Are you prepared to explore the world of text? Greetings. The water is warm. Additionally, the open rate is 98% floating. Because of this, SMS is more visually appealing than an empty large flamingo pool float on a vacation.
Joining the texting trend has several advantages, much like a week-long vacation in the tropics. SMS is inexpensive, trackable, and opens in a matter of minutes. Additionally, it’s simple to automate and personalize your messages for timely, pertinent communications.
But before you jump into your tiny business, read this. Our goal is to prevent it from being a (belly) flop.
With our small company text messaging guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process from setup to success. In this manual, we will discuss:
*It’s not true.
Types of text messaging services for small businesses
First of all, small businesses can use a variety of text messaging services.
Indeed, it is possible to test them all at once. However, putting too much on your plate might lead to problems, just as at a cruise ship buffet.
It’s preferable to learn how to use just one text messaging service at first. There’s always room to grow from there.
We’ll examine some of the typical messaging formats used by small enterprises.
Text messaging
Businesses use web tools like ClickSend to send SMS messages. Instead of utilizing a personal phone, the tool or software enables users to send and receive text messages from their computer or app. Goodbye, thumb texting.
You can also accomplish a lot of other useful things with an SMS messaging tool. Thousands of messages can be personalized at once, and automation and auto-responses are available.
MMS texting
MMS is required if you wish to send audio, video, or picture files by text message. It’s excellent for sharing coupons, deals, event tickets, and even customer support.
Fortunately, MMS capabilities should be included in the majority of good SMS applications. It is excellent for owners of small businesses. It indicates that you can use the same dashboard to transmit SMS and MMS. Ideal for people who are too busy to master two different pieces of software.
RCS communications
RCS messaging is comparable to texting Gen Z. It combines every feature from WhatsApp, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger into a single service.
Group chats, high-resolution photos, audio, video, and read receipts are all possible with RCS. However, only Android smartphone users are able to receive RCS communications.
Chat and email marketing
Email and chat marketing are also accessible in addition to SMS extensions. but frequently using a different instrument.
You can explore how the channels differ from one another: How do you choose the best marketing channel for you, from chat, email, and SMS?
The advantages of text messaging for small enterprises
The truth is that 20% of new companies fail within the first two years.
The truth is that 20% of new companies fail within the first two years.
Small business owners face challenges since they have a lot to do and little time. Is SMS a lifeline for small business owners, then? We believe it can help with marketing and other things. Here’s why.
It can be learned and sent quickly.
Although we are unable to speak for other tools, the majority of users of our platform send their first message within a few minutes. The majority of SMS software is easy to understand. It implies that scaling as your company expands is simple. Additionally, you can generate messages without hiring a designer or advertising expert. Send after entering 160 characters. This implies that you can quickly get your messages to your clients. Time-constrained owners greatly benefit from a shorter launch time.
Consumers adore texting
Seventy percent of customers signed up to receive company SMS messages. Additionally, 75% of customers are content when they receive promotional SMS. Approximately the same number of respondents stated that drinking at the beach is when they feel the most at ease. Thus, it’s essentially everyone. Are you considering providing customer care via text? Sixty percent of customers who wish to text a business back would give it five stars. Which, in case you were wondering, is roughly the same number of people who would “do anything” for more time with me.
SMS is much more than just advertising.
Consider how much time medical receptionists must save by using appointment reminders. In addition to the decrease in no-shows. Text messaging can help with many other communication issues, such as remembering your appointments. You can utilize text messaging for lead management, customer service, delivery updates, alarms, reminders, and more. Additionally, the most of these messages are easily automatable.
It’s incredibly economical.
In this case, the adage “you get what you pay for” is untrue. Text messaging is a comparatively inexpensive method of communicating with customers as compared to digital, print, or radio advertisements. Additionally, compared to email, it has a very high conversion rate. Email click-through rates are only 3%, whereas text click-through rates are 20%.
Text messaging is beneficial for small business types.
In 2019, 39% of companies communicated with clients using SMS. Their industries, sizes, and scales vary.
The next thing we’re going to say is as daring as a winter Hawaiian shirt. However, we believe that text messaging can be advantageous for many kinds of small businesses. as long as they make appropriate use of it for their target audience. Thank you.
eCommerce businesses, for instance, may utilize texts to notify customers of new product arrivals, sales, and promotions.
Although listing photos, automated responses to frequently asked questions, and trend updates are more frequently sent by real estate brokers.
In contrast, spas and salons rely heavily on appointments. As a result, they would confirm and remind appointments. Alternatively, notify clients of last-minute availability.
When considering SMS for your small business, start by thinking about your audience and goals.
Consider the path of your audience. Determine which emails and phone calls could be substituted with text messages. Seek issues that can be resolved by exchanging reminders, updates, and alerts.
Or, research your sector in-depth to find out how your rivals use SMS.
Text messaging best practices for small businesses
It takes time to become accustomed to a new communication channel. Here are our top picks for small company text messaging to get you started.
adherence to laws and regulations
Make sure you do the proper thing if you intend to message your customers. You must abide by certain rules and regulations.
