Have you ever wondered how those perfectly timed text messages seem to know just what you’re interested in? Or maybe you’ve received a special discount code via text just when you were considering purchasing.
It’s not magic – it’s SMS marketing.
A rapidly growing digital strategy, SMS marketing allows businesses to send promotional messages directly to their customers’ cell phones via text.
They’re short and direct and they have a high open rate, which makes them effective for reaching and engaging customers.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of SMS marketing and show you how to use it for your business. We’ll also cover:
• What Is SMS Marketing?
• How Does SMS Marketing Work?
• 3 Types of SMS Marketing Campaigns
• Why Use an SMS Text Marketing Service?
• When To Use Marketing
• Is SMS Marketing Legal?
• SMS Marketing Tips and Best Practices
• How To Measure the Success of Your SMS Marketing Strategy
• SMS Marketing Software You Need for 2024
• Boost Your SMS Marketing Success
• SMS Marketing FAQS
What Is SMS Marketing?
Short Message Service (SMS) marketing or text message marketing is a direct way to connect with customers through promotional, informational or transactional text messages. Using SMS marketing platforms, businesses can send texts to a list of subscribers who have opted in to receive these messages.
If you get annoyed with spam texts, good news: eCommerce SMS marketing is strictly regulated and requires subscribers to consent before receiving any messages. This ensures that customers receive only the messages they want.
A mass SMS marketing strategy is similar to email marketing in that it allows businesses to reach a large group of customers at once. Another added benefit is that it reaches them directly on their mobile devices, which we know by now are an extension of ourselves.
Not sure whether SMS or email marketing is right for your business? These interesting reads may give you some perspective:
• SMS Marketing Statistics You Should Know in 2022
• SMS vs. Email Marketing: Which is Right for You?
How Do SMS Marketing Platforms Work?
To kickstart your SMS marketing strategy, you need SMS marketing software to manage your messages and subscribers. Using the SMS marketing platform, businesses can create a list of contacts who have opted in to receive text messages from them. This is usually done by having customers text a keyword to a specific number, such as “JOIN” to 12345.
Once customers subscribe, businesses can send text messages manually or through an automated system. These messages are typically short and concise – around 160 characters – and include a clear call to action (CTA).
For example: “Don’t miss our flash sale! Show this message at checkout for 20% off your purchase today only. Hurry, sale ends at midnight!”
SMS marketing platforms also allow businesses to schedule messages in advance, track open and click-through rates and segment their subscriber lists for more targeted messaging.
3 Types of SMS Marketing Campaigns
SMS marketing comes in three forms:
1. Promotional SMS Marketing
Promotional SMS marketing involves sending customers messages to promote a product, service or special offer. These messages are typically short, direct and time-sensitive, designed to create immediate interest and drive quick actions.
Marketers use promotional SMS campaigns to increase engagement and rocket sales by encouraging customers to act quickly and take advantage of the offer.
Much like this:
Source: SendPulse
Here, the apparel brand TOMMY creates a sense of urgency by enticing customers with a limited-time offer that is hard to pass up on.
| Important Reminder: Consider linking the offer to a current event to create a sense of surprise and intrigue. This helps capture users’ attention without making them feel like they’re directly targeted based on their checkout page activity. As per regulatory guidelines, service providers and marketers must adhere to the customer’s DND preferences and can only send texts within specific timeframes, usually between 9 am and 9 pm. In addition, promotional SMS messages use a randomly generated 6-character Sender ID provided by the network operator. This ensures anonymity compared to the consistent Sender ID used in transactional communications. |
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2. Transactional SMS Marketing
Transactional SMS are non-marketing automated texts that provide users with helpful updates or information on a product or service, such as shipping status, delivery notifications, billing alerts, etc.
Check out this example from Rent the Runway:
Source: Postscript
Among the most common transactional SMS types are:
• Order Confirmations: Messages confirming an order has been successfully placed and providing details like order number and expected delivery date.
• Booking and Reservation Updates: Notifications about bookings or reservations made by the customer, such as flight confirmations, hotel bookings or appointments.
• Account Notifications: Alerts about account activities or updates, such as account balance notifications, payment receipts or password reset confirmations.
• Delivery Updates: Information regarding the status of a delivery, including tracking details and estimated delivery times.
• Transactional Alerts: Alerts related to customer transactions, such as withdrawal alerts from bank accounts or credit card transactions.
