Death of SMS? Premature indeed.
I’m forever reading articles declaring SMS is dead. It always confuses me because I see just the opposite. But the argument they make usually has something to do with the growth of instant messaging apps, or in app notifications. Many predict that apps are, or will be, the preferred mobile form of interaction with brands. It’s an argument for sure, and it may be true in some sectors. But it ignores one single truth about SMS messaging: it works on any type of mobile, no app required.
You can reach anyone with a simple SMS message. All you need is their mobile number (and their permission if you’ll be using it for direct marketing). You don’t have to ask them to download an app. You don’t have to ask them to open the app to see your messages. And you don’t have to rely on them reading through a list of notifications that pop up when their phone or app isn’t on (where it’s likely your message will get lost amongst a slew of emails or other app notifications).
When you’re trying to connect with people, you want to keep it as simple as possible. Whether you’re looking to increase sales, keep your organisation updated on a project, or improve attendance at Sunday services, a single SMS message can reach everyone. And they don’t have to do anything other than read the message. They’ll see it, and they’ll read it. No extra steps needed.
If you’re an app advocate, you may think I’m oversimplifying or just not up on the latest trends. Apps certainly have their purposes. I’m a fan of apps too. But if you’re interested in mobile marketing, SMS is the place to focus. And it’s not just me saying that.
An article in Mobilemarketingwatch.com reported on a recent study done by the Mobile Marketing Association. The results of that study showed 90% of mobile marketing revenue was driven by SMS. They looked at all channels including mobile video ads and other forms of mobile advertising. But as the article states, “SMS is ‘cleaning up’”.
If SMS could talk, I think it would be quoting Mark Twain:
“The report of my death was an exaggeration.”
Related Articles
5 Simple Steps to Improve Your SMS Marketing with A/B Testing
Do you ever wonder if your SMS marketing campaigns could be even more successful? Of course, you do! Find out how to put A/B testing to work in your campaigns by following our five simple steps and see your ROI increase
Why Brits are Lucky When it Comes to SMS Spam
SMS spam is a problem worldwide. But in the UK, we’re less likely to get it than many other countries. Find out why that is, see some examples, and how you can do your part to keep your SMS messages free of spam.
7 Statistics That Show Why You Should be Using SMS Marketing Right Now
You might have heard about SMS marketing and thought it wasn't for you. Maybe you're unconvinced by this method of reaching customers and are just not sure it could help your business thrive. But any business, big or small, can benefit from an online SMS service and the facts are plain to see.
Why Using SMS for Customer Service is a Good Thing
Customer service is arguably one of the most important parts of any organisation. Happy, loyal customers spend more and ultimately bring you more business through positive comments and referrals. Here's why SMS is crucial to maintaining high levels of support now and for the future.
SMS vs. Instant Message App Marketing
It seems there's a new messaging app popping up every month. It's hard to keep track of them all, but it's also hard to ignore them if you're looking to use mobile marketing. When you've got limited marketing resources, should you spend them advertising on the latest IM app, or go with SMS marketing?
3 Tips to Help You Time Your SMS Marketing Campaign
Timing is everything. While it’s an axiom everyone can understand and agree on, it’s doubly true when it comes to SMS marketing. If you send your messages at the wrong time, you’ll see your opt out rates jump and your ROI plummet. So when should you send your text marketing messages? Here are three key guidelines to help you schedule your next campaign.
Why People and Companies Prefer SMS Messaging for Customer Support
People like SMS messaging. They really do. In a variety of surveys and studies, consumers continue to say they like it when companies use SMS to communicate with them. Let's look at some of the data that proves it to be true, and also how to make sure your company is using it correctly for customer support communications.
OFCOM Report Proves SMEs Reliant on SMS Messaging
A recent OFCOM report answers the age-old question: Do SMEs use SMS messaging? Maybe it’s not such an old question, but the answer is quite interesting if you work in an SME. That’s because SMS turns out to be one of the most relied on communications methods available.
3 Facts about SMS Messaging in the UK
Do people really like getting SMS messages? Is it true they’re using Apps like WhatsApp instead? A recently published survey reveals those answers, and a few more. Find out the details on how SMS messaging is used and viewed in the UK in this blog.
Do You Really Check Your Mobile Phone 1550 Times a Week?
Recently Tecmark released the results of a survey they conducted on mobile phone use. You’ll see the results reported everywhere online as the data is quite extraordinary. Here’s we include a summary of statistics for an average user. They may not be all that surprising, but they're certainly telling.