Email Marketing, Marketing

What is SMS Marketing and How Can You Leverage It

By: Lauren Petrullo
8 mins max
April 30, 2023

Are you looking for a way to quickly reach potential customers and instantly connect with them? Look no further than SMS marketing! This handy communication tool is great for sending targeted messages that can boost customer engagement, bring in new business, and build loyalty.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what SMS marketing is and how it can help your business take its marketing efforts to the next level. So grab your phone and let’s start texting!

What does SMS mean?

Are you wondering what the acronym “SMS” means? Well, SMS stands for Short Message Service and is a form of communication that allows businesses to send text messages directly to their customers.

The operation, therefore, is quite simple. It is about sending an SMS from a company phone to those recipients that you want to receive the information from. And, as in any marketing campaign, you will have to determine what message you want to convey (style, content, resources, etc.) and to who you want to send it to. Of course, with one condition: the text must be limited to 160 characters, which is the length of the SMS. Hence its name: Short Message Service.

This powerful online marketing tool has gained incredible popularity in recent years and is now used by many successful companies across industries as an effective way to reach their target audience.

What is the difference between SMS and MMS?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever questioned the difference between SMS and MMS messages. Let us break it down for you in simple terms; SMS stands for Short Message Service and refers to plain *but effective* text messages that are sent and received via cellular networks.

On the other hand, MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service and allows users to send multimedia content like images, videos, and audio files. So, in summary, if you want to send a simple text message, SMS is your go-to, but if you want to add some multimedia flavor to your message, MMS has got you covered.

What does SMS via server mean?

SMS via server means your text message gets sent through a server before it reaches its final destination. Think of that server as the middleman – kind of like a bouncer at a club. It ensures that your message gets delivered safely and securely, without any unwanted guests crashing the party. Plus, using a server can help improve delivery speeds, making sure your message gets to where it needs to be in a timely manner. So, next time you send a text, give a little shout-out to the unsung hero that is the SMS server.

What are the benefits of SMS marketing via server?

Sending SMS messages through servers, such as SMS marketing platforms like Klaviyo, has become increasingly popular over the years, and for a good reason. Firstly, it allows for bulk messaging, meaning you can send information to multiple people with just a few clicks. Secondly, server messaging ensures faster delivery and better reliability, ensuring your message not only gets to the right person but also in a timely manner. And lastly, let’s not forget the cost savings. Sending messages through a server typically costs less than regular texting rates. So not only is it more convenient, but it’s also budget-friendly. In short, if you want to stay ahead of the communication game, an sms marketing program with a server is the way to go!

Why you should start leveraging an SMS campaign for your business?

Have you ever received an SMS that grabbed your attention and got you excited about a brand or product? That’s the power of SMS marketing done right. By leveraging the instant and personal nature of text messaging, businesses can create clever and engaging campaigns that provide informative content and drive real results. From promotional offers to event reminders and more, a text messaging platform is an effective way to reach customers directly and build lasting relationships.

In a world of constant digital noise, how do you make your business stand out? You need to reach your customers where they are: on their phones. And what better way to do that than through an SMS campaign? With open rates as high as 98%, SMS messaging is the most effective way to cut through the clutter and get your message heard. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and affordable. Think about it, most people have their phones within arm’s reach at all times. By sending a cleverly crafted message straight to their inbox, you can build brand awareness, engage your audience, and drive conversions.

Now that you know what is SMS marketing, let us explain why you should consider creating a campaign for your business:

1. CTR is higher than email marketing

With SMS, the brand becomes almost like a trusted contact which makes the communication between the customer and the brand more natural. In fact, SMS rates are proven higher than email marketing campaign rates.

This can be attributed to the fact that SMS messages are received directly on a customer’s mobile device, making them impossible to ignore. Additionally, SMS messages tend to be shorter and more concise than emails, making it easier for customers to quickly digest the information and take action. These factors, combined with the fact that SMS messages have a 98% open rate, make SMS marketing a valuable channel for businesses looking to drive traffic and sales.