These messages are typically sent automatically based on specific triggers or events and delivered promptly to ensure that customers receive timely and relevant information about their transactions or interactions with the business.
| Important Reminder: Transactional messages have more leeway than promotional texts. They are typically sent to all recipients, irrespective of their status and can be dispatched 24/7. Transactional SMS are identified by a 6-character Sender ID chosen by the company, which usually indicates the company or product name. |
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3. Conversational SMS Marketing
An estimated 64% of consumers prefer businesses that provide two-way communication through SMS, which is precisely what conversational SMS marketing offers. This approach fosters dialogue, enabling brands to engage in real-time customer conversations.
That said, conversational SMS proves particularly effective for addressing customer inquiries, providing support and collecting valuable feedback.
Why Use an SMS Text Marketing Service?
“I’m already using email and social media marketing. Why should I add SMS marketing services to my eCommerce marketing strategy?” you may ask.
Good question. According to Sender, 71% of consumers are comfortable receiving business text messages as long as they opt for the service. So clearly, there’s a significant level of acceptance among consumers when it comes to SMS communication.
Tim Clarke, a Senior Reputation Manager at Thrive, also highlights SMS’s effectiveness in boosting conversion rates:
“Conversion rates are significantly higher with SMS compared to email. Our brief SMS messages consistently achieve better click and conversion rates than emails.”
Beyond that, here are a few reasons why investing in an SMS marketing strategy can be a valuable addition to your marketing efforts:
1. Near-Perfect Open Rates
SMS messages have an open rate of around 98%, meaning almost all recipients will at least see your message. Compare that to email’s average open rate of 18.39% (Mailchimp), and you can see why SMS marketing is a valuable tool for businesses.
2. High Response Rates
Customers are much more likely to click on a link sent through text than through email. The average response rate for an SMS marketing message is 45%, while email click-through rates usually are at most 7%.
3. Instant Delivery
SMS provides a direct line to your customers. Unlike social media posts that can get lost in the feed or emails that may end up in the spam folder, text messages land directly in the recipient’s inbox.
What’s more, 81% of consumers check their text notifications within just five minutes of receiving a text, and nearly 30% check them within just 60 seconds of receipt (SimpleTexting).
4. Cost-Effective
You can easily send mass SMS marketing messages to your customers without breaking the bank. On average, the cost ranges from one to five cents per message. However, the price depends on the number of messages sent, your SMS marketing provider and any additional features you use.
5. Highly Targeted
Personalization often drives a 5-15% revenue lift and reduces customer acquisition costs by as much as 50% (Mckinsey). SMS marketing services allow businesses to segment their subscriber lists based on factors like location, past purchases or interests for more personalized campaigns.
6. Non-Intrusive Marketing
One of the primary requirements for SMS marketing is that it must be permission-based, meaning customers need to opt in before receiving any messages. It is also easy for consumers to unsubscribe, often by replying with a single word like “STOP.” This level of control helps prevent users from being overwhelmed by excessive information.
7. eCommerce SMS Marketing Integration
Most SMS marketing services integrate with eCommerce marketing platforms. This allows businesses to send personalized recommendations based on specific parameters, such as a customer’s purchase history or abandoned cart reminders.
When To Use SMS Marketing
Here are some scenarios where text marketing proves to be the ideal contact point:
• Time-Sensitive Promotions: Text messages are perfect for sending time-sensitive promotions, such as coupon codes or special offers that customers can use within a limited period. This strategy creates a sense of urgency and a fear of missing out, which can significantly boost conversion rates and sales.
• Essential Updates: Businesses can inform customers about important updates about products or services. Providing timely updates enhances customer service by proactively addressing potential issues and keeping customers well-informed.
• Reminders: Reminders are an excellent way to keep customers engaged and moving through the sales funnel. For example, sending reminders about items left in their shopping cart or upcoming appointments helps streamline their buyer journey and improves overall customer experience.
• Internal Communications: SMS marketing ensures that critical information reaches all employees, even those in areas with poor connectivity. While group messaging apps work, text messaging is a reliable backup to ensure effective communication within the company.
Is SMS Marketing Legal?
Be forewarned: SMS marketing is highly regulated, and businesses must follow strict rules when sending promotional text messages. Laws and compliance requirements may vary greatly depending on the industry and region.
For example, the United States enforces the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), whereas the European Union follows the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Both regulations require businesses to obtain clear consent from recipients and provide easy opt-out options.
Also, the content you send is just as important as getting consent. Retailers must ensure that they’re sending text messages that are appropriate and relevant to the recipients.
