Any thoughts on SMS Marketing?

[kit-b]

Hi Guys!

I’m looking into creating a piece of software to help small businesses send out special offers my text messages to their customer base.

Do any of you have experience with mass communication software? Good experiences or bad? Or is there anything that you would want from one for it to be right for your business (price, ease of use, etc)?

Thanks for the help!

 

[justbought.it]

Hi Guys!

I’m looking into creating a piece of software to help small businesses send out special offers my text messages to their customer base.

Do any of you have experience with mass communication software? Good experiences or bad? Or is there anything that you would want from one for it to be right for your business (price, ease of use, etc)?

Thanks for the help!

I have both good and bad experiences of mass communication software so I can't conclusively say your idea is good or bad. Clearly there is market for your product but I would advise you launch the product in Africa and not the UK.

I recommed you pitch your idea to EVA Fund.

I hope that helps.

Glen.

 

[kit-b]

I have both good and bad experiences of mass communication software so I can't conclusively say your idea is good or bad. Clearly there is market for your product but I would advise you launch the product in Africa and not the UK.

I recommed you pitch your idea to EVA Fund.

I hope that helps.

Glen.

Hi Glen,

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into the EVA fund.

Would you mind expanding a little bit on what the good and bad experiences were?

Many Thanks,
Kit

 

[justbought.it]

Hi Glen,

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into the EVA fund.

Would you mind expanding a little bit on what the good and bad experiences were?

Many Thanks,
Kit

I had a client once who wanted to build an auction platform for airtime on TV channels. They wanted the media buyers receive SMS alerts and be able to bid-up by way of reply. Although it technically worked it was extremely expensive. iPhone's and apps weren't around at the time (it was the age of the iPaq) so SMS was the only solution.

SMS is an extremely antiquated form of communication, hence why I suggested launching in Africa as they are still behind on adoption of mobile app technology.

I downloaded an app on Sunday for The Angel Inn in Windermere. I've already had a couple of push messages which I found useful. This is the way forward in my view.

Google "product/market fit", I think you need to be considering this.

I hope that helps.

Glen.

 

[Textlocal]

Would be worth checking out this thread from a few weeks ago - http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=281755

It is very hard for business owners who have not used SMS comms before to embrace the idea of "pure opt in", however if you do receive customer consent it is possibly the most effective tool for repeat business available (I would say that..!)

There are already lots of very well established and reputable SMS companies in the UK supporting the SME market (Textlocal, Mediaburst, Esendex, Textmarketer, Textanywhere, 24x, Cardboardfish for example) - all with years of experience. It could be tough to get started, but good luck

Hi Guys!

I’m looking into creating a piece of software to help small businesses send out special offers my text messages to their customer base.

Do any of you have experience with mass communication software? Good experiences or bad? Or is there anything that you would want from one for it to be right for your business (price, ease of use, etc)?

Thanks for the help!

 

[AlexanderR]

I'm also way behind the App scene, still using a 10 year old phone. Although if I'm extremely honest, I already get mass marketing text messages. They come from twitter.

Trying a country that doesn't allow access to twitter may be a great idea, maybe China for example.

P.S. Not sure if China does or doesn't allow access to Twitter, but there are many that restrict access to a lot of social media, they would be good starting points.

 

[garyk]

I think its useful to keep in touch with existing customers rather than as a marketing tool.

As Glen says other mediums have taken over now, email, twitter, push notifications to smart phones. That said the open rates on SMS are still very high but people dont like spam SMS. Everytime I get one I report it to my network operator, they all have a shortcode you can forward messages onto to report them as spam.

Gary

 

[edge2013]

I agree with garyk, sms would work well for developing and maintaining relationships.
In the UK sms is very personal, any unwanted pushy messages will seem very intrusive and could scar the company. However, as a relationship marketing tool it can be very effective.

 

[PDRD]

As a customer SMS marketing is horrid. I would not use someone who sent me an advert sms on principle.

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[SuffolkDesigns]

As a customer SMS marketing is horrid. I would not use someone who sent me an advert sms on principle.

Sure, because it would be spam if you have not opted in.

I have a number of local clients that all use SMS marketing successfully.
From Restaurants to Dog grooming parlours. If a client is made aware of the option to receive special offers by SMS and agrees to it then it can and does work very well.