The regulations vary from one nation to another, so it’s essential to find out what the rules are in your area. The CAN-SPAM Act and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act are a couple of the laws you may encounter.
You should be able to get accurate information and assistance in understanding these laws from your SMS software provider.
Observance of consumers’ consent and privacy
This is a significant issue. You must obtain consent (referred to as a “opt-in” in the SMS world) before sending marketing text messages. Additionally, you need to guarantee that they can always opt out.
When a consumer joins your SMS contact list, it’s known as an opt-in. These consent records must be kept in a secure location. Additionally, your consumers may not have opted in for SMS even if they have signed up for email marketing. An opt-in requires your explicit written approval.
Unsubscribing is known as opt-out. Adding “reply STOP to opt-out” to your marketing messages is a popular method of handling opt-outs. Remove the person from your contact list as soon as they request to opt out, or else you may face penalties.
Please be careful. There’s no loophole or workaround to opt-ins. They’re a must-have for SMS marketing.
Keeping a professional demeanor
You communicate with your friends and family via text messaging. However, when communicating with clients, treat text like the expert medium that it is. This implies:
Make sure your communication appears to have been sent by you, a reliable source. Make sure your spelling and punctuation are correct. Additionally, avoid using a lot of capital; it appears to be spam.
Make an effort to communicate in a concise and direct manner. Keep in mind that SMS is a very private medium. Therefore, be considerate of others’ time and keep your communications as simple as you can.
In relation to following along. Put a call to action in there. Additionally, make sure it’s obvious what you want folks to do next.
Emojis 🤝 text messaging is well known. However, read the definitive guide to emojis in text messaging before embracing them fully.
Make sure you have people’s names correct if you’re using personalization. Ensure that your customer data and contact list are as clean as possible.
Message timing and frequency
Ideally, you will be able to message your clients at the ideal moment. Just when they’re considering you. However, that isn’t particularly practical. Choose the next best option, which is to understand your audience and when they are most likely to be open to your communications.
If you own a gym, for instance, you are aware that Monday mornings are when most people are most motivated. Therefore, after they’re rested after the weekend, you might wish to invite them to schedule a class.
To find what works for you, you might experiment with different days and hours. Note when it’s best to mail it. After that, rinse and do it again.
Always remember to apply common sense. It is not acceptable to send messages late at night or very early in the morning. As is bombarding someone with updates, promotions, and check-ins by SMS.
From which number should you send?
Selecting the right kind of number is crucial. Don’t worry, though; changing it as you go is simple. Just be aware that the type of number you use will affect both how you send and receive SMS messages. Five categories exist.
Your phone number. Using your current number, send messages through an online dashboard. Managing replies might be challenging as you develop. Only small firms with a limited contact list are advised to use it. Only if you are capable of handling manual responses.
a common number. A free shared number is available for use. Other customers will use the number, but all messages and responses will remain confidential. If you only send a few large SMS blasts year, this is ideal. In other words, if clients don’t need to know your number.
A specific number (such as long codes, short codes, or toll-free numbers). This number is exclusively yours. However, there will be a modest price. If you’re thinking about utilizing SMS on a regular basis, it’s worth it. Consumers learn to recognize your number, which fosters trust.
Alpha tag. We refer to this as an alpha tag. You can use a keyword or your company name as a number. However, it must be less than eleven characters. Note that using this option will prevent you from receiving responses. Conversely, a brand name increases consumer recognition.
Don’t use your personal phone to send marketing SMS, regardless of the number you use. We implore you.
Your phone cannot automatically text consumers, interact with your software, or deliver campaigns to your whole contact list with a single click.
You can use a web or mobile app to send SMS messages to your audience by using an online SMS solution. Boom! Your messages are readily automated, scalable, and measurable.
Considerations for choosing a messaging service provider
Use the best SMS software right away to position yourself for success. When choosing a tool, keep the following points in mind.
Packed with features Verify that the tool you select has all the features you require. Look for features that allow you to segment, automate, and personalize messages. Reports on deliveries are also crucial.
The cost is reasonable. The cost structure of one tool may differ significantly from another. Cheap isn’t always equivalent to good, as is the case with most things. Depending on the number you select, keep in mind that there may be additional expenses. Additionally, some sites charge a monthly subscription for responses.
Ensure that your messages are delivered. Some tools convey messages without using direct paths. This implies that your mails will probably be delayed, which is annoying. Seek out applications that can deliver texts anywhere in the world and only use direct channels.
Excellent assistance You may not have the funds to hire a developer if your company is small. To ensure that assistance is always available when you need it, confirm that your text messaging provider offers 24/7 customer support.
works well with the tools you already have. Integrating SMS with the platforms and products you already use simplifies your life. such social media sites, email marketing software, and CRM systems.
The best app for small businesses to send bulk texts
Let’s get you texting with the top small company mass texting app. ClickSend includes all the essential features, including an intuitive dashboard, hundreds of connectors, and round-the-clock customer service. Additionally, the majority of small business owners send their initial message in just a few minutes, which is quick. Register for a trial to see if we’re a suitable fit for your needs.