Did you know in 2016, 31% of sales were on a mobile device… and in 2018 that number is expected to skyrocket!
If that doesn’t give you a reason to focus on mobile marketing – specifically Text message marketing – than I don’t know what will!
I understand text marketing can be difficult to understand… I know you may not know how texting works… or how you can use texting to boost your business.
Don’t Worry… We’ve put this overview together to help get you up to speed quickly.
We’ll offer some texting inspiration… so you can launch your own successful business texting campaign.
We’ll cover why texting is so powerful.
We’ll even talk about how to write some of your marketing text messages.
If you want to increase prospect responsiveness, get people into your brick-and-mortar business, and connect with customers, keep reading.
How Texting Works for Business
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.
The benefits of incorporating texting into your business communications are many, and touch on every stage of the buying journey.
Texting Generates Leads
You can get leads in lots of ways, both online and offline, but texting has the power to generate HIGH QUALITY LEADS.
Here’s why… text messaging is native on all cell phones… no need to download an app.
Phone numbers are unique and specific. People don’t give them up easily, and they are rarely faked! (think of all the fake emails people have used to signup for online offers) If someone gives you a phone number – it’s rare that it’s faked.
You can generate leads by making a simple offer:
- Allowing consumers to opt-in to receive promotions and coupons
- Offering a free estimate or quote for your service
- Inviting people to schedule an appointment or demonstration
- Opening the door to questions
Just remember, never text someone unless they’ve give you permission! Don’t go breaking the law.
Best of all, once you get a lead you can use texting for the next step in the journey: Qualification.
Qualifying Leads via Text Message
With a lead’s cell phone number, you can quickly and easily qualify that person as a potential customer or client. Lead qualification tells you:
- If the lead’s info is correct
- If the lead is worth your effort and time
- If you can reach the lead when it counts
All of these are crucial to nurturing leads and closing sales. You can qualify in a few different ways.
You might send a text asking the lead to reply with a verification code. You could go the personal route and send a quick question or acknowledgment of the lead’s potential needs.
Something as simple as texting a question – or a link to a survey can give you tons of information… not to mention the “BIG DATA” demographic information that’s available too!
Once you’ve qualified the lead, you can move on to the next step: The sales follow-up process.
Following up with Simple Texting
Following up is one of the most difficult stages of the buyer’s journey.
How many times should you follow up with a lead?
Many times leads are abandoned because calls and emails go unanswered.
The fact is it’s difficult, if not impossible, to know if those messages are even received by the lead.
But 95% of texts get read within 3 minutes of sending them. If you send a sequence of follow-up texts, it’s a great way to warm up buyers – and eliminate “tire kickers”!
Many times your follow-up information sequence can keep a prospect warm, and might even accelerate the sales process. It’s a perfect example of how texting allows you to nurture relationships.
Wondering what to text to prospects?
Here are some ideas that will allow your automated texts to look personal…
- Include leads in VIP offers and exclusive product releases
- Provide event reminders
- Send out limited-time-offer campaigns
- Push product information, blog posts, or other information
VIP and exclusive offers make leads feel valued by your brand. You’re taking a moment to send them a brief, non-intrusive message to show they matter to you. They’re so important that they’re getting a special reward—just for being different from the rest. Perfect for early-bird lists!
Event reminders send the same message–the lead is special to you. It sends the message, “I want to meet with you.” It can also help them remember to show up if they’ve forgotten to mark their calendars. Great for webinars and facebook live events.
Limited-time-offer campaigns create a sense of urgency, and again send the message that your leads are important to you. A great way to give your best prospects special deals and disocunts
Don’t forget product information, blog posts, and other info. It’s a great way to share how your product works, why it works the way it does, and Case Studies (which people love).
Types of Business Texts
Now that you understand how texting can complement the buyer’s journey and help move it along, let’s talk about the two types of business text messages you can send.
They fall into these categories: Triggered texts and individual follow-up texts.
Triggered texts are typically automated. Automation doesn’t mean a text can’t be personal. These texts are useful for any stage of the buying journey.
You can customize triggered texts to fire off when a lead contacts you via text message for qualification. If too much time has passed since a lead texted you, a triggered text can rekindle that connection.
Inside of Betwext, we use drip campaigns (also called auto-responders) to push information to interested prospects. I know of one client who has set up a weekly drip campaign for 6 months… this gives him the ability to connect and share information with his prospects – especially those on the fence.
Individual follow-up texts are texts you write and send yourself. They’re not automated… and often they are sent one-to one.
Often times individual texts are sent when replying to a customer question.
Frequently prospects and customers will text back questions – like location and store hours… or product details. Individual responses via text are vey powerful here!
Are you getting a better understanding of how texting works?
Now for a Bonus…
Bonus Texting Tips
I know we spent a lot of time discussing the customer journey. But texting doesn’t end with a customer handing over their money.
Don’t forget to use texting to ask people for reviews…
Ask them to rate and review your products or services.
Ask them to fill out a customer survey.
and most importantly of all… start them on the next buyer journey.
Now that you have a customer who has faith and trust in you, now is the time to offer them something new. Think about an add on product or service, or simply a repeat order.
This can be amazingly powerful, when used in the right way!
Final Thoughts On How Texting Works…
Now that you know how texting works for businesses, it’s time to get out there and start using this valuable tool.
I hope todays article gave you some great ideas on how to use business texting to improve your operations. To learn more about getting started with business texting, or to learn how to promote your small business check out our special report… “The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Marketing”
Remember text message marketing is very powerful… and it’s a tool that anyone can use to grow their business!