One Great SMS Marketing Opt In Campaign Example
In my last blog I shared how getting my movie tickets delivered to me via SMS made going to the cinema with my family easier than it’s ever been. But something else happened when I got those tickets delivered via text message. I signed up to the company’s SMS marketing list too.
I wanted to share the process with you because it was so easy, so seamless for me as a consumer, that it makes a great example for others to follow.
It all started off by offering me the chance to get my tickets via SMS. Once I clicked that option, the “fine print” showed up just above the submit button. I unfortunately didn’t take a screenshot, but it basically said that by selecting SMS delivery I was agreeing to receive electronic communications. Though it made me pause to read it, it was worded in such a way that it wasn’t scary. It was the same type of notice you get when you enter your email address when you make an order online.
It was only a second or two before I received my tickets via text message. But about five minutes later I got another text from the company. This one was sent via a different shortcode than the tickets, but started clearly with the company’s name all in caps. I knew exactly who the text was from before I even opened it to read it (I saw it on my notifications).
Once I did read it, I found they had sent me a note letting me know I was “almost” signed up for text alerts. In order to completely sign up I needed to reply with a simple “Y”. They also let me know I’d receive a maximum of 5 messages per month and told me to reply “HELP” if I had questions.
In hindsight, I’m curious what would have happened if I replied “HELP”. My guess is it would have provided a phone number I could call for assistance, or perhaps offer to have someone call me. Either way would provide great customer service.
Instead I replied with the requested “Y” and received another messages confirming I was now signed up. The second message reminded me again what I signed up for (special offers) and they repeated their promise not to send more than 5 per month. Then at the end, the message said to reply “STOP” to cancel my subscription.
From beginning to end the process was clear, simple, and instilled confidence. Here’s a summary of what they did to achieve that result:
- Asked for a double opt-in
- Clearly identified themselves
- Made the reply needed to sign up as short as possible: Y
- Offered other options if someone needed help (reply “HELP”)
- Sent a confirmation message letting me know I was successful and reminding me of the details
- Provided a simple way to opt out
One other thing they did, that isn’t necessary but I think helps them manage their marketing better is the use of two different shortcodes. One for sending the tickets, and another for their marketing. It wouldn’t have made any difference to me if they used the same number, as long as the messages identified the company clearly (which they both did). But when they manage their lists for marketing, it could become confusing if someone opted to get tickets sent via text message, but then opted out of the marketing list.
If that person returned later on to get tickets via SMS again, they might not receive them because they would be blacklisted against that shortcode (because they hadn’t confirmed, or maybe even opted out of the marketing list).
So if you’re putting something like this process into place, think carefully about how you use the lists and how customers might use the SMS services you offer. Multiple shortcodes may be a bit out of reach for many companies, but you could use a combination of a shortcode and virtual mobile numbers to do the same thing. Just be sure the processes work the way you intend them. You don’t want to make it too hard for your customers to buy from you, and you don’t want to send messages to those who have opted out.
So there you have it. One great example of an opt in campaign.
Related Articles
How Entertainment Venues Can Use SMS Marketing
Whether it's a cinema, theatre or concert hall, your entertainment venue is missing a trick if it's not utilising SMS marketing to get those bums on seats. We take an in-depth look at how all kinds of entertainment venues can really make the most of SMS marketing.
Why SMS is the Biggest Missed Opportunity for Marketing to Millennials
With the continued rise of different and more diverse technologies in the social and mobile web, it would be easy to dismiss the potential benefits of SMS marketing - and that’s exactly the reason you shouldn’t. An SMS is the unexpected visit of a familiar friend, and there’s one demographic that embraces an old trusted ally in this new, noisy digital world more than anyone else: the millennials.
6 SMS Marketing Ideas for Events Planners
Do This One Thing and You’ll Improve Your SMS Marketing ROI
SMS marketing is not quite like most other marketing. You have such a limited space to get your point across, just 160 characters, more or less. It’s not unlike having to create a print advert for a small space, but somehow it can seem more intimidating. That’s why sometimes it seems like marketers forget one basic rule about writing offers: Always lead with the offer! Sounds simple, right?
How SMS Messaging can Boost your Social Media Marketing
Is your social media struggling? Read this article to learn how businesses of every shape and size can use SMS messaging to drive social media engagement and generate revenue from increased brand exposure. Whether the goal is to support a one-off sales campaign or a long term drive to increase reach, SMS messaging offers an unparalleled opportunity to make your brand's voice heard in the increasingly noisy social media space.
Why SMS Marketing is Perfect for the Automotive Industry
Most car dealerships and garages already have almost everything in place to start an effective SMS marketing campaign. When customers go into a car garage to have a service or a MOT done, they almost always give the dealership their mobile phone number. The reason for this is simple: if a customer is bringing their car in to get checked and they don't want to wait around for any work to be carried out, they'll simply head into town or run a few errands, until the garage gives them a call on their mobile to let them know the work has been done. That means most garages will have a healthy amount of mobile numbers already in their database, but quite often a garage will overlook the potential that their database of contacts presents.
Creative SMS Crowdfunding Campaigns for Independent Film Productions
No matter what the task is, any campaign can be boosted by SMS marketing. It's great for businesses and charities but could be especially utilised for the creative industry. From the largest scale (mainstream TV shows, Hollywood blockbusters) to low budget independents, there is an SMS campaign to fit all needs and perform a vital profile-boosting function.
What Can You Do with MMS Messaging?
Did you know you can send more than text in an SMS message? Well, technically it isn’t an SMS message if it isn’t text. Instead, the multimedia messaging service, or MMS for short, is an extension of the SMS core functionality. It allows you to send short videos (40 seconds or less), images or audio over mobile networks just like an SMS message.
Oops! What to do When You Send the Wrong Message
Sending a text message to the wrong person can be embarrassing. I've done it many times. Thankfully though, they were just simple messages like "be home soon" or "I'll tell you later". Innocuous, harmless and easily explained away. But what if you make a mistake with your business SMS messages?
7 Ways Business Coaches are Using SMS Marketing
The digital age has seen a rise in demand for business coaches to aid you in every aspect of your entrepreneurial efforts. From money mindset to technological solutions, earning passive income and attracting high-paying clients, these days there's a coach for everything. But running a coaching business isn't as simple as the hype would suggest. SMS marketing is the perfect way of supercharging your promotion of your coaching business, here's how.