SMS Text Marketing has become one of the most effective ways to reach new customers, diversify clientele, improve customer satisfaction, and increase brand awareness. Given the 24/7 connection most people have to their cell phones, it is no wonder that almost every industry uses some form of SMS text marketing as part of their overall marketing strategies. Navigating the right path for your company’s SMS text marketing initiatives, however, can be tricky. Get started by reading about some of the most frequently asked questions related to SMS text marketing.
What is SMS Marketing?
This is the most fundamental SMS marketing FAQ to grasp. In its most basic form, marketing through text messaging involves sending targeted marketing text messages to prospective or current customers through a mobile device. While email marketing often gets filtered into spam or segmented into a “promotions” tab, SMS text messages provide companies with a more direct connection to their desired consumers.
Where are the opt in/opt out rules with SMS Text Marketing?
The CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) created a set of rules that companies must adhere to if they want to participate in SMS text marketing:
- State the frequency of text messages
- Provide a way to reach customer support
- Include information about cellular providers
- Include a link to Terms & Conditions
- Give subscribers a clear way to opt out of messages
Is there an ideal time to send SMS Text Marketing messages?
The frequency of SMS marketing and day companies choose to send messages is up to them; still, best practices include sending messages two to three times per month (at most) and only sending messages during business hours. There are however restrictions surrounding the time of day organizations can send messages.
What content is best for SMS Text Marketing?
The content for SMS marketing messages is up to the company’s discretion, but typical SMS content includes:
- Promotions: discounts, coupons, alerts to special sales
- Surveys: short feedback
- Customer service: appointment times and alerts
- Transactions: digital receipt confirmations
Content that is not allowed includes:
- Pornography or other sexual content
- Alcohol or illegal drugs
- Multi-level marketing
- Encouragement of violence
For a full list of prohibited content, click here.
What is an SMS Short Code?
The five-to-six-digit phone number that brands and companies use for SMS marketing is referred to as the short code.
What is an SMS Keyword?
An SMS keyword refers to the specific message customers may be prompted to text to an SMS short code. For example, “Text SALE to 4456 to receive 25% off your order” includes both a short code (4456) and a Keyword (SALE).
How long should SMS Text Marketing messages be?
The ideal length of SMS text messages is around 160 characters. Newer formats, however, like MMS messaging and RCS messaging, allow for more characters including text and even media like images, GIFS, and short videos.
Do you have additional questions about SMS text message marketing that were not answered above? Reach out to us at Trumpia to get more information on SMS text marketing and other SMS services today!
