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What are the qualities, features and benefits you are looking for in your SMS service provider? If this is the first time you have decided to start working with SMS messaging for your business, you may not be sure.

SMS texting is fast becoming one of the premier ways to reach customers quickly and efficiently. SMS texts are viewed quickly and get responses fast. That reason alone makes SMS marketing important to your bottom line. And SMS texting can also give a bit of oomph to other channels of communication that you are already using when you use them in conjunction with each other. If you are ready to make the investment in SMS texting, here are some things to ask for when talking to your SMS service provider.

A Full Range of Services

Even though you are just starting out. don't limit yourself to a provider that provides only SMS service. You are much better off looking for a full-service mobile marketing company that can offer you additional services as you grow. Since mobile marketing is still in its infancy, taking advantage of learning as you go will stand you in good stead going forward. Some examples of other services are MMS texting, marketing automation, enterprise tools, cross-channel and educational services.

Knowledge and Expertise

Your provider is the expert in this new field of marketing and communication. You should be able to get valid education and information as well as guidance in how to use SMS texting as a tool. Training on your software and help with installation will give your team the transitional expertise and practice needed to jumpstart your marketing. You don't want to be floundering in the dark while you are paying for a company's services. Let them help you get started by offering you tools and help.

Dedicated Staff

Dealing with a sales person one-on-one will provide you with valuable continuity as you learn to work with texting as a method to engage your clients. Look for a company with employees that have been with the company for more than a few months. You need to know that the company stands behind its people, and treats them well. If so, they will turn around and treat customers well and you will reap the benefits. Knowledgeable staff can help you more readily with SMS. If everyone is new to the business, then you need to find another vendor. Since you are the customer here, they should be providing you with everything you need.

Detailed Analytics Reports

Without good analytics, you will not be able to track your efforts, tweak them and improve them. Analytics will take your theories and let you know whether you are on the right path or you need to try something new. If your provider is not upfront with how they will provide you with the metrics and reports you need, then do not sign a contract with them. You need stability, reliability and information.

Campaign Consulting

A good SMS service provider will offer you marketing campaign consulting when you sign up for their service. They can guide you toward the best practices for SMS, advise you on how to use the system to your advantage and how to become efficient and effective. They will work with you, and help out gladly when asked. Get to know your consultant right away to find out if this is the company for you.

Marketing Automation

The right SMS service provider will not only offer SMS services but will also provide marketing automation to take the burden of scheduling and segmentation from your shoulders. Marketing automation will help nurture your prospect list in a non-invasive manner using segmentation to send only relevant messages to people. Over-messaging your prospects and clients is a disaster waiting to happen. But the right automation system is a big asset to your marketing plan.

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