SMS Marketing: When You Should – And SHOULDN’T – Use It
If you're not already using SMS Marketing, get ready to take your marketing strategy to the next level.
In our latest video, I share some super powerful insights on SMS marketing. You'll discover when to use it, how it can boost your engagement and the best practices to avoid pitfalls.
Watch this quick, content-only video below now to learn how SMS marketing can transform your business:
Hey folks, Jason Buckner here from Automation Made Easy and I-Convert Summit. Today, I want to talk to you about SMS marketing—when to use it, when not to use it, and what to be cautious about.
SMS marketing is a powerful tool with incredibly high engagement rates. However, knowing when and how to use it can make a significant difference in your marketing success. In this post, I'll share key instances where SMS can be highly effective and offer some crucial tips to avoid common pitfalls.
Declining Email Engagement
The problem many marketers face today is declining email open rates. With average open rates now around 18%, and even the best campaigns peaking at 40-50%, it's increasingly challenging to reach your audience through email alone. Additionally, the volume of emails people receive has doubled in the last two years, making it even harder to stand out in a crowded inbox.
Lost Opportunities
Imagine putting in all the effort to craft the perfect email campaign only to see it buried in your recipient's overflowing inbox. Your crucial messages, webinar invites, or lead magnets go unnoticed, wasting your resources and missing valuable opportunities to engage your audience. This is where SMS marketing comes in as a game-changer.
Leveraging SMS Effectively
SMS offers a much higher engagement rate, with a staggering 98% open rate and 90% of messages read within the first 30 seconds. Here are three key times to leverage SMS in your marketing strategy:
Event Registrations: When someone opts in for a webinar or live event, send them SMS reminders to ensure high attendance. This simple step can boost your show rate from an average of 30% to 40-50%.
Lead Magnets: Always request a mobile number when someone opts in for a lead magnet. Use SMS to confirm their subscription and send content. This approach ensures they see your message amidst the email chaos.
Sales Bookings: For businesses relying on sales calls, SMS is crucial for appointment confirmations and reminders. Sending SMS reminders the day before, an hour before, and 15 minutes before the call can increase your show rate by up to 37%.
Cautions For SMS Marketing
While SMS is incredibly effective, it's important to use it wisely:
- Frequency: Monitor opt-out rates to determine the optimal frequency for your SMS campaigns. If opt-outs increase, reduce the frequency of your messages.
- Opt-Out Process: Ensure you have an automated opt-out process in place. This could be as simple as allowing recipients to reply with "STOP" to unsubscribe.
- Compliance: Be aware of legal regulations regarding SMS marketing in your region. In Australia, for example, SMS spamming can lead to hefty fines.
Maximizing Engagement With SMS Marketing
SMS marketing can significantly enhance your engagement rates when used appropriately. By focusing on key moments such as event registrations, lead magnet confirmations, and sales bookings, you can ensure your messages are seen and acted upon. Just remember to monitor your campaign's impact and maintain compliance with opt-out processes to avoid spamming issues.
Not sure exactly how to use SMS marketing in YOUR business?
If you're keen to find out more about how you can use SMS marketing in your specific business, why not book your free, no obligation, no hard sell SMS strategy session today.
This 45-Minute Strategy Session may likely be the catalyst for taking your business to the next level.