Simple SMS, also known as SMS marketing is the most trusted, reliable, affordable and user-friendly way to reach customers. SMS is the most powerful method to engage with clients, but where there is power there is also great responsibility. Although SMS has transformed the way people communicate, some companies have actually fallen prey to the new technology because they didn\u2019t know how SMS is best used and when to use another method of contact.<\/p>\n
As one of the hottest trends in marketing, SMS messaging has been able to produce higher conversion and results rates. As technology improves and businesses try to integrate SMS, some companies may find themselves in trouble because they did not adhere to certain rules of the communication method. This article is going to discuss where SMS Marketing<\/a> should be used and when it should not. Since I champion SMS, let\u2019s begin with those times when SMS is not appropriate.<\/p>\n SMS messaging can be an amazing tool for companies, but done incorrectly, customers hit the \u201copt out\u201d button. In some instances this has even landed companies a lawsuit. Before you start using SMS in your business, be sure to follow relevant local rules and regulations. There are also some general rules to abide by. The most important rule in sending SMS for business purposes is that you must get permission from the customer. Failure to do so can lead to hefty legal fees and even damage your brand. Before you text customers, you need to:<\/p>\n Be clear about any program you\u2019re putting them on:<\/strong> make sure that subscribers know what type of message to expect. Your description should be one or two sentences. It \u00a0might describe sending promotions or perks from a loyalty program\u2014just make sure consumers will not be blindsided when the first SMS message arrives.<\/p>\n Get permission:<\/strong> to avoid issues, you must get permission from your subscribers, otherwise, you will be breaking laws or spamming, which can lead to a hefty fines and annoy customers.<\/p>\n Pay attention to frequency:<\/strong> nobody wants excessive texts \u00a0landing on their phone\u2014especially from a business. Text only a few times each month, otherwise customers will begin to form negative associations with your brand and may opt out.<\/p>\n Include a disclaimer:<\/strong> The CTIA requires you to state that \u201cmessages and data rates may apply\u201d and other disclaimers in your SMS. But don\u2019t worry\u2014SMS service providers automatically add these disclaimers to an automated SMS and subscribers need only see it once, when they join your list.<\/p>\n You need to follow all the above and other rules for your SMS marketing campaign to be successful. Failure to do so can result in reputation damage, hefty fines, and customer opt-outs.\u00a0 If you cannot follow these rules, SMS probably isn\u2019t the right strategy for your business.<\/p>\n Text messages can make some things much easier for your business, but only when used appropriately. Emails are often ignored which means they do not lead to enough responses. But, thanks to SMS you have another method for getting feedback from your customers. So where and when is text messaging best used?<\/p>\n Setting follow-up service appointments via SMS is a great for customer retention and return visits. SMS can be great for connecting with an individual one-on-one and receiving replies.<\/p>\n Use SMS to follow up with customers after delivery of products and services. Text messages are better at getting the consumer to respond than emails, so if they need support, they are more likely to ask for it in response to an SMS message.<\/p>\nWhen isn\u2019t SMS Marketing best for business?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Where Text Excels<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Follow-up appointments<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Event time and location reminder<\/strong><\/h3>\n