Text Messaging as Marketing Tool:-

Nowadays, SMS or Text Messaging is not only an effective tool of communication but also an effective tool for business marketing. In any type of business, an effective communication is crucial. It is as important as the goods or services itself.

Communication is vital in Marketing. Utilizing SMS as a marketing tool has been an effective strategy in promoting goods or services. This is because SMS marketing makes it possible to directly interact with potential customers and provides a cost-effective method of data collection. Many companies have integrated this method in their marketing strategies and subsequently the number of companies using SMS continues to grow rapidly.

The SMS application is mainly utilized by client database. This database should maintain relevant customer’s contact information and a valid mobile number. Another benefit is Interactivity; text messaging is an interactive medium. It invites participation through polls, logos, games, ring tones or vouchers. Use interactivity to obtain information for precisely targeted future promotions.

Client database: -

An important component of using SMS as a marketing tool is a client database. This database should maintain relevant customer’s contact information and a valid mobile number. If applicable to your area, ensure that you are able to personalize your SMS by keeping first names in your database.

Ensure Customer opts to receive SMS:-

The most vital factor when settings up an SMS campaign is to make sure that a member registers to receive SMS from you. This pre approval for SMS communication ensures prevention of prosecution. Provisions should be in place for a member to opt out or unsubscribe from the service, this process will also help to avoid legal issues.

Keep it customer centric:-

Ensure your marketing is relevant to your target. The relevance of the message is vital for success. Does the recipient see a real and tangible benefit to the message? If not, chances of brand damage are certain. Limit a text message to no more than 160 characters. Focus your message on benefits and don't ramble. If a text message is more than 160 characters, a second SMS in continuation will be sent. Avoid this. In addition to doubling the cost, the recipient may be irritated and discard the entire message.

Ensure interactivity by Inviting participation: -

Text Messaging is an interactive medium. Invite participation through polls, logos, games, ring tones or vouchers. Use interactivity to obtain information for precisely targeted future promotions.

Stick to the tried and proven techniques of database marketing:-

Standard database marketing techniques and principles, as used by other marketing mediums, are what SMS Messaging requires. The marketing database should be dissected by various factors as required by particular businesses, including, gender, age, interests, location, purchasing patterns and frequency.

Create confidence with a Sender ID: -

The presence of a sender ID is useful as it invokes confidence with the recipient, as the receiver knows the source of the received message. A company name, brand or trade-mark name should always be included in the body of the text message.