Bulk SMS messages allow you to engage with your audience in a cost-effective way. The open rates for bulk SMS are as high as 98% and the messages are likely to be read within 3 minutes. Best of all, text messages elicit a response quicker than email or direct marketing. The return on your investment is higher, which means that you’re getting more value for every dollar you spend.
SMS vs. MMS
Short Message Service, better known as SMS, is a text message that is sent directly to a cell phone. Each SMS message contains up to 160 alphanumeric characters (a combination of words, numbers, and symbols).
SMS differs from MMS texts (Multimedia Messaging Service), which can be longer than 160 characters and include photos, videos, and audio. MMS tend to be more time intensive and require other resources to create.
What is a Bulk SMS?
A bulk SMS is a text message that is sent to some or all of your customers at the same time. Bulk SMS allows you to include a URL (website address) that turns into a tappable link to a specific webpage or social media post. Some URLs can be long, but you can shorten them to save space. This keeps the message brief and easy to send. Organizations of all types can quickly compose and send Bulk SMS messages to their target audience.
Sending Bulk SMS
It’s easy to send bulk SMS. In just a few minutes, you can communicate with your audience from your phone, tablet, or laptop. You simply fill out a few required fields in a standard format and hit send. No learning curve to overcome, and it’s much more convenient than sending other forms of communication.
Organizations and business use SMS messages in many ways:
- Offers, coupons, or discounts
- Product news
- Branding
- Press releases
- Donations
- Surveys
- Reminders
- Confirmations
One of the best ways to use bulk SMS is to make it an integral part of a marketing campaign. It’s another platform you can use to make your audience aware of a promotion or important news.
Because of COVID-19, bulk SMS has been an excellent tool for many businesses and organizations. There’s so much uncertainty, and changes seem to happen overnight. Bulk SMS can alert your entire audience to changes in hours of operation and other special instructions regarding in-store pick up or delivery services. People appreciate knowing what to expect and how they can still get their favorite brands.
Some Things to Consider
There are several things to consider when sending SMS messages:
1. Keep It Short
You only have 160 characters. That’s about the length of these two sentences and a short link. Shorter messages also have more impact and get a quicker response.
2. Stay On Brand
Every message should remind the recipient who sent it. Staying on brand keeps your messaging consistent and makes a bigger impression.
3. Make It Personal
People want to receive messages that are relevant to them. How does it benefit them and their daily lives? Plus, always say “Hi” and their first name, because it’s polite and they like it.
4. Track Your Results
Your SMS platform allows you to track all messages that were received and read. It also lets you know how many people clicked on links provided, so you can hone your messages in the future to get a better response.
Successful bulk SMS campaigns send the right message every time, and that depends upon your industry and the customers’ expectations. The goal isn’t always frequency, because you could run into problems if you’re sending messages daily. Always remember to impart value with each message. This will ensure that each recipient stays on your list.