With the mere mention of SMS marketing, many will automatically think of annoying or unwanted offers being sent to your mobile device via text message.
SMS is becoming more common than you may think, and for good reason too. B2B SMS marketing can be tremendously effective.
So why consider using SMS?
Firstly, think about this: 98% of all B2B SMS messages are opened within the first 3 minutes of delivery. And 97% of business professionals in the U.S are never more than 3 feet from their mobile devices at any given time! Meaning that you can almost guarantee your message will be seen!
You need to be prepared to try and test every avenue you possibly can to learn how your audience wants to engage and learn about your company. If you aren’t exploring SMS, you’ll never know if it will work for you!
SMS marketing speeds up the ability for marketers to reach their database instantly. Do you know of any other platform that does that?
Starting a B2B SMS Marketing Campaign
Before undertaking any marketing campaign, one thing you need to ask yourself is: ‘is it feasible or can it be implemented’.
1. Create an SMS list
Be sure that every single person you are messaging has opted-in to your service. Your offers have to provide something your audience actually needs, and finds helpful, entertaining, and useful. Otherwise you will have very few customers on your opt-in list.
Here are a few tips to help you create a quality SMS list:
• Take advantage of your email marketing database and promote your SMS marketing. Let customers know that they can now sign up to your SMS campaigns with a quick email, or include a shortcode in your next newsletter.
• Promote your SMS campaign on your website. Design a call to action that can be easily placed on your website.
• Make the most of your social media advertising and promote your SMS campaign. Mentioning your SMS list via social media can be done on a number of posts, from competitions to upcoming events; and it’s an inexpensive way to do so.
2. Monitor your B2B SMS Marketing
As you are no doubt aware, every marketing strategy must be monitored and evaluated regularly in order to make sure that you are getting the best ROI.
3. Segment your List
Segmenting you list means that you are sending the most relevant content to the most relevant audience. Therefore, knowing your audience is crucial. For example, if you are a tech store and are sending messages that are unrelated to tech products or updates, chances are that you will annoy your audience.
Keeping a happy audience will build a trustworthy relationship with your audience who will be happy to receive communications from your brand.
4. Create Offers your Audience Can’t Resist
Create an offer that your audience won’t want to miss out on! Your offers are the driving force of lead conversions.
Offer customers who sign up a discount or something free as a token of your appreciation. People love free things, so, offer them something if they sign up to your SMS list and don’t be afraid to be creative.
Pay attention to the frequency of your messages – don’t over send!
Pay attention to the timing of your messages, and the hours you are communicating with your audience.
And
Don’t forget to add an opt-out option to your SMS campaigns.
We hope this blog helps you with any current or future SMS campaigns. If you would like to discuss your SMS options please feel free to visit our website, we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thanks for reading!!
Soairse
Business Development