Push notifications are ok, but they rely on the app being installed to receive them.

 

[Textlocal]

Absolutely - you simply create a fan club for your business, sending messages to people who have chosen to receive them using the most intimate communications tool.

This permission must be respected - only send messages that you are confident will be of interest to your customer and ensure each message contains a simple route to opt-out.

By using SMS text you can reach each of your opt in customers instantly - which is not something that can said for Social Media or email. It isn't however an either/or... they compliment each other. SMS text works on every phone and is instant - perfect for generating repeat business and keeping in touch privately with your customer. Social Media allows for "chat", richer multimedia experiences and the generation of new clients.

SMS text links the offline world to the digital - remember, SMS texts can contain links to any online content (PDFs, websites, videos and of course Facebook and Twitter feeds!). So printing a call to action like "text BEER to 60777 to hear about our latest Fine Ales as soon as they become available" means that you capture the number for future marketing - but can also autorespond with a link to your Facebook page. A double win

Sure, because it would be spam if you have not opted in.

I have a number of local clients that all use SMS marketing successfully.
From Restaurants to Dog grooming parlours. If a client is made aware of the option to receive special offers by SMS and agrees to it then it can and does work very well.
.

 

[GoneFishing9990]

I would agree that it is an excellent tool when used correctly. To be honest if you are sending customers communications in any form which they probably won't want to receive then they'll be disgruntled with you.

The key is to make sure you have their permission, send them stuff they really will find useful and make sure you have a very easy opt out mechanism.

There's a UK company out there offering texts at 1.85p per text at the moment so it's also very economical!

 

[Anastasiya]

There still is a future in SMS marketing. Not like the regular spam you get today, but more as a way for brands to build a personal and direct relationship with their customers. Check the forecasts to ensure http://www.motomessage.com/future-sms-marketing/, http://www.ttgdigital.com/toolkit/marketing-is-there-a-future-in-sms-marketing/4667499.article

 

[Cynic]

I had a client once who wanted to build an auction platform for airtime on TV channels. They wanted the media buyers receive SMS alerts and be able to bid-up by way of reply. Although it technically worked it was extremely expensive. iPhone's and apps weren't around at the time (it was the age of the iPaq) so SMS was the only solution.

SMS is an extremely antiquated form of communication, hence why I suggested launching in Africa as they are still behind on adoption of mobile app technology.

I downloaded an app on Sunday for The Angel Inn in Windermere. I've already had a couple of push messages which I found useful. This is the way forward in my view.

Google "product/market fit", I think you need to be considering this.

I hope that helps.

Glen.

Isn't this already happening with real time bidding and demand site platforms online? If this has reached TV then good lord

 

[Tradesplit]

I gave it a go once, but didn't get much success with it, as an advertising tool. However, as a follow up to a initial sales enquiry, it can be a nice touch.....given he right price

 

[angrystone]

It would be great if you could produce something that works in Australia. We don't have too many options here, but a lot of small businesses would use it.

 

[sarahjohs]

Sure, because it would be spam if you have not opted in.

I have a number of local clients that all use SMS marketing successfully.
From Restaurants to Dog grooming parlours. If a client is made aware of the option to receive special offers by SMS and agrees to it then it can and does work very well.

Push notifications are ok, but they rely on the app being installed to receive them.

Yes, I have been on the receiving end of such offers too. So far so good

 

[ManufacturerRepairs]

In my opinion SMS marketing has been spoilt by PPI claim back, there for other companies, even though offering something different, my be associated with PPI

 

[antoanvegas]

Yes that's true, mobile and sms marketing is the fastest way to send your messages directly to your customers. It as well offers great features such as mobile coupons, voting, and many other call to action methods. I started using it few months ago and stopped by ProTexting.com as a services provider.
Wisely using of text messaging can be very benefiting marketing channel for the businesses but can be as well great way for customers to find great deals.

 

[Rafael]

I'm interested to know if anyone really responds to sms messages, anyone got any stats or good or bad experiences to share?

 

[Rafael]

yeah super agree.. in fact marketers are now establishing and getting ready for mobile marketing .. since most of people nowadays have been using phones everywhere and internet is just a click away.. its a great way to advertise and get notice..

Aren't they looking to do that largely by banner advertising on apps?

