Short Message Service (SMS) is a text messaging service that allows phones to exchange short text messages with as many as 160 characters using standard protocols on cellular networks.
It is a foundational mobile technology used for everything from personal communication to business applications like appointment reminders, notifications, and one-time passcodes for security. Unlike Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), SMS does not require an internet connection and sends only text-based messages.
No, bulk SMS and X (Twitter) are not the same. SMS sends messages to a list of phone numbers via a text message service, while X is a social media platform for posting public tweets and sending direct messages to other users. Think of bulk SMS as sending mass text messages, and X as a social-media site with public posts.
SMS marketing sends promotional messages to customers who have opted in to receive them. It’s a direct and immediate way to engage customers with offers, updates, and reminders, boasting high open and click-through rates compared to other channels like email.
You can’t afford not to do it all and this robust technology helps achieve a broad range of goals.
As the expert, Mohamed Odah, writes for Forbes, this smarter approach to communication is more urgent than ever:
“Our fundamental need to communicate will never change, but the way we do this will continue to evolve with the emergence of new technologies. And, as research has shown, customers are increasingly seeking communication that is personalized, consistent and always on.”
Key aspects include building an opt-in list, crafting concise and valuable messages, and integrating SMS with other marketing strategies.
Businesses send promotional messages, such as discounts, event announcements, or appointment reminders, directly to a customer’s mobile phone.
It is essential to get explicit consent from customers before sending them messages, ensuring they are interested in receiving communications from your brand.
SMS messages have a very high open rate, often around 98 percent, and are typically read within minutes of being sent, making them an effective way to grab attention.
How to do it effectively
Collect phone numbers through your website, at checkout, or via a “text-to-join” keyword. Offer a valuable incentive to encourage sign-ups.
Keep messages short, clear, and to the point. Always include a clear call to action and offer value in every message.
Avoid overwhelming your subscribers by sending messages too often. Balance your promotional texts with value-added content or updates.
Target specific groups of customers with tailored messages to increase engagement and relevance.
Use automations for welcome messages, follow-ups, and other recurring tasks to save time and personalize the customer experience.
Use SMS marketing as part of a broader strategy that includes email and other digital marketing efforts to create a cohesive customer experience.
SMS marketing can be a budget-friendly way to reach a large audience, especially for businesses that don’t have elaborate design needs. It creates a direct and personal connection with customers, making them feel valued and special.
Unlike social media, you control your SMS list. This provides a more reliable and resilient marketing channel.
SMS apps for small businesses
Stakeholder engagement is always an essential part of a strong business. With it, you can attract and retain customers effectively as well as provide key information efficiently that creates real value.
Incorporating technology into your engagement strategy helps expand your reach to retain quality while keeping costs low.
Artificial intelligence
To keep pace with technological shifts and achieve sophisticated messaging, AI is the way to go.
In a time where there are shrinking budgets and staff and not having the capacity to provide highly responsive correspondence every day, bulk messaging with AI helps solve a range of problems.
From simultaneously keeping stakeholders informed through to freeing staff for more complex tasks, this is a solution that genuinely solves a range of needs.
Furthermore, responding to stakeholder queries or assisting web site visitors is part of your value proposition and how customers experience your brand.
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“Technology, through automation and artificial intelligence, is definitely one of the most disruptive sources.”
-Alain Dehaze
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