2. Direct and immediate

Unlike other forms of marketing, SMS campaigns are direct and immediate. When a brand sends an SMS to its customers, there is no risk of the message getting lost or buried in a sea of emails. The message is delivered directly to the customer’s mobile device, where it is read within minutes if not seconds. SMS marketing offers brands an incredible opportunity to deliver their message right into the hands of their target audience, greatly increasing the chances of conversion.

3. Short and sweet

With just a few cleverly crafted words, it’s possible to capture the attention of your target market and drive engagement with your brand. No more long-winded emails or complicated ad campaigns. SMS marketing messages are short, sweet, and to the point – perfect for our fast-paced world where a human’s attention span is of 8.25 seconds.

However, short and sweet doesn’t always mean easier. With only 160 characters available, it’s important to craft a catchy, engaging SMS that conveys your brand’s message and generates conversions. You don’t know how to do it? Don’t miss out on the possibility of leveraging SMS marketing and let us help you out! At Mongoose Media we specialize in SMS marketing campaigns that get you optimal results!

4. Builds brand loyalty

SMS marketing campaigns have proven their efficacy in building brand loyalty like never before. With the rise of mobile communication, messaging has become an integral part of our lives. Brands have cleverly seized this opportunity to engage with their customers by creating campaigns that keep them informed, educated, and entertained. By providing value and relevance, companies are able to foster a deeper connection with their audience. This is not only a smart marketing strategy but also an effective method to boost customer retention. The key lies in creating a message that is clever, informative, and memorable.

5. Cost-effective

Compared to other marketing channels, such as email marketing or social media ads, SMS marketing is significantly less expensive and even more effective!

The cost per message is relatively low, and with technological advancements, companies can now send personalized messages to their target audience, which results in higher response rates.

How to create a successful SMS marketing campaign

SMS campaigns can be a great way to reach out and connect with your audience. But how do you make sure your message isn’t just another ignored notification on their phone?

Here’s everything you need to know step by step to properly do an SMS campaign.

1. Choose an SMS marketing platform

One of the main SMS marketing best practices is using the correct platform.

When it comes to SMS marketing, there are plenty of platforms out there. But not all platforms are created equal. You want a platform that will help you create a successful SMS campaign. One that will reach your target audience with the right message at the right time.

So, what should you look for when choosing a platform? You need high deliverability rates, audience segmentation options, and automation features. Klaviyo and Dologale, our preferred SMS providers/CRMs/ESPs, will definitely give you these three things, to have a successful SMS marketing campaign. Remember, the success of your campaign is in the hands of the platform you choose.

2. Send a noticeable sms message

In SMS Marketing this is crucial. Customers are bothered by messages through mobile devices unless we are telling them something really worth it. For this reason, we need to dedicate ourselves to sending messages with added value, such as dates of special events, promotions, special brand discounts, etc.

3. Define when to send the message

As with social networks or email marketing, in SMS Marketing there are times to send and times when you should not do it under any circumstances. The best time to send a marketing message is when your customers need it the most.

Among many examples of promotional messages, here is one: imagine that you are a business owner selling gifts for Mother’s Day. The best time to start sending promotional messages is during the 1-2 weeks before Mother’s Day so your customers have the time to do their purchases.

Another good example is the 2.22 sale SMS campaign Mongoose Media created for CLEARSTEM which generated $132,544 in 2023 in comparison to no email campaign being sent last year!

4. Being brief is the key

Most people are bothered by long text messages, so the message should be short, to the point, and with a powerful action, it will definitely give you success.

5. Use raffles

We all like to get free stuff. Sweepstakes or gifts are used to direct to a landing page where we collect the information about the client that we need.

6. Avoid excessive abbreviations

Excessive use of abbreviations, even when you’re only 160 characters long, makes it appear unprofessional to the potential customer, and will make it seem like the message was written without time and care. The space that an SMS text gives you, must be well distributed and the message must be selectively and meticulously written by experts, especially for SMS marketing.

