In the US, nearly 97% of adults own a cell phone. That fact alone is great news for SMS marketers — but what’s even more interesting? 15% of those people don’t have an internet connection with that cell phone.
In other words, that’s 52.5 million people who can only be reached on their phones through SMS.
It’s easy to understand why. Texting is fast, simple, and it’s proven to be one of the most effective communication channels available.
In this guide, we’ll explore eight SMS marketing tips to maximize the effectiveness of your messages, ensuring they resonate with recipients while following the latest best practices.
If you’re just starting an SMS campaign for the first time, it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape around it.
For example, SMS marketing in the US is regulated under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). These regulations establish several restrictions, requiring you to:
These requirements can differ by country and sometimes even by state. So, take some time to investigate local privacy and data laws to ensure you’re starting on the right foot.
Imagine signing up for updates from your favorite shoe store only to receive promotions exclusively for children's sizes. Such a mismatch is disappointing at best, and a reason to unsubscribe at worst.
To avoid that scenario with your audience, consider using “segmentation” strategies—dividing them into groups based on previous interactions and data. Segmentation lets you send messages that align more closely with their interests.
For instance, a beauty brand might segment customers based on product preferences and purchasing history. Based on that, the brand can send skincare and makeup suggestions or promotions to those customers most interested in buying.
Texts have some of the highest open rates out there — about 98%, in fact. The real challenge is to make your content worth reading, and hopefully, inspire action.
To do that, simplicity is the key ingredient. Consider a few SMS marketing tips for crafting compelling text messages:
When text messages are short, sweet, and easy to act upon, they’re more likely to drive the results you’re looking for.
Even the most compelling message could get overlooked if the timing is inconvenient. Here are a few best practices to boost your chances of catching your audience at the right time:
Experiment with different sending times and analyze the results to find the best timing for your industry and audience.
Texting is inherently a two-way communication channel, and recipients prefer to respond as if they're conversing directly with a person.
How can you prepare for that? There are two main ways:
Both approaches are viable. The important thing is to have something in place to catch those replies, upping customer satisfaction and preventing any possible confusion.
The dynamic nature of text messaging is one of its biggest draws. It’s fresh and exciting. You can tap into those same feelings with your SMS marketing by alternating the content you send.
Your SMS content schedule might include:
Rotating your content in this way keeps things vibrant and compelling for your customers, building a sense of anticipation for each new message.
Following up on the previous point, remember that the content you send doesn’t always need to be for the sole purpose of selling.
In fact, many businesses garner even more attention when they simply provide value to their customers — without asking for anything in return. For example, a home improvement store might send DIY tips or how-to guides for common household projects.
By offering this type of free value, you build trust and goodwill. This can naturally lead to increased customer loyalty and, ultimately, more sales.
Whether you’re launching a new campaign or simply refining your SMS marketing strategy, it’s crucial to make these optimizations based on your audience. And the best way to know your audience? Dig into the data.
Key metrics can provide insights into how your strategy is working. Pay special attention to metrics like:
Continuous refinement based on these insights will help enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns.
Of course, to gather these data points, you’ll need the right SMS texting platform.
Whether you're promoting products, sending updates, or providing customer service, the immediacy and directness of texting can enhance any marketing strategy.
Text-Em-All provides the tools to implement these strategies effectively — from mass texting to detailed analytics — so you can make the most of each text message.
By following these SMS marketing tips and focusing on delivering genuine value, you can craft campaigns that not only engage but truly resonate with your soon-to-be lifelong fans.