 

[Nino11]

Hi Guys!

I’m looking into creating a piece of software to help small businesses send out special offers my text messages to their customer base.

Do any of you have experience with mass communication software? Good experiences or bad? Or is there anything that you would want from one for it to be right for your business (price, ease of use, etc)?

Thanks for the help!

Your idea is good but you don't have to develop any software right now! Just go and get a white-label version of a software already out there... get the clients to use it while also making money and MAKE your own software when you have a number of clients that satisfies you.

 

[annavissi]

I personally think that is awful.. first of all there is no trust in this tool , second it's really annoying and disruptive...

 

[Textlocal]

If it is opt in, and the recipient has chosen to receive communications from a business, service or community group - be they appointment reminders, emergency alerts or time limited promotions - how can that possibly be intrusive?

Actually, if used correctly it is the most effective way of delivering a message to a group of people. Delivered in seconds, usually read within a minute, costs pennies and can link back to any online media you can choose. Proven time and again to generate significant repeat business (loyalty) from your best customers.

It is easy to grow an opt in list - just ask customers permission and import into a system (excel, csv) or publicise a short code (text a WORD to a NUMBER to receive updates from our business).

It's called permission marketing - although bizarrely few people seem to grasp this and always instantly assume it is spam without considering it properly. A shame.

 

[annavissi]

Well, I have never seen a successful sms campaign in my life. the appointment reminders is one thing. the advertisement (which people call a part of marketing mix) is another thing. We all know how all these lists are made of. that's why there are many people who think that's awful. only companies that actually do this type of marketing seems indifferent to public opinion. but is is always a matter of choice - you use this old style business - you will get the results you want. no offence

 

[Textlocal]

No offence taken, however you are wrong. Of course there are people (as with everything in life) who abuse things and ruin for all.

That doesn't mean it should be written off. I work with over 100,000 business, service and community groups who DO build proper opt in lists, gain user permission, and send out messages that are welcome and well received. From chip shops to churches, green grocers to fishmongers. It works and is not intrusive with end user consent.

It is similar to "liking" on Facebook, except far more personal and with the benefit of being able to push time critical messages which you know will be read quickly. With this power comes responsibility... Of course opt in consent is crucial here.

 

[annavissi]

Ok, I agree on one point so far - it really depends on which kind of business you are running. I will look into the matter more precisely after I finish my dissertation and will argue with more supportive materials

The point of the argument for me to find the usefulness in this type of advertising, if you are right I will be only happy to discover a new option for myself

 

[Textlocal]

So, you have a local fish and chip shop. You go every month or so. You are low-middle income. Why in the queue you see a poster "to get the latest offers and news about weekly specials delivered to your handset test FISH to 60777.

You think "why not, it would be nice to hear this info".

When you text, you instantly receive a reply saying "thanks for joining Jimd Fish Shop Text Club. Click here xxxx for our menu. Visit our Facebook page xxxx. To opt out text FISHSTOP to 60777. Thanks Jim x"

3 weeks later, on a Tuesday evening you get the message "2 for 1 fish and chips today or 10% off Monkfish special if you show this message. To opt out reply STOP".

That is clearly not intrusive, it is permission marketing. It costs the business £2 to instantly reach 50 people. It is free to end user, and they can opt out at any time.

Beautiful, clean, simple, effective.

 

[Garage Runners]

I'd like to use it purely as a mass communication to say thanks, or seasonal greetings etc than trying to sell something.
I find my best mass advertising is via social media as it's free and can target the correct base with chances of spreading and going viral if it's an offer people like to share, whuch may gain more likes so you can advertise more and helps traffic people to your site in a easier manner.
Just my 2p, but works in my automotive industry

 

[Phil Richardson]

I always hated sms marketing but then I hadn't seen a company that did it well.

My garage use sms very well. They send special offers for MOT's and servicing or car valeting etc.

In fact I replied to one the other day so have a very cheap MOT and service booked for when I need them later in the year.

I only receive 5-6 per year so they aren'y intrusive and it is always something I am interested in.

I think local restaurants, pubs or take aways using it would be a great idea to get loyal customers to keep visiting.

 

[Textlocal]

Thanks Phil - it is very refreshing to hear someone on UKBF who doesn't think all SMS marketing is intrusive spam...