For tobacco and alcohol retailers, SMS marketing laws are particularly strict to prevent advertising to minors and ensure messages are sent only to consenting, legal-age individuals.
Due to these strict regulations, many platforms ban SHAFT (sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco, CBD) messages, making compliance challenging for some retailers.
Here’s a summary of best practices for using SMS marketing services:
• Explicit Consent: Customers must provide clear, explicit consent to receive marketing messages, typically through a double opt-in mechanism where they confirm their consent via two-step verification.
• Age Verification: Retailers must implement robust age verification processes at the point of opt-in and purchase to ensure that marketing messages are legally compliant and target only those of legal age for tobacco or alcohol.
• Responsible Messaging: Adhere to ethical standards and regulatory guidelines to ensure marketing content does not encourage irresponsible consumption of alcohol or tobacco.
• Health Warnings: Include required health warnings in marketing messages for tobacco, alcohol or any health and weight loss products, depending on regional regulations.
• Local Laws: Be aware of regional regulations, such as bans on advertising tobacco products via SMS or specific state laws, like California’s requirement for explicit consent to record SMS messages and Florida’s restrictions on SMS marketing between 9 pm and 8 am local time.
The easiest way to ensure compliance is to have clear opt-in and opt-out mechanisms for mass SMS marketing. You should also keep detailed records of consent, subscriber interactions and list management to prove compliance if needed.
SMS Marketing Tips and Best Practices
Once you hit send, there’s no turning back. That’s why it’s crucial to get your SMS messages right the first time. Here are key SMS marketing tips to ensure your campaign yields results:
1. Get Permission First
Rule No. 1: Always get explicit permission before sending SMS messages to your audience.
This isn’t just a best practice – it’s a legal requirement in many regions, including the United States, Canada and the European Union.
Consent ensures your messages are welcome and builds trust with your audience. The most common way to obtain consent is through newsletter subscription signups or pop-up forms on your website.
Here’s an example from Jack in the Box:
Jack in the Box is an American fast-food chain with 2,200 locations, mainly on the West Coast. The chain entices its customers with a pop-up offering a free egg roll with any purchase when customers subscribe to its text message program.
After all, who can say no to a delicious, complimentary snack?
If web pop-ups are not your go-to, here are other ways to obtain permission from customers:
a. In-Store Signups: Have a physical signup sheet or a digital kiosk where customers can enter their phone number and opt-in to receive SMS messages.
b. During Checkout: Include an opt-in option, whether online or in-store, at the checkout stage. This is a great time to ask since customers are already engaged with your brand.
c. Email Campaigns: Send an email or newsletter to your current subscribers, inviting them to join your SMS list. Provide a clear call to action and explain the benefits of opting in.
d. Social Media Promotions: Use your social media platforms to promote your SMS list. Offer an incentive, like a discount or entry into a contest, for those who sign up.
e. Customer Service Interactions: During customer service interactions, whether via chat, phone or email, invite customers to opt-in to SMS updates for future promotions or information.
f. Events and Trade Shows: Collect phone numbers and permissions during events, trade shows or other in-person interactions. Use a digital form or an SMS shortcode for easy sign-ups.
| 💡 Pro Tip: Always include a full disclosure when requesting permission. The opt-in process should be straightforward and transparent, clearly explaining what type of messages they will receive and how often. |
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2. Include Clear Opt-Out Instructions
Always provide an easy way for recipients to opt out of receiving messages. Your opt-out instructions should be brief and easy to understand, much like what the retailer brand Show Me Your Mumu did here:
Source: Textline
Not only that, but they follow up with a confirmation text to confirm that the customer successfully unsubscribed from messaging and offer an option to resubscribe should they change their mind.
| 💡 Pro Tip: Honor opt-out requests promptly. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act requires businesses to promptly remove contacts from their SMS program in the “shortest reasonable time.” Failure to comply can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and potential lawsuits. Moreover, ignoring opt-out requests can lead to consumer complaints from regulatory authorities and on public platforms like social media. Such negative publicity may damage a brand’s reputation and deter potential customers. |
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3. Adhere to Privacy Regulations
Just in case it’s still not clear – adhering to privacy regulations is non-negotiable when it comes to SMS marketing.
Laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the United States and other regional regulations mandate that you must have explicit consent from your recipients before sending them SMS messages. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and damage your brand’s reputation.
Regularly audit your SMS marketing practices to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This might include keeping detailed records of consent, monitoring opt-out requests and staying updated on any changes in legislation.
