Text marketing, also known as SMS marketing or short code marketing, has exploded in recent years. According to a recent report, the number of people using mobile messaging applications increased by 20% in 2017 alone. This trend is expected to continue into the future, making this an excellent time for businesses to launch their own text marketing campaigns. However, many small businesses fail to recognize the potential benefits of this form of communication and choose not to get involved. This is a mistake, considering how readily accessible and affordable these services have become over the past few years. Read on for 5 tips that can help you prevent the federal government from destroying your text-marketing campaign.
Know the ins and outs of your service provider
If you want to avoid a government shutdown of your campaign, you need to fully research the provider(s) you plan to work with. There are a few things you need to be aware of, and as an SMS marketer, it's your job to make sure that you select a service that has the proper licensing to operate legally. First, make sure the service provider will allow you to send messages to the mobile phones of all types of subscribers. Some services only allow you to send to certain types of phones, like those that are on the National Do Not Call List (NDNC). Second, the service provider must have the proper licensing to operate and deliver messages to the public. There are several types of licenses available, but you should make sure to inquire about the specifics before you sign on with a provider.
Don't use words that are too vague
Make sure that the words you use are not too vague or general. This can lead to confusion or, worse, misunderstanding. A great example of this is when you are encouraging people to click on your SMS link. For example, if you say something like “Hey, click here now and save $10,” there is a chance that your customers will click on the link and end up on your homepage instead of a special offer. If you use words that are too vague, you may get negative reactions from your customers. Don’t forget that, in the end, SMS marketing campaigns are still advertisements, and people can and will turn against you if you don’t address them properly.
Be careful with linking your SMS campaign to other platforms
This is also known as cross-marketing, and it’s very common for marketers to use this strategy to get more clicks on their links. However, you should be very careful if you plan on linking your SMS campaign to other platforms. If you link your campaign to a website that uses tracking software, your customers may receive intrusive pop-up ads while they’re using their phones. This is a big no-no, as you are invading their privacy and causing them to consume more data than they would like. Make sure that any website that you link your campaign to is non-intrusive and respects the privacy of your customers.
Set clear expectations for your customers
This is extremely important when it comes to selling items online. You must provide clear and accurate descriptions of your products and provide any necessary information about shipping and return policies before your customers ever contact you. If you provide accurate descriptions, you will avoid possible legal issues. If you promise your customers certain things, be sure to deliver on those promises. If you can’t honor a promise, be sure to let your customers know why you can’t keep it. If you set clear expectations, you will save yourself a lot of problems later on.
Don't over-promise with your ads
This is another big mistake that many marketers make. If you over-promise with your ads, you are setting yourself up for failure. It doesn’t matter if you are promoting a product or a service; you must be honest in your advertisements. If you promise something that you can’t deliver, you are going to lose customers and gain a poor reputation in the process. Be honest and upfront with your ads, and you will avoid a lot of trouble in the future.
Conclusion
Text marketing, also known as SMS marketing or short code marketing, has exploded in recent years. According to a recent report, the number of people using mobile messaging applications increased by 20% in 2017 alone. This trend is expected to continue into the future, making this an excellent time for businesses to launch their own text marketing campaigns. However, many small businesses fail to recognize the potential benefits of this form of communication and choose not to get involved. This is a mistake, considering how readily accessible and affordable these services have become over the past few years. If you are thinking of launching a text marketing campaign, make sure you know the ins and outs of your service provider, don't use words that are too vague, be careful with linking your SMS campaign to other platforms, and set clear expectations for your customers. Don't over-promise with your ads and make sure your customers trust you by being honest and straightforward. With these tips, you will have a successful campaign and gain the trust of your customers in the process.
