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If you’re thinking about the value of bulk SMS text marketing for your business, congratulate yourself on being one of the savvy few to consider using this exciting and profitable strategy. Surprisingly and despite overwhelming statistics proving that 98 percent of smartphone owners use text messages on a regular basis, SMS has a significantly higher open rate (98%), time to open (3 minutes or less), and conversion rate (32%) when compared to direct mail and email marketing, most business owners have not yet started using SMS marketing. This means that those who get on board right away, have an extraordinary opportunity to capture a much greater share of their market before competitors do.
An Underutilized Marketing Trend Approaching Critical Mass
Just like every other marketing trend that has hit critical mass (when the majority adopts the behavior), so will SMS marketing. This is what happened with mobile phones, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google My Business, responsive web design, and others. Those who hold on to their old, outdated ways and fail to use bulk SMS marketing, may find it hard to compete or even stay in business.
It’s a fact that nobody likes to change but change is inevitable for progress. Eric Hoffer says it best in his quote: “In a world of change, the learners shall inherit the earth, while the learned shall find themselves perfectly suited for a world that no longer exists.” The fact that you are reading this article makes you a “learner” with the best prospects for success through innovation in your marketing.
Bulk SMS Marketing Services and Software
Now that we’ve established the value of using SMS marketing for business, you may have many questions about how to do it. Some of the important considerations are the service or software you use, costs, how to build lists, what to send, how to send at strategic times, and how to comply with regulations. There are vast differences in the functionality, costs, and ease of use from one service or software application to another.
Some bulk SMS applications are cloud-based offering keyword purchase options, list import and opt-in list-building methods, and methods to send simple image coupons. Most, however, fall short on scheduling SMS for strategic delivery, opt-in forms, ease of use, list management, built-in methods to create and attach clickable HTML coupons, and APIs for integration with shopping carts and CRMs. Cloud-based services are reasonably priced for low usage but can become quite expensive with volume delivery to larger lists.
Other options for bulk SMS include using an affordable SMS marketing system for WordPress websites. Since many business sites are developed in WordPress, a bulk SMS WordPress Plugin offers possibilities for cost-effective bulk SMS, some with robust functionality. But there is a vast difference in WordPress SMS plugins. Most support only a single list, provide no scheduling options, do not offer opt-in forms, and do not integrate coupon generation or the ability to easily attach images from other sources.
Important Features of SMS Services and Software
Whether using a cloud-based service or WordPress SMS plugins, Look for these important features:
- Create unlimited targeted lists and easily import subscribers.
- Acquire subscribers to any list via double opt-in SMS forms that display on any web page where HTML form code is inserted.
- Offer and manage a digital incentive (free opt-in gift) to increase opt-ins.
- Have options to send regular or extra-long text messages.
- Messages automatically include required opt-out instructions.
- Include an HTML coupon or other minified links in text messages.
- Create, edit, and clone coupons from built-in coupon generator.
- Send coupons with choice of HTML call-to-action options including click to call, buy, download, register.
- Easily select and insert any coupon you have created with the system.
- Send SMS immediately or schedule delivery in your time zone.
- Receive sent data with each campaign.
- Be compliant with rules and regulations regarding bulk SMS marketing.
- Secure system with encrypted mobile data.
Who Should Use Bulk SMS Marketing
Almost every business, whether local, national, or international, and most organizations can benefit from using bulk SMS marketing. There is no more powerful communication and marketing platform in our present day that can reach people as quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. No other marketing and advertising method can compare for open rate, timing, conversions and return on investment. If ever there was an optimum time to get ahead of inevitable critical mass for business SMS marketing, it is right now.