4. Make It Worth Their While
The content of your SMS messages should be engaging, relevant and provide clear value to your audience. Remember, you’re competing for attention in a very limited space, so make every word count.
Here are a few ways to keep your SMS campaigns interesting:
• Personalize Your Messages: Address recipients by their first name. Personalization goes a long way in making your audience feel valued and can significantly increase engagement rates. Instead of a generic “Hello,” try something more personal like, “Hi [Name], we’ve got a special offer just for you!”
• Offer Exclusive Deals: Provide exclusive deals or early access to sales for your SMS subscribers. This makes them feel special and appreciated, and it incentivizes them to stay subscribed to your messages. For instance, “Be the first to shop our Black Friday sale! Get 20% off sitewide, use code VIP20.”
• Send Useful Information: Share tips, updates or important information your audience finds useful. This will add value to your messages and keep your audience looking forward to your texts.
• Incorporate Visuals When Possible: If your SMS marketing provider supports it, consider using MMS to send images, GIFs or videos. Visual content can be more engaging than plain text and help you convey your message more effectively.
Related Reads:
• SMS Marketing: How You Should Text Your Customers
• How To Use SMS Marketing This Holiday Season To Grow Your Business
5. Segment Your Audience
Segmentation allows you to deliver more personalized experiences and address the unique needs of different customer groups. It also helps you avoid sending irrelevant messages that could lead to opt-outs.
With SMS marketing software, you can segment your audience based on demographics, behavior or purchase history to tailor your messages more effectively.
6. Time Your Messages Wisely
Timing is everything in SMS marketing. Sending messages at the wrong time can lead to negative responses and increased opt-outs.
Here are factors to consider when scheduling your SMS content calendar:
• Avoid sending messages too early in the morning or late at night. These times are often reserved for rest, family time or personal downtime, which means there’s a higher chance that peoples’ phones are on DND.
• Messages sent at the beginning and end of the week generally yield higher revenue per send, with Sundays showing the highest RPS, followed by Mondays and Fridays. However, for optimizing click-through rates, weekends are typically more effective for sending messages.
• Local regulations are another thing to consider. The TCPA stipulates that businesses-related texts can only send business messages between 8 am and 9 pm in the recipient’s time zone.
• Strike while the iron is hot by sending follow-up messages immediately after an appointment or brand encounter while the experience is fresh in the customer’s mind. This capitalizes on their positive experience, prompting them to schedule another appointment, leave a review or explore more of your services/products.
| 💡 Pro Tip: TheYou can conduct A/B tests to experiment with different sending times and determine the optimal timing for your audience. |
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7. Respect Frequency Limits
Don’t bombard your customers with too many messages, as this can lead to frustration and opt-outs. While you want to keep your audience engaged, you don’t want to overwhelm them.
Sending one or two messages per week is a good starting point, but the optimal frequency may vary depending on your audience and industry.
Revenue per send peaks when you send 6 to 8 monthly messages (Attentive). Opt-out rates typically remain low until you exceed 10 to 15 monthly messages to your full subscriber list.
Audience segments will also affect your messaging frequency. Brand loyalists are often more engaged and interested in frequent updates, while shoppers in the research phase may prefer less frequent communication until they’ve purchased or engaged further with your brand.
That being said, your SMS marketing cadence isn’t an exact science. At the end of the day, your messaging frequency should be tailored to the types of messages you’re sending. For example, during a big sale, it’s effective to send an announcement text message at the start and a final-hours reminder to ensure subscribers have ample time to shop.
8. Introduce Your Business
Subscribers should immediately know who you are. Otherwise, you could be mistaken as a spammer, which can lead to low engagement or even opt-outs.
Clearly state your business name or brand at the beginning of your SMS to establish credibility and assure recipients that the message is legitimate and relevant to them.
You don’t need lengthy introductions; simply mention your brand name and the context of the message, much like what Macy’s did in their Memorial Day promo text:
Source: Tatango
9. Use Short and Branded URLs
With a measly 160-character limit, every character counts in SMS marketing. Use link shorteners to save space while effectively conveying essential information.
Adding your brand name in the URL through custom slugs will also help foster trust and improve click-through rates, especially amidst concerns about SMS scams and phishing.
10. Add a Call to Action
Always include a clear call to action (CTA) in your SMS messages. Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Claim Your Discount,” “RSVP” or “Learn More,” make it obvious what you want the recipient to do next.
