Local Mobile Marketing is not just a buzz word. Almost half of the US now has smart phones and consumers spend more time on their phones then computers. Your business marketing strategy must change to reflect these broad changes in how consumers search for products and services. More than half of mobile searches result in a purchase. Mobile Text Marketing is the #1 marketing techniques you can use to increase your business.
Mobile marketing is simply a way of marketing to consumers who have mobile devices. Smart phones, and tablet devices (i.e. IPad) are growing much faster than traditional computing devices such as laptops and desktops. This has a profound implication for your business. Reaching mobile customers should be a top priority as your competitors begin to reconsider their marketing plans as well. Don't Wait-Don't be Late...you can get a head start on your customers by taking proactive steps to getting started. Getting started has never been easier.
Reaching mobile consumers via their mobile devices is critical. 93% of text messages are opened whereas email messages have open rates of less than 15% in a number of industries. Getting past spam filters is just as challenging. The beauty of text messaging is that consumers have elected to receive these messages from your business. Text messaging works like this....all mobile users must text their acceptance (opt-in) to your business by typing in a special "keyword" frequently your business or brand. Additionally a "short code" a set of 5 numbers is used for the texting service to deliver your messages. American Idol started the commercial application for text messaging a few years ago when the TV show "American Idol" asked millions of viewers to text their vote to "IDOL" at 5706....millions of text messages were received and this become one of the first commercial applications for business. Text messaging applications expanded to include coupons, discounts, surveys and more.
The first step in creating your mobile marketing text messaging campaigns is to create a plan as to what you wish to accomplish. Once you have a goal established you can begin to create a list of consumers that match your requirements. For most businesses, attracting their current customers becomes a priority. This can be done by inviting them to join your text messaging club by "opting in". In return, businesses provide a compelling offer such as a free gift, coupon or discount. Building your text messaging list is both an art and a science. If you are a retail outfit you should consider placing flyers or table top tent cards inviting customers to join. Adding a "web widget" which is similar to the old fashion email opt in forms, should be placed on your web site to attract new text club members. Coach, a luxury brand of handbags is displaying "opt-in" promotions on their shelves in order to attract customers to their text messaging club. Large and small businesses alike are becoming aware of the power of text marketing.. Building your text messaging list becomes an arms race as the larger the list the more impact your campaign can have on business. Response rates to promotions are as high as 25%!Message are sent from your account and can be a maximum of 160 characters or less. Text club members can "opt-out" of your club at any time.
Most companies will likely choice to have specialized vendors set up and conduct their campaigns as they continue to focus on what they do best....running their business. Look for a company that is available 7 days a week and has hours when you conduct your business so your messages can go out when you want them to. You also want to make sure the company is compliant with all of the regulatory requirements and can set up your account in hours not weeks. Some companies may offer free trials for you to evaluate the service..that's always a good way to go.
Generating traffic and leads, customer loyalty and retention, and more business is the goal of most text message programs. One of the keys will be to get consumers to sign up for your list before customer fatigue sets in and consumers resist signing up for business after business. What are you waiting for?