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Marketers are spoilt for choice when it comes to the types of channels they use to target an audience. There are the more traditional options, such as email, telephone calls, brochures, and more novel options, such as Facebook Messenger, in-app Push messaging, and so on. But which channel, or mix of channels, would best serve your goal of conversion?
Believe it or not, the greatest open rates are not always reached through the latest in messaging innovations. Despite all technological possibilities, good old SMS remains the channel with the highest open rates. In 2022, SMS boasted a staggering open rate of 98%. For comparison’s sake, email marketing campaigns only receive a 20% open rate.
Research conducted by SMS Comparison this year also suggests that SMS has a higher click-through rate (CTR) of 19% compared to email marketing, which stands at just 4%, and social network Facebook, at 1 percent.
SMS is a native app on all smartphones. And since there are currently almost 8.9 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide (exceeding the global population), SMS presents huge potential for getting eyes on your marketing content.
Mobile-First Marketing
To better understand the value of SMS in creating exposure for your brand, we need to dive into the channel of mobile-first. Hardly anything is so intertwined with consumers as their mobile phones. For most, their mobile phones are the first things they look at in the morning and the last thing they look at before going to sleep.
This makes mobile channels incredibly valuable to get your message seen by your target audience. But not all mobile channels are equally effective. Emails might get lost in spam filters and crowded inboxes, and other modern messaging channels often rely on an internet connection and access to the respective apps to get the message across.
This is where SMS provides a solution. Text messages don’t require an internet connection, and the app is built-in on every phone, meaning you can directly reach pretty much everyone. Unless they are on the subway, of course.
How To Increase Your CTR
B2B text messaging is not only an effective way to communicate with your business clientele, but it enables you to build relationships with decision-makers and offer information that helps them make better buying decisions.
Lead generation is one way B2B text messaging can increase a business’ CTR. Since many experts have said the “golden window” for responding to a lead is just five minutes, a great way to connect with leads quickly is to create a sign-up form on your website so visitors can opt-in to your SMS marketing list. Once you have an audience, you can schedule text messages or configure auto-reply messages, so your leads don’t need to wait for a response.
SMS Marketing
We wouldn’t blame you for thinking that SMS is an outdated marketing channel. However, despite its age, SMS has continued to evolve over the years, and is still ripe for potential. It’s a fast, impactful, and reliable way to globally communicate the right message to the right person at the right time. Here are just some of the benefits SMS marketing can bring your organization that you might not already be aware of:
Personalized SMS Promotions
SMS is personal and focused. It'll allow you to send highly tailored promotions to your customers.
Hi Rick,
We know you're a fan of our sneaker collection and your birthday is coming up! Use the code BDAY in our webshop to claim your special 10% birthday discount.
Deals and Offers via SMS
SMS is also a great and cost-effective channel to send out communication in bulk. Broadcast deals and offers and entice your customers to buy, buy, buy!
Our summer-sale has started! Everything is 20% off in our online store. Check it out now!
SMS Product Updates
New product launches will need to be communicated to enhance their debut. It would be a shame if your customers didn't know about your awesome new line of products. Send them a text!
Check out our new collection of mom jeans! We stock XS to 3XL sizes, in 5 pretty colors ready for summer.
Check them out now.
And not all products are always readily available in your webstore. Did a customer express interest in one of your sold-out items? Shoot them a text when it's back in stock!
Hi Anna,
Good news! The foundation in your preferred shade is back in stock! Grab one now!
Recover Abandoned Carts with SMS
Cart abandonment rates have been climbing steadily over the past few years. In 2023 around 70% of online shopping carts is being abandoned. Does that mean that the revenue of these abandoned carts is lost? Not necessarily.
You can send SMS notifications to remind customers of their abandoned shopping carts. Including a link to the purchase page will make it easy and convenient for customers to buy your products after all. Want to add an extra incentive? Send out abandoned cart reminders when you have active discounts!
Hi Lara,
It looks like you forgot the blue sneakers in your online shopping cart. They are currently 10% off! Don't miss out on this deal!
[Go to your cart]
Discover the Power of SMS
Are you curious about the possibilities of SMS for your marketing campaigns? Contact our team of SMS experts (we're in the business since 1998) and learn how SMS and other forms of mobile marketing can help you reach your goals.
