Are you looking for an SMS marketing service? If so, then you have probably been wondering what exactly you need to look for to find an SMS service company who will give you the most bang for your buck. Am I right? I thought so. That's why I'm going to give you some of the most important features you'll want to look for when it comes to choosing an exceptional company for all your SMS marketing needs. Let's get started.
1. Text Messaging Services
Yep, I know, I'm stating the obvious here, but text messaging isn't a cut and dry proposition. There are so many different facets of text messaging and a good SMS service will have them all covered. Here are some of the features you should look for when considering an SMS marketing service.
- The use of short codes to handle large volumes of texts in mere seconds.
- Two-way texting to engage your subscribers.
- The use of mobile keywords to effectively track your efforts and collect subscriber phone numbers.
- Landline texting will give your customers the option to call or text using your existing business phone number.
2. Marketing Automation
Marketing automation is a must, if you want to be as efficient and productive as possible. Marketing automation services should be quick, easy and user friendly; otherwise, you are making your marketing processes harder than they have to be. Here are some of the features you should look for.
- Smart targeting gives you the option to send targeted, personalized text messages to your customers.
- Auto campaigns that allow you to send messages based on a specific criteria, such as birthdays or click-throughs.
- You should also look for an SMS service who uses automation software that works with several options, such as: SMS, MMS, mobile apps and email as well.
3. API Functions
Every business is different and many need a specific criteria to meet their own unique company goals. Therefore, you will need application programming interfaces (API's) that will allow you to integrate your features with the services and other applications you use. That means you should look for a company who has a powerful infrastructure with proven reliability, scalability and security as well. Here are a few of the features you should look for.
- HTTP, REST and SMTP.
- The use of multi-channel API, which allows your system to send messages using SMS, MMS, email and your social media as well.
- Another great feature to look for is the option to use free shared short codes that will provide you with the ability to launch mass texting campaigns instantly whether you are using your own dedicated code or not.
- And some companies also offer no carrier surcharges for several of the major carriers. This option would not make or break the deal, but it's something you should be aware of.
4. Enterprise Options
As your business grows, you will more than likely need to have complete access control for multiple locations and departments, as well as the need for brand consistency throughout. Therefore, you should look for a company who can deliver. Here are some of the features you should look for.
- Can the SMS service company set access rights for reports, contact databases and a variety of other features for each location?
- The ability to create standard messaging and promotional templates to ensure that each location looks and feels consistent with your brand.
- As we mentioned several times above, marketing automation for SMS, mobile apps and email so you don't have to spend all your time dealing with tedious and repetitive marketing and managing tasks that are required for your campaign to be successful. And one that gives you the ability to send personalized messages that are relevant to each customer, which will in turn reduce the number of opt-outs you receive and give your brand a better reputation.
- Do they offer campaign consultations through highly experienced team members for all your technical, marketing and compliance needs?
- You should have access to detailed campaign analytics that will help you make more educated decisions about your campaigns and your revenue.
- Are you able to brand their features under your own name and custom domain?
5. Cross-Channel Options
Basically, cross-channel marketing can be thought of as all-in-one marketing. The internet is ever evolving and has become so sophisticated that your users expect to be dealt with via their preferred method of communication. Therefore, you should look for a SMS company who offers multi-channel options, such as mobile, email, social media networks, voice and im systems all in one so you have the opportunity to reach everyone quickly and easily.
6. While Label Reseller Options
There are many of you who have the need for white label options. Therefore, you should look for a SMS company who offers white label reseller options. This will allow you to label, market and sell your own customized mobile marketing features while setting your own pricing and keeping all of the profits for yourself. That means you would buy your tools at wholesale prices and offer them to your customers at retail prices under your brand. Many SMS service companies offer a wide variety of features as white label options, such as: SMS marketing, mobile apps, email marketing, social promotions and some even offer voice broadcast options, not to mention marketing automation technologies as well.
The Bottom Line
Well, there you have it! You now have all the information you need to find an exceptional SMS marketing service who can quickly and efficiently handle all your marketing needs, and then some. Just remember, it's best to perform a detailed analysis of your current marketing goals so you can then go in search of a company who is a good match for your particular needs. Many SMS service companies will also customize a marketing package that will meet your needs and if you aren't sure exactly what your needs are, or if there is something you don't understand, they are generally more than happy to help in any way they can.
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