Overview: This is true — the old is new again! SMS Marketing is one of the best ways to reach customers and prospects. Check out the best practices to get started with text message for your E-commerce today!
It’s the old debate — does SMS Marketing still exist or is a thing of past now? As we push forward into 2024, the evidence is clear: SMS marketing not only exists, but thrives, especially in the world of e-commerce. For small business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs, leveraging SMS marketing is essential to driving engagement and increasing sales in a digital-first marketplace.
Research shows that as many as 85% of Americans own smartphones and so it’s estimated that over 15 million texts get sent every minute. With that said, the estimate suggests that on average Americans are checking their phones from 144 times to over 200 times — making it over 5 hours a day!
It’s fair to say that with 54% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, incorporating text messaging (also known as SMS) into your e-commerce stack can significantly enhance your team’s ability to connect with more customers quickly, all while ensuring a smooth and seamless customer experience.
Let’s dive a little more deeper into this!
Understanding SMS Marketing
SMS (Short Message Service) marketing is the practice of sending promotional or transactional messages via text. It’s a direct and personal way to communicate offers, updates, and other important information to customers who opt-in to receive messages from your business.
With unparalleled open rates of nearly 98%, SMS marketing dwarfs the engagement levels of other channels like email.
Why Opt for SMS Marketing?
Unmatched Open Rates: SMS boasts nearly instant open rates, ensuring that your messages are seen and read quickly.
Personalization Opportunities: SMS allows for a high degree of personalization, from addressing customers by name to tailoring offers based on past interactions, significantly enhancing the customer experience.
Broad Accessibility: Text messaging doesn’t require internet access, which greatly expands the potential reach across diverse demographics.
Cost Efficiency: SMS marketing is cost-effective, offering a significant return on investment, especially crucial for small and emerging businesses.
Implementing SMS Marketing in Your 2024 E-commerce Strategy
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Platform
Choosing the right SMS marketing platform is crucial. Essential features to look for include automation capabilities, seamless integration with your existing customer relationship management (CRM) system, audience segmentation, and detailed analytics. Platforms like Twilio, SendinBlue (now Brevo), and Klaviyo are widely recommended for their robust functionalities.
Step 2: Build a Compliant Subscriber List
Consent is key in SMS marketing. Ensure that your customers have explicitly agreed to receive your messages by using opt-in forms on your website, during checkout processes, or at physical locations.
Step 3: Segment Your Audience
Effective marketing speaks directly to the recipient’s needs. By segmenting your audience, you can customize your messaging to fit different customer profiles, enhancing relevance and engagement.
Step 4: Optimize Send Times
The timing of your messages can dramatically impact their effectiveness. Analyze customer behavior to choose optimal times for sending texts, thereby increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.
Some Quick Strategies on Getting Your SMS Opened
Here are some strategic tips to increase your SMS open rates and make the most out of your messaging efforts:
Craft Compelling Content : Your message content is the first thing recipients will see. Start with a strong opener that grabs attention. Use action words and personalize whenever possible to create an immediate connection. For instance, “Hey , don’t miss out on 20% off your favorite styles — today only!” can make the recipient feel directly addressed and compelled to take action.
Keep it Short and Sweet : SMS messages should be concise. The ideal length of an SMS is about 160 characters, including a call to action. Messages that are too long may not only cost more but also deter readership. Keep your message focused and straightforward to ensure that the main points are not lost.
Create Urgency : Messages that convey a sense of urgency or exclusivity can trigger immediate action. Phrases like “limited time,” “exclusive offer,” or “while supplies last” encourage recipients to open messages promptly not to miss out on something important.
Test and Optimize : Regularly testing different aspects of your SMS campaigns can help you understand what works best. Experiment with different messages, sending times, and calls to action. Analyze the results to refine your approach continually and improve open rates.
Clear Call to Action : End your SMS with a clear, compelling call to action (CTA). This not only encourages recipients to engage with your message but also gives them a clear next step to take, whether it’s visiting a website, using a promo code, or another action.
>> Related Reading: SMS Marketing 101: Tips & Examples to Increase Sales
SMS Marketing Best Practices for 2024
Ensure Compliance: Always comply with legal standards like the GDPR or TCPA. This not only protects your business but also builds trust with your customers.
Integrate with Other Marketing Channels: Enhance the effectiveness of SMS by integrating it with other marketing efforts, such as email and social media.
Maintain Professionalism: While SMS is a personal communication form, it’s important to keep the tone professional and reflective of your brand.
Respect Privacy and Preferences: Honor the times when customers prefer not to receive messages and maintain transparency about how they can control their message preferences.
Here’s a guide you might be interested in reading >> 20+ SMS Marketing Best Practices to Follow in 2024
In Summary
For those looking to drive their e-commerce ventures forward in 2024, SMS marketing offers an efficient, effective, and highly engaging way to connect with customers. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can implement a successful SMS marketing campaign that boosts customer engagement and contributes significantly to your business growth.
Remember, the core of effective SMS marketing is respect and value — serve your customers well, and they will reciprocate with loyalty and engagement.
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