If you're a small business owner in Canada, by now you've probably heard of the importance of text message marketing, or SMS marketing.
SMS stands for 'short message service' and is a marketing strategy where you text your customers in order to bring in more business. There are many different ways to implement this strategy, to gain subscribers and to keep your customers coming back for more.
According to Big Fish Media, roughly 74 percent of Canadians have a mobile phone and 90 percent of those ages 18-34 use their phone for text messaging. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Macy's, Reece's, Starbucks and Coors Light all use some form of text message marketing in their campaigns.
Integration with Email Marketing
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Canadian companies might also integrate email marketing in with their strategy.
While emails can be effective, most wind up deleted. Texting, however, has a 100 percent open rate. On most mobile phones, text messages must be opened in order to be deleted. If your message is short, easy-to-read and to the point, the reader will see get your message even if they end up deleting it.
The article "The Absolute Importance of the Useful Text Message" discusses the importance of engaging with customers through texting.
While some businesses might be hesitant to get on board in fear of their messages being viewed as spam, there are proper ways to go about SMS marketing that give your business credibility and help your business gain customers, rather than scare them away.
Tips on SMS Marketing
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Among the things to remember with SMS marketing:
Ways to get people to opt-in to your text messaging services include offering a discount on the spot for signing up, sending out email and mail advertisements discussing your services or getting people to join through your social media pages.
Whether you've been in business for a while or you're a brand new start-up company, incorporate text messaging into your marketing plan.
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About the Author: Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer living in Charlotte, NC. She writes on a variety of topics including social media, small businesses and personal finance.