Why SMS Messaging Is

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1 Why SMS Messaging Is a Powerful Marketing Tool? Send Send

2 Ask yourself a question - in the average day how many SMS text messages do you send? If you answered "loads" like me, then you're in the same boat as consumers across the each person sends upwards of 20 texts every day, which comes to a total of 6.3 billion altogether. Annually this number reaches a staggering 2.27 trillion texts! Yet while everybody and their grandmother are texting, still reigns supreme in the realm of marketing, and is the primary method used by brands to communicate with their consumers. It's not clear why the trend persists, but research actually shows people respond to SMS marketing at a rate of 8 times that of marketing. This includes ongoing reward programs, coupon codes, special offers, and all sorts of other promotions. In light of this data SMS marketing should be an integral part of every brand's overall strategy, but something is holding marketers back. Could it be a lack of understanding about how the process works and why partnering texts with s can be so successful? Sure, marketing is still an important piece of the puzzle and should not be replaced. However text messaging is simply not being used to its full potential. A synergistic strategy that involves both texts and s can engage existing customers on a new level, but also target those normally beyond the brand's reach. Chances are you're well aware of the benefits of marketing because you do it every day, but has your brand ever spent the time considering the benefits of an SMS driven campaign? If not, you're going to want to pay attention to the following points, because you're overlooking a huge tool for success. 1

3 SMS Marketing Is Efficient s sneak past us throughout the day, to the point that only 22% of them are ever opened. Texts however have a near 100% open rate! new message This remarkable percentage suggests that we're trained to hear our message alert tone and immediately check what it says. Tapping in to this response is perfect for time sensitive promotions or sales. More Engaging Research suggests consumers take opting-in to mobile campaigns much more seriously than campaigns, which may be completely forgotten about in a few days. They tend to want what they sign up for with their mobile, whereas handing over their address is often done on a whim. Understanding this means you can tailor your marketing approach to be more direct via SMS, because you know the consumer on the other end is ready and willing to engage. 2

4 Starts a Dialog There is a subtle difference between SMS communication and communication, which can have a powerful impact on your consumer. s tend to be the result of a registration process and will be sent blind with no direct reply option. But text promotions will usually involve a two way dialog, such as the user texting a code and receiving a coupon. Breaking the ice between your brand and consumer in this way, is not only engaging, but can build long term trust and loyalty. Increase Sales SMS promotions are more likely to result in an increase in sales, because they prompt the user to visit the physical store, whereas s are more geared towards ecommerce. This opens the consumer up to secondary in-store marketing efforts or simply other products that catch their eye. These customers buy three times as many items than their online counterparts. 3

5 Unique Insights SMS campaigns can be promoted with a wide range of methods, such as in-store or through print advertising. Tracking these customer acquisition points will give you a unique insight in to the habits of consumers and you can refine your methods for more efficiency and success. To have the most success marketing your brand you have to be able reach consumers wherever they are. In our modern lives certainly plays a part in this, but SMS based campaigns are far ahead in terms of engagement. Consumers send texts every day and they do not ignore messages they receive. Taking advantage of this fact will help you build a strong brand loyalty, increase sales, and perfect your advertising methods. If your brand has yet to utilize SMS text messaging, now's the time to take the leap. 4

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