Ensure your CTA is specific and actionable so recipients know exactly what steps to take. For example, “Click here to get 20% off your next purchase” is more effective than a vague “Check this out.”
Additionally, use urgency when appropriate, such as “Limited time offer” or “Ends tonight,” to encourage immediate action.
11. Use a Recognizable Sender ID
Sender ID is a unique identifier used in SMS messaging to indicate who the message is from.
There are two types of sender IDs:
• Alphanumeric Sender ID: Uses letters and numbers to represent your brand name or campaign (e.g., ABCCOMP, “Thrive4U,” “Bank1Alert”).
• Numeric Sender ID: Typically, a shortcode or long number (e.g., “1234” or “+14155552671”) is used for sending messages.
A recognizable sender ID ensures your messages stand out in a crowded inbox and reinforces brand recognition and credibility. Avoid using generic or random IDs that may confuse recipients or appear suspicious.
12. Build an Omnichannel Marketing Strategy
An omnichannel approach ensures seamless customer experiences across multiple channels, including SMS, email, social media and physical stores. This strategy unifies messaging, branding and customer interactions across all platforms, allowing customers to transition between channels effortlessly.
Here’s why it’s essential:
• Consistent Messaging: Maintain unified brand messaging and voice across all channels, including SMS, email, social media and more.
• Improved Engagement: Enhancing interaction and response rates by reaching customers through their preferred channels.
• Data Synchronization: Avoiding disjointed customer experiences by ensuring data consistency and accuracy across all platforms.
• Holistic Campaign Management: Optimizes efficiency and effectiveness by coordinating campaigns across channels from a centralized platform.
13. Test Before Sending
Testing your SMS campaigns before sending ensures error-free messages optimized for maximum impact. Remember, you can’t undo a text, so thorough testing is crucial to catch mistakes like formatting issues, typos or technical glitches before they reach your customer’s inbox.
Additionally, testing refines elements such as timing, call-to-action clarity and overall user experience so messages are well-received and costly errors are minimized.
How To Measure the Success of Your SMS Marketing Campaigns
Measuring the success of your SMS marketing campaigns is crucial for optimizing your strategy and achieving your marketing goals. Here are the key performance indicators (KPIs) you should focus on:
| Description | Why You Need It | |
| Delivery Rate | Measures how many of your messages successfully reach recipients. | A high rate indicates good contact list health. If the rate is low, prune your list to remove outdated numbers. |
| Open Rate | Gauges immediate engagement by measuring how many recipients open your SMS. | Since SMS open rates are generally high, aim for benchmarks around 98%, which is much higher than typical email open rates. |
| Click-Through Rate | The percentage of recipients who clicked on a link in your SMS indicates your CTA’s effectiveness. | Aim for around 30% CTR to ensure your messages are compelling. A high CTR shows effective messaging, while a low CTR indicates a need to refine your call-to-action. |
| Conversion Rate | Measures the percentage of recipients who completed a desired action after clicking a link in your SMS. | A high conversion rate directly indicates the success of your campaign. |
| Unsubscribe Rate | Tracks how many people opt out after receiving your SMS, reflecting the relevance and quality of your content. | Aim for a low unsubscribe rate to maintain a healthy subscriber list. High rates may indicate overly frequent or irrelevant messaging. |
| Response Rate | Shows how many recipients replied to your message in two-way SMS campaigns. | High response rates signify strong engagement and interest in your content. |
| ROI | Ratio of revenue generated from the SMS campaign to the cost of the campaign. | Indicates financial success and profitability of the campaign. |
| Customer Retention | Percentage of customers who continue to engage with SMS campaigns over time. | Measures long-term value and loyalty of SMS marketing efforts. |
Tools for Tracking SMS Marketing KPIs
These tools not only assess performance but also offer insights into SMS marketing benchmarks, allowing you to gauge how your campaigns stack up to industry averages.
• SMS Marketing Platforms: These platforms include built-in analytics for tracking text messages performance metrics like delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates and conversions in real time.
• URL Shorteners and Tracking: Use URL shorteners such as Bit.ly in SMS to save characters and track click-through rates. These services typically offer analytics on clicks, locations and device types for better engagement insights.
• Integration With CRM and Analytics Tools: Linking your SMS marketing platform with CRM systems and web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, enhances understanding of SMS campaign impact on marketing goals. This integration tracks conversion metrics and recipient behaviors more effectively.
• A/B Testing: To optimize your SMS marketing, employ A/B testing by sending different versions of a message to various audience segments. This method identifies top performers in terms of open rates, engagement and conversions, informing strategic content and campaign decisions. Many SMS marketing tools support A/B testing, providing data to guide your content and strategy decisions.
