Mobile messaging has evolved a lot over the last few years. It used to just be limited to MMS pictures and SMS text messages, but now there is an exciting new option: GIFs. GIFs (short for graphics interchange format) . There is an age old debate over how it is pronounced, but the Oxford dictionary accepts it as either “GIFF” with a hard G or “JIFF” with a soft G.
And there's a good reason for the rise of GiFs. They add an animated and entertaining element to conversations, allowing people to express ideas or creatively comment on subjects. GIFs are sent via MMS, which are slightly different from SMS messages. In this blog we will cover how you can use GIFs to reach your audience and strengthen your brand and messaging.
Why GIFs over Video?
GIFs are essentially super concise videos. This means that a quality GIF can get a message across in a more succinct and effective way than a longer video if used correctly. It’s a lot easier to digest and follow. Also a lot of mobile users do not appreciate receiving a large video file that may affect their data plans on their phones. If you are using GIFs for business communication, they can allow you a more effective and personal connection to your audience.
How to text a GIF
Texting a GIF is simple, and can be even simpler if you have apps like GIPHY to automatically embed a GIF into a text. Your smartphone has GIF functionality already, so downloading an app isn't necessary. And if you can't find a GIF that works for you, you can always make your own!
How to Send GIFs on iOS
Sending GIFs with an iPhone (or any iOS device) is easy. There is a GIF feature built right into the Messages app, so selecting and sending the perfect GIF is a simple process. The following steps work for iOS 10 or newer:
- Open your Messages app.
- Tap on the Write button in the top right corner.
- Enter the name of the person you want to message.
- Tap the App drawer button (triangle) on the left side.
- Tap the Images button near the bottom.
- Enter a search term to find a relevant GIF.
- Tap the GIF you want to send.
- Tap the Send button.
Send GIFs on Android
With Android devices, you can easily send GIFs from your messaging apps, often with just a few clicks. Here’s how:
- Open your Messages app.
- Tap the text icon on the bottom of the screen.
- Enter in the name of the person you want to text.
- Select the Start button.
- Select the built-in GIF button which is located within the text entry field by tapping it.
- Enter in the text you want to send.
- Enter a search term to find a relevant GIF.
- Hit the Send button (it looks like a paper airplane or triangle).
Great Marketing Needs Attractive GIFs
If you want customers to see your new products or learn about a sale, do it through colorful and fun picture messages. In order to increase your traffic both online and in-store, your marketing messages need to be inviting. If you include an offer like showing the MMS or mobile coupon at checkout, your customers will be more likely to redeem your offers. In addition, your SMS messages should be professional but also allow for a little fun in order to engage your audience more effectively and increase the likelihood they show up for sales.
Run Interactive Campaigns with GIFs
Running a contest or campaign is another great way to use GIFs in your marketing because picture messages or GIFs are more engaging and fun to receive than simple text messages or emails. Even better, with texting you can run contests both ways, so you can also have customers send you GIFs too. So if you are a restaurant, you can have customers text in pictures of your amazing food and give the best one a gift card or offer everyone who participated a mobile coupon.
Use MMS Marketing with GIFs To Engage Customers
Once you have a subscriber, it’s crucial you keep them interested so they stay opted-in. It’s also important that you send them updates on new products or services, which will increase your traffic both in-store and online. Plus a fun and compelling GIF along with your promotion might capture their interest more than a message with just text.
If you would like to incorporate GIFs or MMS messaging into your business, click on the link below to talk to one of our representatives today!
