When dealing with the retail environment, utilizing the right SMS Marketing techniques is key in attaining impactful results. Although text messaging has a high conversion rate and is a reliable way to attract and retain an audience, there are a few additional benefits of SMS messaging:

Give them something to talk about

When you have offers that are too good to be true, you can use those to your benefit. As a flexible platform that can work in conjunction with a number of other tools, providing the right campaigns, coupons and incentives can create limitless marketing potential. Short messages and instant deliverability always win if you’re competing with methods that require more than looking down at your phone. Total engagement translates into customers and increased revenue.

Find your target audience

It’s very important to know your audience and craft your messages to reflect their desires. With text messaging having a high open rate, the likelihood of messages continually being opened is great if they are addressing the right demographic. Monitoring the metrics to see how your campaigns are doing will make a difference. It’s important to be smart and use those metrics in engaging the right customers for lucrative results.

Automate

SMS Messaging has a cool factor in that messages can be automated to work when you need them to. No matter what time zone your customers are in, you will be able to address peak times for opening text messages, and offering time-sensitive promotions. Having the ability to send the right message to the right audience at the right time fosters loyalty and attention to your brand.

Cross-Promote

Using a number of channels to market your promotions in conjunction with SMS messaging widens the possibilities of success. This also allows your customers to be selective in how they want their messages delivered, when they want their messages delivered, and what types of messages they would prefer. With an instant opt-in and opt-out mechanism built into the process you can’t go wrong.

Be Protective

Make sure everything you send to your customers is secure. Keeping your brand messaging consistent across platforms, and putting safeguards in place to ensure your customer data is safe can make the difference between becoming a trusted brand or one that no one wants to patronize in fear of data breaches.

No matter what size your organization, SMS messaging allows you to operate like a large entity. The platforms and engagement is all the same. A “green” marketing technique, you can quickly reach your customers without the need for printed coupons. Technology has leveled the playing field so that text messages, or even email being able to be scanned from your phone has proven invaluable.

It is very possible to expand your buyer activity by using SMS messaging. Through enhanced marketing efforts and research, your team should be able to determine buyer behavior, which should be the backdrop for creating engaging campaigns. Metrics that should be a factor are:

• Willingness to spend by device
• Adoption rate of enhanced smartphones
• Response to surveys and polls

Why Use SMS Messaging in Retail?

SMS text messages meet your retail customers wherever they are. Mobile phones are one of the staples on any journey, including the wallet and keys. It has become such a staple that programs where customers can pay from their smartphones are growing in popularity.

You can also save quite a bit of money through SMS messaging, as your organization can create colorful advertisements based on specific buyer personas and behaviors that will be just as effective as if seeing an advertisement in a magazine. SMS messaging reinforces images that are seen elsewhere, drawing a curiosity for your brand.

Because of the short messages, marketing campaigns have to be straight to the point with no additional fillers. Links may be added to direct someone to a web page for more information, but the standard text message must be a certain length to retain its value. They give a customer a reason to act.

With text messaging being used by over 5 billion users and counting, a retail establishment cannot afford to not utilize this technology. Quick and easy, customers will be able to access discounts on new items, receive notifications on products that were out of stock, can reserve certain items, and speak with customer service without having to go through an automated system and wait on hold for a live person.

The rate of return on SMS messaging is high. This is a perfect way to drive additional sales and transactions without the costs of a large-scale advertising push using conventional methods. Consumers respond well, especially in the retail industry to messages that add value or can save a few dollars. Knowing which promotions will be most effective can help capitalize on a particular demographic or product that you are focused on selling.

Using these tactics and taking the time to hone your marketing messages will provide a great return on your investment of time and creativity. Once established with a wide base, you will be able to focus on attracting and retaining new target to increase expansion among a diverse customer base. Neglecting to use SMS messaging in your retail marketing tactics will give your competition an edge. Paying attention to how others in the industry are handling their SMS messaging and the way their campaigns are crafted can help you reach your goals.

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