SMS Marketing Software Tools You Need for 2024
Consumer behavior is evolving and so are the SMS marketing tools you need to effectively engage your audience. Here are five of the top SMS marketing software to amp up your text messaging strategy:
Project Broadcast
Project Broadcast is a cost-effective SMS text marketing service that allows businesses to send personalized messages to subscribers and receive responses. Key features include two-way messaging, campaign scheduling and contact management.
SlickText
SlickText provides various opt-in tools such as website pop-ups, landing pages, social links, QR codes and checkout forms to help businesses engage with their audience. The SMS text marketing service allows for running contests and surveys and offering coupons and loyalty rewards, with list segmentation capabilities to target subscribers effectively.
EZ Texting
With EZ Texting, you can effortlessly send mass SMS marketing campaigns to your opt-in audience. These campaigns can include contests, coupons, promo codes and transactional messages such as appointment reminders.
The software from this SMS marketing provider also includes integrated opt-in features and an AI-driven composition tool.
SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is a service that sends individual or bulk SMS marketing messages. It includes built-in compliance features to help you comply with regulations, automation and behavior-based messaging for timely communication with consumers based on their purchase journey.
Klaviyo
Klaviyo leverages AI, predictive analytics and robust automation to enhance SMS marketing effectiveness. Integrated with deep eCommerce platforms, it synchronizes data seamlessly for targeted campaigns. Marketers benefit from strong analytics, enabling continuous strategy optimization and scalable digital marketing efforts.
Improve Sales, Opt-Ins and Brand Relationships With SMS Marketing
SMS marketing boasts some of the highest conversion rates among customer engagement channels. However, by adopting an omnichannel approach, you can enhance its impact even further.
At Thrive, we seamlessly integrate SMS marketing into comprehensive digital strategies for clients leveraging our SEO, PPC, and other digital marketing services.
Here’s why Thrive is the go-to agency, according to Clarke:
“Thrive has the most experience among larger agencies because of our time in the market and big team of educated specialists. Other companies don’t have as much experience and a smaller team of experts.”
If you’re ready to benefit from seasoned marketers who understand how to leverage SMS marketing for enhanced customer engagement, retention and sales, Thrive can help. Talk to us to get started.
SMS Marketing FAQs
HOW CAN I INTEGRATE SMS MARKETING WITH MY CRM SYSTEM?
Many CRM systems support integration with eCommerce SMS marketing platforms through APIs. This allows you to automate sending messages based on customer behaviors or specific triggers without manual intervention.
WHAT ARE THE SMS MARKETING TIPS FOR TIMING SMS CAMPAIGNS?
Timing can significantly impact engagement rates. Research suggests avoiding messages during early mornings, late nights and mealtimes. Sending during business hours and testing at different times for your specific audience can yield the best results.
Understanding time zones is also crucial when sending global SMS campaigns. Use scheduling tools that allow you to send messages based on the local time of your recipients. This ensures higher engagement rates and avoids inconveniencing your audience.
HOW DO I ENSURE MY SMS CONTENT COMPLIES WITH PRIVACY REGULATIONS?
Compliance varies by region. For example, GDPR in Europe and TCPA in the USA have specific requirements. Always obtain explicit consent from recipients, provide an easy opt-out mechanism and ensure data is securely stored and processed.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO MEASURE THE ROI OF MY SMS CAMPAIGNS?
Track metrics like response rates, conversion rates cand customer retention. Integrated with your SMS platform, tools like Google Analytics can also help monitor the traffic and sales generated from SMS campaigns.
HOW CAN GEOFENCING ENHANCE MY SMS CAMPAIGNS?
Geofencing marketing allows you to send location-based messages, which can be incredibly effective for localized offers, event promotions or time-sensitive deals. This increases the relevance of your messages to recipients. Learn more about the benefits of geofence marketing here.
HOW DO I HANDLE SMS MARKETING DURING NETWORK OUTAGES?
Use an integrated multi-channel communication strategy as a backup. If SMS fails, emails or push notifications can be alternative ways to reach your audience. Ensure you have a contingency plan in place for such scenarios.
HOW CAN I MANAGE BOUNCE RATES IN SMS MARKETING?
Regularly clean your contact list to remove invalid or inactive numbers. Use delivery reports to monitor bounce rates and employ a validation service to verify numbers before sending bulk messages.
