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Most people are familiar with SMS message and use them on a daily basis to keep in contact with friends and family. But not everyone is aware of the various uses of SMS and how brands utilize this technology to engage their target market. What is SMS marketing? Below we explore the answer to this question and discuss how retail brands can use this powerful communication tool to connect with their customers and improve business processes.

What is SMS?

SMS stands for short message service, and today is often referred to as text messaging. Most phones currently on the market are built with the ability to send and receive SMS messages. This quick and convenient form of communication is great for sending a quick message to a friend or loved one when you do not have time for a phone call.

Though many people use SMS messages for personal communication, companies have also discovered that SMS technology is an excellent marketing tool as it allows brands to engage with their customers instantly. Many organizations and companies also use texting to send important alerts and reminders. Some examples of common text alerts include:

• Cities sending Amber and Silver Alert notifications to local citizens
  
  
• Doctor or dentist offices providing text appointment reminders
  
  
• Brands using SMS messages to alert customers to special
  promotions
  
  
• Financial institutions sending texts with account payment reminders and alerting customers to irregularities
  
  

How Retail Brands Can Utilize SMS

In order to maximize the effectiveness of business processes, retailers need to use every tool that they have at their disposal. This includes texting. SMS technology can help fix many problems that retail businesses face on a regular basis. There are a variety of ways that retail brands can benefit from SMS technology to reach more customers and improve customer service:

• Advertise the latest promotions. One of the simplest ways to get the word out about your latest sales and promotions is through text message. By sending out a quick blast to your SMS marketing list, you can instantly alert customers to sales and deals that will bring them back to your store or website.
  
  
• Notify customers about new products. If your company is launching a new product, SMS messages can help you get the word out quickly. Text alerts are also a great way to inform customers that their favorite seasonal products are back in stores.
  
  
• Offer targeted recommendations. Just like any other form of marketing, you can segment your SMS marketing list to provide tailored offers to certain types of customers. For instance, if you are about to launch a new product, you might send text notifications to those who have bought similar products in the past.
  
  
• Get customer feedback. Brands can use texting to get useful feedback from customers. You can offer a quick survey after the customer has purchased something or send out periodic polls to get more information as to how your brand can improve to better meet the needs of your customers.
  
  
• Enhance customer service. Texting is a convenient way to answer customer questions and resolve complaints and issues. With 2-way text communication, your brand can enhance the customer service process by having a conversation with customers and addressing their concerns in real-time.
  
  
• Use cross-channel marketing. SMS messages can also be used in cross-channel marketing to improve the in-store customer experience. For instance, your company can use signs throughout the store to offer additional support through text message such as additional product recommendations or more in depth information on the item.
  
  
• Alert customers when product is ready. If your store had to re-order a product or make a special order for a customer, you can use SMS messages to conveniently alert customers about the status of their order.
  
  
• Offer mobile coupons. Mobile coupons provide incentive for customers to join your SMS marketing list. They can also help to build brand loyalty as you reward regular customers with exclusive mobile offers.
  
  

SMS messages offer retailers a convenient and cost-effective way to communicate with customers in real-time. So what’s holding you back from using this technology for your retail business? Trumpia works with companies just like yours by offering the tools needed to get started with a successful SMS marketing campaign. For more information, contact us today or sign up for one of our free live webinars to learn more about how text messages can transform the way you do business.

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