Text message marketing can be a lucrative way for small businesses to engage with consumers and expand their marketing reach.
However, there are some definite do's and don'ts that you should familiarize yourself with before getting started.
By all means, some of them will seem familiar, but they are worth repeating.
Regardless, with the right approach, you can use text marketing to build brand loyalty and drive sales.
So, let's get started.
Do Remember to Include a Call to Action With Text Message Marketing
You should have a compelling call to action (CTA) in your marketing messages.
Yet, for some reason, marketers either implement weak, unclear CTAs in their mobile advertising campaigns or fail to include them entirely.
Regardless, you must craft a definitive call to action that speaks to your audience to generate conversions from your text messaging.
Do Ensure That You Grab Their Attention Immediately
It is paramount to hook your audience immediately if you want them to click on your advertisement or follow your CTA.
With this in mind, use your imagination to hook them while testing images, colors, and the CTA itself.
Do Keep It Short and Simple When Using Text Message Marketing
Mobile advertisements work best when they include a single message that is short and simple.
On the other hand, including multiple messages and CTAs within a mobile advertisement will confuse people.
Remember, you don't have to tell them everything about your offer; you only need to convert them to your list, where you can share more with them later.
Do Remember Branding With Text Message Marketing
Failing to let viewers know who you are is a significant mistake small business owners often make in mobile advertising campaigns.
Therefore, you must include proper branding so your prospects know your business is delivering the advertisement without having to click through.
Do Check Your Timing
There is an ideal time for every audience to receive advertisements, including yours.
Consequently, you can review your data and analytics to determine times likely suited for your audience and then test and tweak accordingly.
Don't Forget the Long Term
Many marketers and small business owners expect immediate results from mobile advertisements.
However, in reality, positive results take time.
It takes tweaking.
It takes analysis.
Hence, when you embark on any advertising or marketing campaign, it's important to remember that you need to be in it for the long game rather than seeking overnight results that are unlikely to occur.
Don't Include Too Much Info
You should avoid delivering too much information when crafting your advertisement campaigns.
Notably, doing so creates confusion.
As mentioned, focus on delivering one message at a time per advertisement.
Moreover, ensure that you tailor your advertisement to segments of your audience based on their current stage in the customer journey.
Don't Use Text Speak
It is best to avoid using shortened words and jargon within your messages.
That is to say, craft all of your messages in the exact way you would typically speak instead of attempting to conserve space by making up awkward words that make little sense to your audience.
So, talk naturally.
Don't Send Too Many Messages When Using Text Message Marketing
It is best to avoid overwhelming your audience with too many messages.
After all, you don't need large numbers of messages if you carefully craft and deliver them at the right time and place.
Don't Be Tricky
Using misleading language to trick your audience into clicking your advertisements may initially get clicks but will likely result in few conversions.
Not to mention, you can't keep tricking people forever.
They will catch on eventually.
In conclusion
As shown above, text message marketing can be an incredibly effective tool for small businesses.
However, successful performance from text message marketing campaigns requires significant upfront knowledge and ongoing testing.
Again, you'll need to grab your audience's attention, let them know who you are, present a short, straightforward message, and include a compelling CTA.
In addition, you'll also need to appeal to the desires of your target audience and make them feel like VIPs when viewing your advertisement.
In the final analysis, with the right strategy, you can create an engaging text message marketing campaign that interests your audience and encourages them to take action.
Talk Soon,
Erik
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