Online marketing can often become complex. Omnichannel and multichannel. Influencers and micro influencers. Re-targeting and re-engagement. CTA and CTR. We’re exhausted by buzzwords alone. But marketing doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, it can be simple, targeted, and effective. Wondering how? SMS marketing. While not everyone has a smartphone with internet access, an extraordinary 3.8 billion people throughout the world can send and receive SMS messages. Even more reassuringly, 64% of consumers actively want businesses to contact them through this channel.

Image Source:- Statista

Read on to learn why we think you shouldn’t overlook including this marketing powerhouse in your strategy.

1.

Low cost and high ROI

The costs associated with many popular marketing methods, such as events, video, and PR campaigns can be vast. It’s one of the reasons why many SMEs struggle to utilise them effectively. However, a well-timed SMS marketing campaign can be launched at a fraction of the cost of many traditional marketing methods. SMS campaigns are affordable for most budgets, and at just a few pence per message, marketers can be highly targeted with their campaigns without racking up the high costs. Add to this that SMS messages have a 209% higher response rate than phone, email, or Facebook. And nearly 30% of consumers will respond to your SMS message, with nearly 50% of these respondents making a purchase. That’s a healthy return on investment.

2.

Boosts customer engagement

Not only do almost 4 billion people own a smartphone, but they also touch them a surprising 2,617 times per day. And that’s just the average user. A study by dscout found that the top 10% of smartphone users touch their phones more than 5,400 times daily.

Image Source: DScout

Yes, these statistics are quite shocking. However, they reinforce that every time a user picks up their smartphone, there’s an opportunity for you to engage with them. And the methods of engagement through SMS marketing are almost limitless. You could fire out exclusive deals, schedule alerts, send personalised offers, run a survey, or even create a contest.

3.

Generates high open rates

One of the most welcome benefits of SMS marketing is that messages generate a 98% open rate. That’s a higher open rate than all other key marketing channels. There are less folders for SMS messages to get binned into. And no social media feed for them to get lost in. What’s more, these messages are typically opened within the first 3 minutes of them being received. Resulting in almost instantaneous engagement.

4.

Can be combined with other channels

Although SMS marketing works excellently as a stand-alone channel, it can also be successfully combined with your other channels to reinforce your message. For example, you can use SMS to remind customers to read an email sent by a brand hours or even days before. This simple follow up can help increase email open rates by 20%–30%. Alternatively, use SMS to communicate messages which may otherwise be ignored or forgotten about in the inbox, such as asking for a review or recommendation.

5.

Quick and easy

For both the marketer and the consumer, SMS marketing is quick. SMS is only made up of text. And this text is likely only one or two sentences in length. Therefore, there is no requirement for a designer or copywriter, like with many marketing campaigns. The shorter and snappier the copy, the better. This is perfect for marketers who are short on time, or resource. Planning and sending of SMS messages is simple and straightforward, requiring less up-front strategy and planning than many other marketing methods. Additionally, as the copy is so short, the entire message can be quickly read and understood at the recipient’s convenience. This means the recipient can engage quickly, without feeling intruded upon.

Still not convinced?

Unsure of how (or if) SMS marketing could benefit your business? Why not chat to one of our experts? We’re always on hand to talk through your challenges and offer strategic suggestions.