A guide to SMS marketing

Comply with regulations Ensure compliance with SMS marketing regulations, including obtaining proper consent from customers before sending marketing messages. Build your SMS subscriber list Encourage customers to opt in to your SMS marketing by offering incentives like discounts, early access, or exclusive content. Segment your audience Divide your SMS subscriber list into segments based on factors such as purchase history, preferences, and location. This enables targeted messaging. Create engaging content Craft concise and engaging SMS messages by including a clear call-to-action and a compelling reason for customers to take action. Make sure to send messages at times that are convenient and relevant to your audience. Avoid sending messages during late hours or off-peak times. Personalisation is key Use the recipient's name and personalise messages with relevant content, such as product recommendations based on their previous purchases. Exclusive offers and promotions Provide SMS subscribers with exclusive deals, promotions, and early access to sales. Consider allowing customers to respond to your SMS messages with questions or feedback to ensure that you have a system in place to handle responses promptly. Link to your website Include links to your website, product pages, or landing pages in your SMS messages to drive traffic and sales. Track and measure performance Use analytics to track the performance of your SMS marketing campaigns. Measure metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. You should also continuously test different elements of your SMS messages, such as message content, timing, and calls to action, to optimise performance. Customer feedback Encourage subscribers to provide feedback on your SMS marketing campaigns and use their input to make improvements. This goes hand-in-hand with providing customer support for subscribers who have questions or concerns regarding your SMS messages. Opt-out option Always include an easy opt-out option in your SMS messages, as required by regulations. Make the process hassle-free for customers. Cross-channel integration Integrate SMS marketing with your other marketing channels, such as email and social media, for a cohesive customer experience. Timing sensitive alerts Use SMS for time-sensitive alerts, such as order confirmations, shipping updates, and appointment reminders. You should also consider maintaining a consistent schedule and frequency for your SMS messages. Avoid overwhelming subscribers with excessive messages. Mobile optimisation Ensure that your website and landing pages are mobile-optimised, as many customers will access them from their mobile devices after receiving an SMS. Legal compliance Stay up to date with SMS marketing laws and regulations in your region and comply with them. Stay Innovative Keep an eye on emerging SMS marketing trends and technologies and be open to adopting new strategies and tools to stay competitive.