Your messages will be read and liked. You will be able to build a strong bond with your audience. As a result, your business will grow. Consequently, your customers will feel valued and respected. This is the goal of any good marketing plan.
Always Get Permission First
Before you send any message, you must have permission. This is a crucial rule. It is a law in many places. The person must agree to get texts from you. This is called opting-in. There are many simple ways to get this permission. They can text a special word to your number. They can also check a box on your website. This shows they want your messages. Moreover, it is a sign of respect. It shows you care about your customers.
Because you have their permission, they are more likely to read your texts. It means they are already interested in what you have to say. Consequently, your messages will have special database a better chance of being successful. Always make sure you can prove that you got permission. This is for your protection and for theirs. Indeed, this step is the very foundation of good SMS marketing. It builds trust from the start.
Keep Every Message Short and Simple
Text messages are meant to be fast and easy. People do not want to read a long message. They are often busy. So, your messages must be short and to the point. Most texts have a limit on their size. You should try to stay within this limit. Get your main idea across quickly. A good rule is to keep it under 160 characters. This makes the message easy to read. In addition, the language should be simple. Use words that everyone can understand.
Don't use a lot of business words or jargon. A message should be clear the first time a person reads it. Due to this, people will not get confused. Furthermore, you should have a clear purpose for each text. Is it to announce a sale? Is it to send a coupon? Whatever it is, make sure the message says it clearly. If you follow this rule, your messages will be much more effective.
Timing Your Messages is Crucial
Timing is very important for text messages. You should not send texts at all times of the day. For example, sending a text late at night is a bad idea. People will be sleeping. They will be angry to get a message then. It might make them want to unsubscribe. The best time to send texts is during normal business hours. This is when people are awake and active. They are more likely to read your message.
Moreover, think about the time zone of your customers. A message sent in the morning in your city might be in the middle of the night for someone else. You should try to send messages when people are most likely to read them. This is usually in the middle of the day. A timely message is a great message. It feels helpful and not annoying. Therefore, always plan your sending times carefully. This simple step can make a big difference.
Use a Very Clear Call to Action
Every text message should have a goal. This goal is called a call to action. It tells the person what you want them to do. For example, a call to action might be "Shop now!" or "Click here for a discount." It should be easy to see and understand. You should also include a link to your website. This link should be easy to click. In addition, the call to action must be specific. Don't just say, "Check us out." Tell them exactly what to do. The best messages have one clear goal.
They do not have many choices. This helps people make a quick decision. When you tell people what to do, they are more likely to do it. A good call to action gets great results. It makes your message worth their time. It also makes your marketing more successful. Therefore, always think about what action you want people to take. Make it super clear and simple for them.
Make It Easy for People to Unsubscribe
Just as it is important to get permission, it is also important to let people go. You must give them a way to stop getting your messages. This is called opting-out. You should include this option in every single message. A good way is to add a line that says, "Reply STOP to unsubscribe." This is a simple and common way to do it. It is also a law in many places. Giving people this option is a sign of good business. It shows that you are not forcing them to listen. It respects their choice.
Furthermore, people who unsubscribe were probably not good customers anyway. They were not interested in your texts. By letting them go, you make your list stronger. Your list will only have people who want your messages. This is a very good thing for your business. In fact, it means you have a more engaged audience.
Add Personalization and Real Value
A good text message feels personal. It feels like it was written just for you. You can do this by using the person's name. It is also good to send them special offers. For example, you can send a coupon on their birthday. Or, you can offer a deal on a product they have liked before. This is what we mean by personalization. It makes people feel valued. They will appreciate that you are thinking of them.
Also, every message should give something of value. It should not just be a sales pitch. It could be a helpful tip. It could also be a funny joke or an important update. If you always give value, people will look forward to your texts. They will not see them as just an ad. They will see them as something helpful. This is the ultimate goal of a text message campaign. Thus, always think about what your customer gets out of each message.