Text messaging is a great way for a business to reach out to its customers. The extensive usage of mobile phones and the fact that customers prefer receiving an SMS rather than a telephonic call makes it the best marketing tool. Automated text messaging is where a business can send text messages automatically using SMS marketing software. This makes the work of the marketer easily helping in increased productivity.
If you haven’t started using automated text message in your business, then it’s time you start now. 2021 is going to be a challenging year as businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. A lot of effort is needed by businesses to reach out to customers to bring them back to their stores. Automated text messages can help make this easy. If you are still not sure, then the nine reasons given below will convince you of the need for automated text messaging.
1) Messages reach immediately
An SMS reaches immediately. It does not require data connectivity and is sent using the mobile network. This ensures you can send messages to anyone who has a mobile phone. The message you sent reaches instantly. If the recipient replies, you can start engaging with them. This makes the use of automated text messaging convenient.
2) High probability of reach
Statistics show that 97% of all messages sent are read within 3 minutes of receipt. This is a powerful statistic that tells you how advantageous SMS marketing is. When you schedule messages to be sent automatically, you can be assured that nearly all your customers are going to open the message and see it. All you need to do is create a message that is catchy. Since the customer would most likely read it, the chances of the message making an impact is very high. This is one of the reasons why marketers prefer using SMS.
3) High response rate
The response rate of email and telephonic calls vary. While emails from marketers can get blocked by spam filters, customers usually don’t like to receive telemarketing calls. This is why text marketing has a high response rate. It has a response rate of around 46%, which is significantly high. Nearly half the people you message are likely to respond to your message. This is a key statistic that marketers would love and is another reason to use automated text messaging.
4) Customers like it
One of the biggest reasons for using text marketing is that customers like it. Studies have shown that 86% of customers prefer to receive messages from marketers. When a customer is busy working, they don’t like intrusive telephonic calls. A message would be welcome because it is non-intrusive. They can see the message whenever they want and respond to it. They can even check messages while doing their regular work. The fact that customers prefer this form of communication makes it imperative to use text marketing.
5) It is easy and convenient
Automated texting is easy and convenient for both marketers and customers. A marketer needs software using which messages can be sent at the click of a mouse. It is very simple and easy to use. For customers, it is convenient. Even people who are not tech-savvy can use SMS. They don’t need a smartphone, even a basic phone will do. They don’t need any app or a new interface. This makes it highly convenient to use text marketing.
6) You can run marketing campaigns
Text marketing can be used to run full-fledged marketing campaigns online. You can text details of offers, promotional schemes, discounts, etc. You can then use a call-to-action (CTA) to make the customer buy your product. You can send an attractive offer and ask the customer to visit the store to avail the offer or buy online. This will help in boosting sales.
7) SMS is cost-effective
Most marketing techniques are expensive as they need time and human effort. An automated text message needs one-time configuration and a one-time effort in typing the message. With the click of a mouse, the message can be sent to thousands of people at a time. Sending bulk messages is much cheaper than other forms of marketing. This is why it is a great marketing technique to use, especially for small businesses that have budgetary constraints.
8) It can be interactive
SMS is not a one-way form of communication. It can be used for interactive communication. You can make use of keywords where customers can reply using a keyword to get more information. For example, if they send the keyword INFO, your software can send them more details. If the keyword sent is PRICE, you can send a price list of Wyour products. The secret to business success is constant engagement with customers. Automated text messaging is not just bulk messaging but can be used to interact with customers, engage them, and nurture them to get business.
9) You can track the results
When you send an SMS, it is possible to track the results of the SMS sent. All you need to do is use a link in your SMS asking the customer to click on the link to avail an offer or get more details. When the customer clicks the link, the data is then stored. You can then get details like how customers viewed your message, how many clicked on the link, how many visited the website, how many shopped, and how much sales was generated. All this data will be very helpful for you in planning your marketing campaign. This is a key reason why marketers must use automated text messaging.
The reasons given above should have helped you understand the benefits of using automated text message services. It is very simple to use. All you require is a database of customers and leads, and SMS marketing software. Subscribe to the best text messaging software today and start sending messages so you can boost your business in 2021.