How do you reach large numbers of customers, employees, group members, or other audiences when emails are ignored and social media posts go unseen?
One answer: bulk SMS.
Because one thing is true of our current age—we love our phones.
85% of Americans own a smartphone and a whopping 97% of Americans own a cell phone of any kind. People spend on average 4.5 hours per day on their phones (not taking into account time spent speaking with others via phone). According to a survey from Reviews.org on cell phone usage, 89% of Americans check their phones within 10 minutes of waking up, 75% check messages within 5 minutes of receiving them, 75% use their phones while on the toilet, and 60% sleep with their phone at night.
What better way to reach someone than with a notification they see directly on that phone to which they’re so attached?
So how can you send bulk SMS? What service should you use? (Hint: you should use Mobile Text Alerts. 😉) And how does bulk SMS work?
This article will dig into those questions for you so that you can take full advantage of bulk SMS for your own situation.
“SMS” stands for “short messaging service,” which is another way of referring to text messages.
Although “SMS” technically refers to text-only messages (not picture messages or multimedia messaging/MMS), the term can sometimes be used for the concept of text messaging as a whole, particularly in a business environment.
“Bulk SMS,” then, refers to sending multiple SMS at once. Bulk SMS is typically done as a way to promote some kind of product, service, or event, or as a way to notify a large number of people of important pertinent information.
Unlike traditional one-on-one text messaging, which involves sending individual messages to each recipient, bulk SMS streamlines the process by allowing businesses, organizations, and individuals to send a single message to multiple recipients at once. This makes it an invaluable tool for disseminating time-sensitive information, promotions, alerts, updates, and other relevant content efficiently.
Launching a successful bulk SMS campaign involves careful planning, strategic execution, and a focus on delivering valuable content to your audience. Let's walk through the steps to effectively engaging your recipients by sending bulk SMS.
Before hitting the send button, define your campaign's objectives, target audience, and key message. Consider the following:
Select a reputable bulk SMS service provider that aligns with your campaign's needs. Look for features such as:
Mobile Text Alerts offers the features and user-friendliness that you need to get started.
Your contact list is the foundation of your campaign's success. It's important to have an opted-in, permission-based list to avoid being labeled as spam. Consider the following:
Once you have your goals, message, and contact list ready, it's time to create your SMS content:
Choose the optimal date and time for sending your bulk SMS:
Here’s how it works to send within the Mobile Text Alerts online platform:
Before sending to your entire list, conduct a review and test phase:
So what are the best ways to go about your texting efforts?
Here are some strategies and best practices we’ve seen…
There are several benefits to using bulk SMS marketing, and for finding the right platform/API for doing it.
Here are just a few…
With bulk SMS, your messages reach recipients' mobile devices almost instantly.
Unlike email or other forms of communication that might go unnoticed for hours or even days, SMS commands immediate attention. So it’s an ideal channel for time-sensitive offers, flash sales, event invitations, and urgent notifications.
Text messages enjoy an unparalleled open rate (up to 98%!).
This high open rate translates to increased engagement and a greater chance of your message being acted upon. Whether it's a link click, a response, or an in-store visit, bulk SMS prompts swift interaction.
Compared to traditional marketing channels like print advertising or direct mail, bulk SMS offers an economical alternative.
There are no printing costs, postage fees, or advertising space expenses. With affordable rates and the ability to target a wide audience, you can be (and probably already are to an extent) using bulk SMS to maximize your marketing budget.
Bulk SMS allows for a level of personalization that resonates with recipients.
By addressing individuals by their names and tailoring messages to their preferences in such a personal medium, you create a more meaningful connection. This personal touch enhances customer loyalty and encourages recipients to view your brand as attentive and considerate.
(Just make sure you actually are attentive and considerate!)
For promotions, deals, or limited-time offers, bulk SMS is unbeatable.
You can create a sense of urgency by communicating that an offer expires soon, encouraging swift action. And urgent alerts or updates—such as order confirmations, appointment reminders, or service disruptions—can also be communicated promptly.
That way, everyone can get in the know quickly!
Bulk SMS reaches a wide audience, including people who might not have constant access to the internet or email—because nearly everyone has a phone and can receive texts.
So SMS is an effective way to connect with diverse demographics, ensuring that your message is accessible to a broad range of potential customers.
Unlike many other forms of marketing, bulk SMS opens up the possibility for two-way communication (even more than mass email).
Recipients can reply to your messages and you can manage their replies via the online inbox. You can use this kind of direct interaction between you and your customers for customer support, feedback collection, and even conducting surveys.
Why use a bulk SMS service like Mobile Text Alerts?
Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll get.
Want an out-of-the-box platform?
Or a mobile app experience?
Or maybe you have development resources and would prefer to program your own messaging efforts via API.
The good news is that you can do any and all of that with Mobile Text Alerts.
Use SMS software to set up a series of automated messages, or to set up auto-reply messages when people text in to your virtual phone number.
Using online reporting you can get a better grasp on your message delivery, engagement rates, and click rates on your message links.
No need to manage all your opt-in’s and opt-out’s on your own—instead, you can let the system do it for you.
A digital inbox allows you the convenience of viewing and managing all of your texting conversations in one place.
“Hey there! Don't miss our upcoming workshop on 'Unlocking Your Business’s Full Potential.' Limited spots available. Register now: [Registration Link]
“📣Live in 5 to chat about “What You Need to Know About Digital Marketing Trends for 2024!” Join here: [Webinar Link]
“Flash Sale Alert! Enjoy 30% off on all items today only. Visit us in-store or shop online: [Store Link]
“Your shopping cart misses you! Complete your purchase and get 15% off. Shop now: [Cart Link]
“Reminder! Staff meeting today at 12pm. Lunch provided.
“🤝 Thank you for supporting our cause! Your donation of $50 helps us make a difference. Learn more: [Impact Link]
“🏥 Appointment Reminder: Your next check-up is scheduled for [Date] at [Time]. See you at [Clinic Name]!
“🍔 Hungry for a delicious meal? Join us tonight for dinner and enjoy a free dessert on the house!
“Attention Parents: Parent-Teacher Meetings on [Date]. Sign up for your slot: [Registration Link].
“🏡 New Listing Alert: Check out our latest property in [Location]. Virtual tour: [Virtual Tour Link].
“Transaction Alert: Your account was charged $50 for [Transaction Description]. Questions? Call [Customer Support Number].
“🏋️♀️ Ready for a workout? Join morning weightlifting training at [Gym Name]. View more info here: [Link]
“🎉 Just [X] days left until our Grand Opening Event! We can't wait to celebrate with you. See you on [Event Date]!
There ya have it! All the in's and out's of bulk SMS. Want to give Mobile Text Alerts a try for yourself?
Get 50 messages to try SMS for free with Mobile Text Alerts today.
Start sending mass text alerts to your entire list today!
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