Recent years have seen an explosion in the number of ways that businesses can use to connect with customers and prospects, but nothing has been more successful than SMS (text) messaging.
SMS messages are quick, they’re easy to read on any device, and most importantly they’re personal: when you get a text from your bank or airline, or favorite store, that feels like it’s just for you.
This article will help you choose the right sms marketing platform for your needs – whether it be a carrier-provided app or a third-party platform – so let’s dive in!
1. iMessage
Apple’s iMessage is a great option for businesses looking to reach iPhone users. With iMessage, you can create and send messages to groups or individuals, and track message opens and clicks. Plus, with built-in support for attachments like photos, videos, and location data, it’s easy to create rich multimedia messages that your customers will love.
2. SMS notifications from your website or app
If you already have a web or app presence, adding SMS notifications is a great way to keep in touch with customers and prospects. Most major web and app frameworks include support for sending SMS messages, so it’s easy to get started. And best of all, since they’re your existing users, you already have their phone numbers!
A great example of this is Ramco’s use of Twilio to send SMS notifications in the course of our automated IDaaS Relationship Management solution. By sending text notifications when specific actions are taken in the system, Ramco can keep partners informed without any manual effort.
3. Facebook Messaging
Many marketers are hesitant to use social media as a marketing tool, but the numbers don’t lie – more people on Earth have cell phones than have laptops or desktops!
Facebook has launched its own entry into the SMS space with Messenger, which lets businesses send messages to customers and prospects on Facebook at no cost. Messages can be sent to groups or individuals, and Facebook will even remind your customers if they haven’t seen your message yet.
4. Text-to-win campaigns
Text-to-win campaigns are a great way to drive engagement with your brand and generate leads. With a text-to-win campaign, you simply create a promotion that requires customers to text a specific number in order to win. You could be as simple as sending free shipping or 25% off, or you could create a more complex campaign. If you’re using iMessage, for example, you can add photos and videos to your messages, send them from an iPhone, and include rich multimedia attachments.
5. SMS surveys
SMS surveys are a great way to get feedback from customers and prospects, helping you learn more about what they like or don’t like about your brand or product. You can use third-party platforms like Voxox to send out an interactive survey that asks customers to fill in the blank with their feedback, reply with a number to indicate their opinion, or choose from a range of responses.
6. Automated SMS notifications
SMS notifications are a great way to keep in touch with customers and prospects without any manual effort. Most major web and app frameworks include support for sending SMS messages, so it’s easy to get started. And best of all, since they’re your existing users, you already have their phone numbers!
A great example of this is Ramco’s use of Twilio to send SMS notifications in the course of our automated IDaaS Relationship Management solution. By sending text notifications when specific actions are taken in the system, Ramco can keep partners informed without any manual effort.
7. SMS marketing campaigns
If you have a mobile app or website, SMS marketing campaigns are a great way to get your customers and prospects more engaged with your brand. With a mobile campaign, you can send coupons, promotions, surveys, and interactive content directly to individual mobile devices – no app download required! Plus, it’s easy to track how many people open and click on your messages, so you can fine-tune your campaigns for maximum impact.
However, if you are from Canada and looking for setting up your campaign for SMS marketing in Canada, then RAANGE would be your best choice.
8. SMS customer service
SMS customer service is a great way to provide support to customers without forcing them to call a support line or visit a website. With SMS customer service, you can send text messages directly to the mobile phones of customers and prospects. From there, you can ask questions to get feedback on your product or service, let them know about new features or promotions, or just thank them for their business. The best SMS customer service providers will also respond quickly and accurately, helping you build a better relationship with your customers while saving time and money.
9. SMS announcements
SMS announcements are perfect for sharing time-sensitive or location-specific information. You can send messages to the mobile phones of your customers and prospects telling them about new products, upcoming promotions, upcoming events, or other important news. By keeping your customer base in the know with SMS announcements, you’ll be able to engage more effectively and keep them coming back for more.
10. SMS voting
SMS voting is a great way to get customer feedback and engagement. With SMS voting, you can create short surveys or polls that customers can respond to by text message. This is a great way to get feedback on new products, services, or marketing campaigns, and it’s also a great way to get customers more engaged with your brand. Plus, since voting results are often displayed in real-time, you’ll be able to see the effects of your campaigns as they happen.
There you have it – 10 great ways to use SMS marketing to engage customers and prospects. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and see the amazing results for yourself!
