SMS marketing for growth, how a single word can increase results and build a data base of ardent followers willing to buy your product
Does SMS marketing really work
It certainly does and if you get your recipients to be part of the service by taking their own actions it is even better.
It is called Keyword marketing
This unique method can be part of your normal service and included at no additional charge
You will find countless opportunities to use this in exciting ways and entrance your users with your abilities in marketing
First of all you ask your recipients to SMS you a simple word to show their interest in your product.
A simple solution however lets first look at what is needed.
Principally you will do this with a Bulk SMS generator (Verdi SMS) and have your own fixed virtual number, like 0481074129 that can be bought with your service.
Furthermore you can have the number included in any marketing material you have and work
in the same way
A fixed number is part of your business branding
Using a single number to send and receive SMS messages provides you with an easily recognised brand that recipients will happily open.
Importantly you can use a SMS generator or your own email to SMS service provided with our service.
The number may even be part of all media material.
Furthermore your customers can save the number in their address book to either contact you at a future time or recognise messages coming from you.
A small monthly charge applies for this just like owning a mobile phone number and using it for outbound traffic. Premium numbers are also available however at a greater cost basis. Most likely used by large groups and marketing companies.
Now choosing a keyword
Most words are available for use, however a few are reserved by the carriers.
Words that you can not use include ;
- Unsub or Unsubscribe
- Stop, end or quit
- Cancel
Therefore the word you can choose will reflect what you want to achieve.
As an example I have chosen the simple word WINNER for my marketing.
This can be included in any of the following
- Surveys
- Feedback
- Data collection
- Sales
- Service
- Invitations
- group search
- Comparable product offer (think Amazon or McDonalds fries)
Every reply is included in your data base
Building a data base has never been easier. These are interested parties that can be actioned or put into an auto responder for continued contact.
Not everyone is ready to buy today however they are close to being closed so they need constant nurturing. Keep up the SMS or switch to email to maintain a focus. Even use both email and SMS to really press the point.
You can collect potential buyers from anywhere. Any printed media, marketing material, emails, web pages, blogs, sign boards, promotional items and even t-shirts.
It is important to keep the data base fresh. When they purchase move them onto another list.
We have a global opt-out list so that should look after the absconders.
Yes, I will give you 100 free SMS messages to try out a service that will drive customers in the door. (sorry new customers only)
Analytics are always important
Like any marketing you need feed back and SMS is mostly instant. If it is not working you will understand very soon and be able to take the necessary step to correct any problems.
You may even change directions however you will be doing it on full knowledge of past results and future predictions.
Using a Multi-media approach
In this campaign I shall use my newsletter, retired customers by SMS (a great source of renewal), my blog and other contacts gathered over time.
Of course I shall include Facebook and Instagram to complement the exposure.
furthermore a link will appear on this page.
Our system is capable of picking up multiple entries to save the problem of the really keen.
Depending on results (again I will really understand the matrix) I may use Google adds to provide greater volume based on a great ROI
SMS marketing for growth examples
The Real Estate model
We all know that Real Estate reps pick up a bundle of names in a week. Home opens, office enquiries, left messages .
The volume of names is currently exaggerated by fast growth in the industry. In fact rental properties may attract 50-60 enquiries in a day.
The job of calling these people back is a tedious one and also gets a lot of rude results from busy people not wanting to be bothered with a sales pitch.
Get them to make the decision
Sorry the house at Duncraig is now under offer, however a new market entry in a similar price range is coming online in nearby Floreat waters.
Click details please and our rep will get back to you.
How impressive and professional is that?
And it gets even better
Instead of all the replies going to the busy mobile phone where they can get lost or ignored they go to a selected email address as well. This means that office personnel can set up the replies while you handle the leg work. A real chain of action
Furthermore their SMS will be acknowledged so they don't think they have been ignored.
The rest is up to you.
An invitation to an event
Understanding customer intent is hard work as most of them are unsure themselves.
Imagine sending out 500 messages that ask for a reply.
Click the words I am In to have your seat confirmed. Again we are all about time saving.
An accountant at year end
It is always a hard job getting the herd into action. They struggle to get their returns to you over a twelve month time span making your calendar entries a nightmare.
Emails getting ignored and phone calls not returned are annoying to say the least. So what if there was a better way?
SMS messages are read every time and are really hard to ignore, particularly if you request an action that they can respond to. You can batch process your mail so filling those time spots is productive for you and maintains a steady work flow.
Restaurants, venues and entertainment
Every one has quiet nights, even the busiest restaurant can have free tables because of cancellations or all manner if situations.
It is proven that a quick SMS to part of your data base can fill those spots in just minutes for practically nothing in cost.
An empty table of ten has a big cost factor when you have programmed staff to meet the occasion.
Your business will have its own needs
Think of the days you could do with a small boost in foot traffic and consider what would provide the fastest take up that can be guaranteed, it is not email nor voice traffic, Facebook won't cut it and Instagram will be ignored however a SMS word program will liven up the crowd.
The doctor that has a bundle of spots for Covid injections could gather a crowd in minutes.
The Physio could fill his appointment book and the car service outlet, say no more.
Summing up for you
First of all If you want action it is important that you take action and use an approach that is cost effective and importantly results orientated.
It is not guess work, you get an immediate return so you can make adjustments on the fly. You don't need an advertising department because it is so easy anyone can do it.
Finally, remember if the returns are big, segment your mail so that you can handle the reply's. Always do a test batch to try the water.
SMS marketing for growth, how a single word can dramatically increase results by Peter Hanley
