Image via Flickr by NEC Corporation of America
In today’s digital age, text messaging has become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their customers on a personal level. Whether it’s announcing promotions, handling customer service, or making sales, text messaging offers an actionable and immediate way to engage with customers. With the advancement of technology and affordable data plans, such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 on T-Mobile with unlimited 4G data, businesses can implement text message campaigns more easily and cost-effectively than ever before. In this article, we will explore four effective ways for businesses to connect with their customers via text messaging.
Actionable, Immediate, and Relevant
What makes text messaging such a valuable tool for customer engagement? The answer lies in its ability to deliver messages that are actionable, immediate, and relevant. Unlike email, where not every smartphone owner has push notifications set up, text messages are more likely to be read promptly. When a phone receives a call or a text message, it immediately grabs the user’s attention.
The immediacy of text messaging allows businesses to send actionable messages that are timely and relevant. For example, if you have a flash sale for an online product, sending an email might not be as effective, as the customer may not see it in time. However, with text messaging, the customer can receive the promotion immediately, click on the provided link, and make a purchase before the deal expires.
Respecting Your Customers
When implementing a text messaging campaign, it is essential to set realistic and respectful parameters. Avoid making promises that you may not be able to fulfill. For instance, promising customers a free credit or discount code every week through the text campaign could lead to disappointment and loss of trust if you are unable to deliver. Ensure that you have considered the logistics before making any commitments.
Moreover, it’s important not to overwhelm your customers with daily messages. Bombarding them with messages can lead to annoyance and unsubscribing, ultimately damaging your brand’s reputation and impacting sales. Instead, opt for a more reasonable frequency, such as once a month or every two weeks. This approach allows you to maintain customer interest and loyalty while allowing the flexibility to surprise them occasionally with randomly scheduled texts for special promotions.
Do It All From Your Phone
Coordinating your text messaging campaigns directly from your phone can significantly increase their effectiveness. Utilizing basic apps that schedule and manage the text messages grants you more control over when and who receives them. By engaging in a conversation from smartphone to smartphone, you can create a more intimate connection with your customers. Additionally, this approach allows you to see firsthand how the text messages will appear on their phones.
On the other hand, relying on desktop computer-based programs to manage and implement your text messaging campaigns can lead to potential issues. If problems arise, such as the need to respond, retract, or troubleshoot, managing everything from your phone becomes more convenient and efficient. Instant responsiveness and the ability to make changes on the go are crucial for maintaining a seamless campaign.
Spellcheck… and Double Check Your Spellcheck
Nothing frustrates customers more than poorly written, grammatically incorrect, or confusingly formatted text messages. To ensure the success of your campaign, it is crucial to test it thoroughly before sending it to your customers’ phones. Double-check for spelling errors, readability, and formatting to maintain a professional image. Moreover, be certain that any provided links work seamlessly on smartphones. Running your campaigns from your own smartphone can help you catch any potential issues and ensure a smooth experience for your customers.
By implementing strategic and respectful text messaging campaigns, businesses can effectively engage their customers and potentially boost sales. However, it is essential to monitor the outcomes and be willing to adapt if a campaign does not yield the desired results. With the right approach and proper execution, text messaging can be a powerful tool to foster customer connection and drive business growth.
