Text message marketing is often an underrated marketing channel. Many marketers do not realize the full benefits provided by SMS marketing and how the platform can boost their business and current marketing efforts. Keep reading to learn about the top 15 advantages of text message marketing.
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1. Text message marketing has high engagement rates.
There are no guarantees when it comes to marketing strategies, but text message marketing is about as close as you can get to a sure thing. While open and click rates for emails tend to be low, text messages are typically opened and read within three minutes. The engagement rate for SMS marketing is 90-95% in many cases. So, when you send a message, it is more than likely to be read.
2. SMS marketing is trackable.
There is a lot of data available with text message marketing platforms. Campaigns can be managed from your desktop or even a mobile app to provide a clear overview of your efforts. You can easily see what is working and what needs to be modified to improve your campaigns and get better results. Common metrics include click-through rates, redemption rates, opt-in and opt-out rates, response rates, and ROI.
3. Content is interactive.
The interactive nature of text messages goes far to increase customer engagement. You can use a variety of content types to encourage your users to interact with the message, from games and scratch pads to responses and photos. Adding a reply option or including a link gets your customers to take the next step in your marketing campaign. The interaction with your brand is instant and personal.
4. SMS marketing offers immediacy for delivery.
Sending, responding, and gaining insights for your SMS marketing campaigns is almost instant. You can set up a campaign and get hundreds of responses in just minutes. This speed enables you to make changes to your campaigns quickly and improve your message in no time. Requests for customer feedback, time-sensitive promotions, last-minute specials, and event-related messages can be delivered and read faster than other marketing channels.
5. You can make it personal.
Personalizing your marketing campaign offers an improved user experience for higher engagement rates. Consumers are constantly exposed to marketing messages, making it is easy for them to become numb and ignore your messages altogether. Adding a personal touch, like including a user’s name or recommending something based on their preferences, can increase your engagement and response rate. With SMS marketing platforms, incorporating these personalized touches is simple.
6. Competition is low.
There are so many marketing channels that are oversaturated, but text message marketing is not one of those channels. Consumers are flooded with email marketing messages, direct mail, and online ads. Using text message marketing is a way to make your brand stand out from the crowd and reach users in a unique way. You can cut through the marketing clutter by sending texts to your customers.
7. SMS marketing is reliable.
SMS marketing does not rely on an internet connection and there is no risk of your message being sent to spam. The delivery rate for text message marketing is much higher than other marketing channels, like email. Without a spam or promotions folder, you know your messages are going directly to someone’s inbox.
8. You can stretch your reach.
The ownership rates for mobile phones is extremely high. While not everyone owns a smartphone or a computer, mobile phones are very common around the world. You can reach a wider audience with text message marketing than you can with many other channels. Also, depending on your audience, you can reach different demographics with text messages.
9. Text message integrates with other channels.
SMS marketing can be used as a standalone channel or integrated with other marketing channels. You can use text messages to reinforce your marketing efforts across social media, online paid ads, and more. Text messages are a great way to follow up with your customers and encourage them to check out your latest email offer or use a coupon they were sent in the mail.
10. The ROI is high.
The return on investment for text message marketing is almost instant, and it is certainly high. The metric is easy to track on your SMS marketing platform, so you can easily justify the costs in your marketing budget. The cost of sending text messages is fairly low, especially compared to other paid marketing methods. Also, the immediacy of text message marketing provides considerable returns.
11. Messages are easy to share with others.
Word of mouth marketing is one of the most effective vehicles for gaining exposure and traction for your brand. Text messages are easy for your consumers to share with others, whether they forward the message or rely on it in another way with family and friends. A commercial on TV or a billboard is not as easy to pass along as SMS messages.
12. You can send any content with rich SMS.
Rich SMS enables you to send a wide range of content to your consumers, instead of just text-based messages. You can share videos, photos, surveys, games, and more. Visual content helps users retain your message better and for longer periods of time. This type of content also increases engagement and provides more feedback for your campaigns.
13. You can learn more about your customers.
Getting feedback from your customers is not always an easy task. Emails go unread and links do not get clicked on, so your survey lacks responses. With text messages, you can send surveys and ask customers questions to get almost instant responses. All of this information can be put to use to improve your products, services, and marketing campaigns.
14. Text message marketing can improve your UX.
Text messages are an easy way for customers to receive alerts about their accounts, track their orders, and more. This form of communication is already common for your users and something they are used to, so incorporating it into your brand’s communication can provide a better user experience. With the immediacy and interactivity of SMS marketing, customers can engage with your brand with ease.
15. SMS marketing is customizable.
You can make SMS marketing work for your brand by customizing the features to meet the needs of your business and your target audience. Messages can be mixed and matched to work with your existing promotion channels, and you can tailor the message to fit your audience. You have the flexibility to pair the right message with the best style to get optimal results from your text message marketing campaigns.
