How can i make SMS marketing work for me?

[chip_y2kuk]

Hi all,

I have tried and used:

Flyers
Leaflets
Business cards
Contacting new startups
Word of mouth (i have customers who know other customers)

I would also like to use SMS messaging to market my company

after looking around i have found a company i am happy with

i would like to know how best to take advantage of the sms service

I am hoping to use it to alert customer's of:

Appointments (reminders)
New services
Wishing them happy Christmas/new year etc (ensuring they know we are still trading)


any body any other ideas or information on making the most of SMS?

thanks

joe

[Scott-CopyandDesign]

Not sure how you expect anyone to answer your question when you haven't explained what you're selling.

[chip_y2kuk]

Not sure how you expect anyone to answer your question when you haven't explained what you're selling.

Yes that's a good idea, I run a computer services company and am a Qualified IT Teacher after being unable to find a teaching job i decided to go it alone and set up on my own company

Thanks

joe

[Scott-CopyandDesign]

Yes that's a good idea, I run a computer services company and am a Qualified IT Teacher after being unable to find a teaching job i decided to go it alone and set up on my own company

Thanks

joe

So, what do you actually sell?

There are hundreds of different services relating to IT.

[chip_y2kuk]

So, what do you actually sell?

There are hundreds of different services relating to IT.

Computer repairs
Upgrades
Hardware
Software
Website Hosting
Home Tutorials

Thanks

joe

[Scott-CopyandDesign]

Computer repairs
Upgrades
Hardware
Software
Website Hosting
Home Tutorials

Thanks

joe

Is the cost worth it? Can you only market to mobile numbers which you have gathered yourself?

If so, it might not be cost effective. If you want to send out a message to clients about special offers, then you could just do it using your phone, unless you have hundreds/thousands of clients.

Don't use it just because it's there. Make sure you have a method which will create a good ROI or you're going to waste money.

[telemax]

Actually, if it's opt in and your reminding people to bring their PC in for an annual "healthcheck" it might not be such a bad idea to try. Another example might be alerting customers to the possibility of a Windows 7 upgrade. Just don't overdo it!!

[chip_y2kuk]

Actually, if it's opt in and your reminding people to bring their PC in for an annual "healthcheck" it might not be such a bad idea to try. Another example might be alerting customers to the possibility of a Windows 7 upgrade. Just don't overdo it!!


Yes that was the type of thing i was thinking, we are only a small company however but at 4.5p per message it's actually cheaper than sending it from my mobile phone not to mention quicker and easier. The Alerting people to appointments would stop me from sitting in my car outside people's houses because they forgot what time i was coming out.

Maybe at some point an offer i thought might be an idea like.... Half price "health check" with this message that might encourage people to forward it to their friends and give me a call

i'm new to SMS marketing so any advice would be helpfull but i am gonna give it a try and see if i can get it to work

Thanks

joe

[Simplistic Designs]

Yes that was the type of thing i was thinking, we are only a small company however but at 4.5p per message it's actually cheaper than sending it from my mobile phone not to mention quicker and easier.

4.5p is pretty damn good!! SMS marketing in the way you're talking about definately sounds like a good idea too. :)

Just wondering, out of intrest - what company have quoted you 4.5p per message?

Cheers,

Ally McInnes.

Simplistic Designs - Professional Designs for Affordable Prices.

[TxtLocal]

I will happily offer 4p per message up to 10,000.

Yes, SMS marketing would work well for your business. Each time you sell an item, or a customer contacts you - simply say "would you like to be kept informed about special offers via text message"? You can then capture the mobile number and send promotions to them any time.

Also, with txtlocal you get a free inbound system "text CHIP to 077862xxxx" which you can print on your marketing material, or on a slip of paper included with each purchase. people can then opt in to receive SMS news via that.

All very simple, very low cost and powerful because you are communicating instantly with people who have chosen to hear from you - for pennies.

Al.

[chip_y2kuk]

The company that i am with is a company called Redsms (www.redsms.co.uk)

The provide 4.5p per message + VAT works out at about 5.11p per message
i purchased 250 messages for something like 12.94

I did look at txtlocal (and their system was nicer)

Thanks

joe

[Adzooma]

Hello Joe,

You might like to consider Adzooma

It's a way of targeting your existing customers and other people that have expressed an interest in your products or services.

You can add the geographical areas that you cover and then add relevant key phrases, in your case:

Computer repairs
Computer Upgrades
Computer Hardware
Software
Computer software
Website Hosting
Home PC Tutorials
Home computer tutorials

Currently the customers receive emails and can view your offers and promotions on line.

We are just in the process of adding SMS texting which will be optional when you place an advert.

We are a start up company, so please do not expect a flood of new customers.

Steve