3 More Reasons to Use SMS Marketing This Year

Are you still holding out on using SMS marketing for your business?
If so, the “usual” statistics that get thrown around obviously aren’t going to help you decide to start now. But what about something that will convince you of the value of it? Especially the long-term value it has for you and your customers? Sound interesting?
There are three excellent reasons to use SMS marketing that go deeper than just open, read or click through rates. Together they paint a picture of why SMS is a critical part of any mobile marketing plan. Let’s look at them one by one.
1. People Prefer SMS
Multiple surveys show the number of people who prefer SMS for brand communications is growing every year. Because people prefer it, it is quickly becoming a crucial part of any brand’s efforts to enhance the customer journey.
SMS supports communication at various stages of a purchase, including order and shipping confirmations, status updates, and account enquiries. That allows brands to maintain a connection that is seen as reliable, convenient and consistent (if done correctly) by the customer. That fosters good feelings towards the brand.
And it offers the opportunity for businesses to keep track of that customer in a way not possible with apps. Too much reliance on app-related marketing can actually make it difficult to maintain a connection with a single customer. Today a customer may be on WhatsApp, then SnapChat, then the next popular thing, then back to Facebook Messenger. Which leads to the next reason to use SMS.
2. SMS Provides Stability
It’s hard to effectively use mobile marketing when your user base is unstable. But that’s exactly what happens when you try and leverage the latest popular app, and then the next and the next (because no one stays on the top for too long).
The truth is people stop using apps, or even delete them, on a regular basis. For the “average” app, one estimate is that 77% of people stop using it within three days. That statistic is probably too aggressive when talking about a new popular app that takes hold, but still most of them eventually decline.
This is where SMS marketing shines. Most people keep their mobile number for years. Even when they switch phones or carriers they take their number with them. So, once they are on your list, you have a direct connection to them for as long as they choose (until they opt out).
The relationship you build with them using SMS stays with both of you. You don’t have to bother trying to get them to connect with you again on a different platform, you just keep sending SMS messages.
3. SMS Saves You Time and Effort
Marketing can be exhausting. I think that’s particularly true in mobile marketing. Trying to keep up with the latest social networking or instant messaging apps is time-consuming. And often it’s hard to know whether or not your effort and money is being spent wisely.
New platforms require new training, new processes, and lead time. When you use SMS marketing though, you know what it is. You may vary the content, timing, or list management but the channel itself isn’t going to change – at least not quickly.
It is also easy to measure your success and calculate ROI with SMS. And with SMS you have low, fixed costs per message sent.
Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t try out marketing in new platforms and apps. There is no one-size-fits-all in mobile marketing. But when you include SMS in your mix of channels, it can be the foundation you use for “guaranteed” ROI while you experiment with other options.
Related Articles
The Biggest Lie in SMS Marketing
Have you seen articles telling you SMS marketing can’t be used to acquire new customers? Or that it isn’t a good way to so? Don’t believe them. You just have to know how to use SMS to get new people to sign up for your list. Read on to find out how.
5 Tips to Stay Ahead for Your Bank Holiday SMS Marketing
3 Important SMS Marketing Concepts You Need to Know
If you are looking to get going with SMS marketing it's worth learning a bit about the "tricks of the trade" so you avoid the common pitfalls and get off on the right foot. Read about three important marketing concepts that will maximise your success in this venture.
The Never-Ending Conflict of Email vs. SMS Marketing
Many marketers think they need to choose between email and SMS marketing. And depending on what you read, you’ll find one is “better” than the other. But that isn’t necessarily true. Learn how a united effort using both can increase your profits with only a little bit of effort.
To Txt Speak, or NTTS. TITQ.
Is it a good idea to cram more information into your precious 160 characters by using "txtspk" acronyms and abbreviations? Yes and no! It depends on the audience and the message. In this post you can pick up some insights into this question and join us in dissecting a real life example.
10 Invaluable Ways to use SMS Marketing for Your Business
There is something about SMS marketing that is not like any other form of marketing. It is a simple form of communication, but highly effective in forging close relationships with clients who purchase from you regularly. Here are 10 key ways to use SMS marketing for your business and how to get the most out of your clients.
Suggested templates for back-to-business SMS communications
Work 24/7 Without Being in The Office! The Benefits of SMS Scheduling
In our demanding, 24/7 world it is difficult to stay on top of your SMS marketing campaign but with scheduling you can ensure you are getting your message to your audience whatever the time.
3 Ingredients for Successful SMS Marketing
What You Need to Know About Choosing SMS Keywords
Keywords are a big deal in SMS marketing. They’re more important than ever, whether you use a shortcode or a virtual mobile number (VMN) if you’re planning on using two-way messaging. Here's what you need to know to help you choose the right keyword for your SMS marketing campaign.