With the popularity of SMS marketing on the rise, many businesses (such as restaurants, doctor’s offices and schools) are utilizing a text marketing services, but what exactly is text message marketing and can it benefit your business?

What is SMS marketing? 

Simply put, SMS (short message service) is text message marketing. Businesses of all kinds use text marketing to quickly, inexpensively, and effectively reach their customers with a short message to drive sales, sign ups, send out surveys, reminders, and more. 

Is SMS marketing effective?

Americans check their phones 80 times per day, meaning that your messages are very likely to go unnoticed. In addition, SMS marketing has an impressive open rate and a reported 32% of people respond to SMS offers. Text message marketing is an effective marketing tactic when used strategically.

Who uses SMS marketing?

Businesses of all kinds are using a text messaging service, such as dentists’ offices, colleges, restaurants, radio stations and recording artists. If you own a business, chances are your company will benefit from text message marketing.

Will SMS marketing help my business grow?

Texted coupons are 10 times more likely to be redeemed than traditional coupons, and because text messages can be used for last-minute deals or specials, your chance of boosting sales increases.

What kind of phones can receive SMS messages?

Basic cell phones and smartphones alike can receive SMS messages, with 81% of mobile users subscribed to some sort of text messaging plan. Keep in mind, however, that many basic phone users will not be able to click links within your campaigns, although smartphone ownership growing each day. 

Is SMS more powerful than email?

SMS marketing is now the most direct way to reach your customers. With an impressive 98% open rate, SMS marketing beats email open rates by 68.6%. With the majority of marketing emails automatically getting sent to the ‘spam’ folder, email marketing is losing its efficiency. 

How can my business best use SMS marketing?

Depending on the nature of your business, you can use SMS marketing in a number of ways. Retail stores may benefit most from sending out digital coupons and door-buster alerts while doctor’s offices may benefit most using a text marketing service for appointment reminders and even SMS pager systems. 

How do I get people to sign up for my text list?

It is very important to follow the laws regarding SMS marketing. You must have express permission from each member of your text messaging list in order to send them messages. To grow your text message list, your business can use social media to run text-to-win contests or put a text-in survey on the bottom of receipts. If there’s something in it for the would-be subscriber, your chances of an opt-in are greater, such as offering a discount code for new signups.

Ready to begin? If your business is ready to take your marketing to the next level and begin implementing text message marketing, get in touch with a member of the vorText team for a free demo!