7. Use a keyword

One word will be the leading lady of the message. For example, imagine that you are a clothing store and you send an SMS to your database to inform them that for a week you are going to make special discounts on all items in stock. The keyword to use and which would appear at the beginning of the SMS could be “LIQUIDATION”, it is important to use capital letters for your keyword. Thus, at a glance, the receiver of the message knows that the SMS contains information that she can take advantage of.

8. Add a link

It is essential to incorporate a link to your marketing messages that redirect customers or potential customers to your eCommerce, social media, a landing page, or to that place you want as a brand, for them to carry out an action, which you can also measure more easily. Keep in mind that this link takes up space in your SMS, so it will be necessary to use shorteners for the size of the link.

9. Make the recipient feel special

The main task of marketing text messages is to make the recipient feel unique and special. Do not think that because it is an SMS, personalization does not give rise to it, on the contrary. Remember that the mobile is a very personal device and when you communicate with each client using this method, you have to try to enter that circle of trust through that personalization.

5 SMS marketing examples you could apply

Not every SMS marketing message has the same purpose. This is going to depend on the business’ digital marketing strategy. Here are five SMS marketing examples that you could implement:

1. Welcoming message

This type of message is like a virtual handshake, and you want to make sure you’re delivering a firm, friendly grip. But what type of message should you send? Well, it depends on your brand’s personality. If you’re playful and quirky, go ahead and throw in a joke or pun. If you’re more straightforward and professional, keep it concise and to the point. The key is to show your subscribers that you appreciate their interest and value their time.

2. Giveaway/raffle message type

When it comes to SMS marketing, a giveaway or raffle message can be a game-changer for a brand. Not only do personalized promotions offer a chance to engage with customers and build brand awareness, but it can also create excitement and anticipation around your brand’s products or services. By offering a valuable prize or exclusive experience, you can incentivize customers to opt-in to your SMS list and increase your potential customer base. Plus, by using clever and creative messaging, you can enhance the overall customer experience and leave a lasting impression.

3. Flash sale message type

This clever tactic relies on the human urge to act quickly to score a good deal. By creating a sense of urgency with limited-time offers, brands can generate excitement and encourage customers to take action. Of course, this approach only works if the message is crafted carefully. Too many Flash Sale messages can feel spammy and turn customers off. But with the right timing, messaging, and offer, a Flash Sale can be a powerful tool for brands looking to boost engagement and sales.

4. Back-in-Stock message type

Imagine this: you’re scrolling through your phone, checking messages from your favorite brands, and suddenly, you see it. The coveted “Back-in-Stock” message. Your heart races with excitement at the possibility of nabbing that item you’ve been eyeing. As a brand, this type of SMS marketing message is pure gold. Not only does it create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, but it also shows your customers that you are responsive to their wants and needs. By utilizing this message type, you can build customer loyalty and drive sales.

5. Feedback message type

This type of message allows brands to gather valuable information from their customers, whether it’s through a poll or a simple request for opinions. Plus, it shows that the brand values its customers’ thoughts and wants to improve their experience.

Text message marketing with Mongoose Media

Now that you know what is SMS marketing and why it is a must-try strategy for your brand, it’s time to talk about business. If you’re looking to improve your marketing strategy and want to implement a cost-effective SMS campaign that speaks to your audience and leaves a lasting impression, you’ve come to the right place.

Text message marketing is a powerful, modern tool that can help businesses reach their audiences in more meaningful ways than ever before. With its ability to engage customers on a personal level and its high potential for ROI, text messages are hard to ignore. Mongoose Media Agency with Klaviyo as a partner, provides an SMS marketing automation service that makes your message campaigns extremely simple and effective, taking your business to the next level.

So if you’re tired of trying to do it all yourself with little success, it’s time to take the plunge into mass text message marketing with Mongoose Media’s SMS marketing services. No more worrying about opening rates or trying to figure out how to use SMS marketing software—we got your back! Take advantage of letting the pros at Mongoose Media manage everything for you while you reap the rewards — contact us today and get ready to join the revolution of text message marketing!

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