In today’s digital age, text message marketing has become a game-changer, especially for small businesses aiming to make a big impact without breaking the bank. Different marketing channels each have their own strengths, which are equally important to include in your strategy; however, you often have to compete for attention against a flood of other messages, whether in a crowded inbox or a busy social media feed. With high open rates and instant delivery, text message marketing is a direct and effective way to reach your customers, making it a must-have in any strategy! In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of text message marketing, break down the difference between SMS and MMS, and give you some tips on how to use this tool to boost engagement, drive sales, and build stronger relationships with your customers.
SMS vs MMS
Before diving into the advantages, it’s crucial to understand the difference between SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), the two primary formats used in text message marketing.
SMS is the most basic form of text messaging, allowing businesses to send short, text-based messages of up to 160 characters. SMS is highly effective for sending quick updates, promotional offers, and reminders. Because it is text-only, it’s lightweight, cost-effective, and widely supported across all mobile devices, making it accessible to virtually all consumers!
MMS, on the other hand, allows for the inclusion of multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio files. MMS messages can be up to 1600 characters long, offering more flexibility and creativity in communication. This format is ideal for businesses that want to enhance their messages with visual content, making them more engaging and memorable.
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in text message marketing is the impressive open rates. A study by SlickText shows that the average open rate for text message marketing is 98%. This means that nearly all of your recipients will see your message within minutes of receiving it. Virtually everyone owns a cellphone, making text messaging a universally accessible technology that works on any mobile device, regardless of age or model. Text message marketing can be incredibly cost-effective! SMS campaigns are generally cheaper than traditional advertising methods, and because they have high engagement rates, they often yield a higher return on investment (ROI). Even MMS campaigns, which can cost slightly more due to the multimedia content, can be highly cost-effective when compared to other forms of visual advertising.
Texts are delivered instantly, making them perfect for time-sensitive promotions and updates! Whether you’re announcing a flash sale, sending a reminder about an appointment, or alerting customers to a new product launch, text message marketing ensures your message reaches your audience in real time. According to Business Wire, consumers tend to respond to text messages much faster than other forms of communication, with 90% of SMS messages being read within 30 minutes.
Best Practices
- Do your research—find a text message marketing provider that’s right for your budget and plan. You should choose someone whose services and features align with your marketing objectives.
- Keep messages short and sweet—recipients should know within seconds what the message/offer is, and how to claim it.
- Be exclusive—text subscribers should get your best deals and discounts. This is an incentive for opting in and remaining subscribed.
- Don’t be shady—make it easy to opt in, and even easier to opt out.
- Timing is everything—set a schedule and stick with it. Don’t send messages during sleeping hours and be aware of time zones!
- Make it clear who you are, especially in the first message.
Text message marketing is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways to support your overall marketing strategy. Whether you’re sending promotional offers, conducting surveys, or providing customer service, the best thing about text messaging marketing is that it can be tailored to meet your specific needs, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to maximize their marketing efforts!