhance the customer journey.
SMS supports communication at various stages of a purchase, including order and shipping confirmations, status updates, and account enquiries. That allows brands to maintain a connection that is seen as reliable, convenient and consistent (if done correctly) by the customer. That fosters good feelings towards the brand.
And it offers the opportunity for businesses to keep track of that customer in a way not possible with apps. Too much reliance on app-related marketing can actually make it difficult to maintain a connection with a single customer. Today a customer may be on WhatsApp, then SnapChat, then the next popular thing, then back to Facebook Messenger. Which leads to the next reason to use SMS.
2. SMS Provides Stability
It’s hard to effectively use mobile marketing when your user base is unstable. But that’s exactly what happens when you try and leverage the latest popular app, and then the next and the next (because no one stays on the top for too long).
The truth is people stop using apps, or even delete them, on a regular basis. For the “average” app, one estimate is that 77% of people stop using it within three days. That statistic is probably too aggressive when talking about a new popular app that takes hold, but still most of them eventually decline.
This is where SMS marketing shines. Most people keep their mobile number for years. Even when they switch phones or carriers they take their number with them. So, once they are on your list, you have a direct connection to them for as long as they choose (until they opt out).
The relationship you build with them using SMS stays with both of you. You don’t have to bother trying to get them to connect with you again on a different platform, you just keep sending SMS messages.
3. SMS Saves You Time and Effort
Marketing can be exhausting. I think that’s particularly true in mobile marketing. Trying to keep up with the latest social networking or instant messaging apps is time-consuming. And often it’s hard to know whether or not your effort and money is being spent wisely.
New platforms require new training, new processes, and lead time. When you use SMS marketing though, you know what it is. You may vary the content, timing, or list management but the channel itself isn’t going to change – at least not quickly.
It is also easy to measure your success and calculate ROI with SMS. And with SMS you have low, fixed costs per message sent.
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t try out marketing in new platforms and apps. There is no one-size-fits-all in mobile marketing. But when you include SMS in your mix of channels, it can be the foundation you use for “guaranteed” ROI while you experiment with other options.
Related Articles
5 ways to increase your click through rate
What You Need to Know About Choosing SMS Keywords
Keywords are a big deal in SMS marketing. They’re more important than ever, whether you use a shortcode or a virtual mobile number (VMN) if you’re planning on using two-way messaging. Here's what you need to know to help you choose the right keyword for your SMS marketing campaign.
How to Capture the Essence of Autumn in Your SMS Marketing Campaign
Getting a Reply: Should You Choose a VMN or Shortcode? Part 1
Part 1 of a 2 part article comparing Virtual Mobile Numbers (VMNs) and SMS Shortcodes as means of receiving inbound SMS messages. The first part focuses on how VMNs work, what they are typically used for and what they cost. Part 2 follows with details of SMS Shortcodes.
Why SMS Marketing Should be Part of Your Mobile Strategy
Small screens increasingly equate to big business. 30 years ago, when mobile phones were still in their relative infancy and tended to be both expensive and as big as a rubber-bound brick, Vodafone predicted that the market would support around a million units. Fast forward to 2016 and mobile phones are a daily part of life for a majority of the global population.
5 common SMS marketing mistakes
6 Ways to Get Results, and Not Annoy People, with SMS Marketing
Using SMS marketing is one highly effective way to maintain relationships with mobile users, but there's an incredibly fine line between engaging with someone and annoying them to such an extent that they swiftly delete your marketing messages and never want to hear from you again. Here's 6 things to keep in mind to make sure you don't annoy your subscribers.
6 SMS Marketing Faux Pas To Avoid
SMS marketing can be an incredibly useful tool for successful mobile marketing campaigns. However, it is not without its pitfalls. We have compiled a list of six of the worst SMS mobile marketing faux pas, so that you can avoid them and text your way to marketing success.
A Checklist for Your First SMS Marketing Campaign
This year SMS marketing is predicted to become an even bigger piece of the mobile marketing pie. Businesses of every size will be launching their first ever campaigns. If you’re one of them, take a look at our handy SMS marketing checklist below to help you do it right from the very beginning.