If permission based, from your favorite local businesses - then it is much the same as a friend communicating with you. Your local pub landlord, your vicar, your greengrocer, your headteacher, your mechanic. If they are offering something that is relevant to you then why would anyone take offense?

 

[Ashley_Price]

it is very refreshing to hear someone on UKBF who doesn't think all SMS marketing is intrusive spam

I have to admit to being one of those. Rather than thinking what an innovative idea, my immediate reaction to the title was "Just don't!"

As I guess others have said, the only way this will work is if it is 100% permission based - i.e. people have to opt in. Sending me an unsolicited text, whether it is relevant to me or not, without my permission will not get a sale.

 

[degadar]

I do bulk SMS marketing and it does work. I also have a platform that our customers can use to send bulk SMS for themselves.

I avoid the unsolicited PPI like markets like the plague and wouldn't go there, but in a well-targetted list and properly opted in it works and is very well received. We regularly see 10 or 20% conversion rates and a far better ROI than almost any other method.

Like all marketing communications, keep it relevant, keep it timely and keep it short.

 

[Textlocal]

Absolutely - we also have case studies and testimonials from hundreds of businesses who say the same. Certain food outlets regularly get 20-30% conversion to opt in data. That's a 3p message converting to a £10+ sale.

Don't forget that SMS can also link to any online content (our system tracks which of your clients click through, their device and you can personalise the landing page with merged fields). So.. a car garage can send out a personalised MOT reminder, and link to a personalised "Summer AirCon offer"..

We regularly see 10 or 20% conversion rates and a far better ROI than almost any other method.

Like all marketing communications, keep it relevant, keep it timely and keep it short.

 

[GoneFishing9990]

Hi. Yes it really does work!

You of course need to be aware of all the great advice given on this forum about opt-in and permission based.

If you go to the inspiration zone at our site (links below in signature) then there are some great infographics that give you both ideas and stat's.

If you need any more information, I'd be glad to provide it here for you so that others can benefit from it as well.

Cheers.

 

[telemax]

I think people are confusing those ridiculous PPI/pension claim spam texts with targeted opt in campaigns.

My local branch of a well known pizza chain texts me about once every 10 days or so with offers. It actually got me in there on a 2 for one deal the other night.

 

[Cynic]

I think people are confusing those ridiculous PPI/pension claim spam texts with targeted opt in campaigns.

My local branch of a well known pizza chain texts me about once every 10 days or so with offers. It actually got me in there on a 2 for one deal the other night.

These guys know what they are doing

 

[GoneFishing9990]

I think people are confusing those ridiculous PPI/pension claim spam texts with targeted opt in campaigns.

My local branch of a well known pizza chain texts me about once every 10 days or so with offers. It actually got me in there on a 2 for one deal the other night.

You're spot on Telemax.

Lest we forget. The term 'marketing' encompasses all aspects of business - new, existing, customer service, retention, renewal, etc.

If you were a mountain biking fan and asked a company you deal with regularly to send you texts when new gadgets arrive, you'd love to get the text.

If you asked to be told by text when your courier was going to deliver your package (as DPD do) you'd also be happy to get the text.

If you said to your local landlord to remind you about quiz nights, you'd be happy to get a text.

The list goes on, and on, and on, and .... errr on.

Texts are just a method of communication. You simply need to have the right processes in place to ensure you only send people what they want to hear about (and allow them to unsubscribe when they want) - then they'll love you for it. Simples (I think some insurance company says this!)

 

[amphis software]

a big use of SMS Messaging in Amphis Customer (using textmarketer or textlocal among others) is Appointment Reminders which customers seem happy to opt in for and no doubt an occasional offer might be sent their way too.

Tom

 

[mobile-web-guy]

I set up a campaign for a buddy of mine who owns an italian restaurant chain.

One of the restaurants was struggling midweek so we decided to give it a try.

We set up a table tent on each table with a join our special vip list and get 10% off your food bill.

We had 130 opt ins in 3 nights and sent our first promotion the following wednesday which was "first 20 people to book for tonight get a free bottle of wine with their meal"

We had 32 responses almost instantly and made a usually very quiet night very busy.

So yes it works great.

And that was for free using twitter as the message provider. The only problem was that you cannot really track sign ups or other metrics.

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