SMS Campaign 101: Everything You Need to Know About SMS Campaigns

Today’s world is extremely hyperconnected – there's no debate about it. In such an environment, businesses are always on the hunt for the simplest and most efficient ways to attain potential customers.

Even with new marketing platforms, SMS marketing is still one of the best methods of reaching potential audiences. SMS is a game-changer because it makes the most professional impact. It ensures the message lands directly into your customer's palm.

Innovative platforms like Easify provide efficient bulk messaging services for SMS campaigns. These give businesses a unique opportunity to establish instant, relevant links with their customers.

Your Guide to SMS Campaigns

What do you call the practice of sending promotional content via a text message? You guessed it – SMS Campaign or SMS marketing!

Consumer Affairs has come up with a new report. An average person in the U.S. spends around 4 hours and 30 minutes each day on their phone. They check it about 144 times daily. This shows that people are glued to their mobile screens more than ever these days.

Now the question is, what would be the best way of reaching that audience? What would be the fastest? And most effective? Direct and simple message that would cause a pop-up on their screen.

In a B2B setting, let’s take a business that offers financial services to small businesses. They can use SMS campaigns to notify their clients about new funding offers or to remind them about application completion.

As for the B2C scenario, businesses can update their clients about a product launch, flash sale, appointment reminders, etc.

The Birth and Growth of SMS

The beginning of SMS started only in the 80s, but ever since then, it’s been growing rapidly to be what it is now – one of the most popular means of communication. Let’s take a look at the history of SMS, tracking the advancements over the years:

The 80s

In 1984, SMS text messaging was invented by Friedhelm Hillebrand and Bernard Ghillebaert. A 160-character limit was set for SMS messages in the following year.

The 90s

It took 7 years for the first text message to be sent; the engineer at Sema Group, Mr. Neil Papworth sent “Merry Christmas” in 1992. The very next year, Nokia came up with the first ever cell phone with the feature to text. Then came the T9 (text on nine keys) texting invention by Cliff Kushler in 1995. In ‘97, Nokia marked a milestone by upgrading texting with a QWERTY keyboard.

Did you know? It wasn’t until 1999 that cross-network texting became available.

The early 2000s

The second year of the new century saw MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) find its commercial inception. Then, in 2003, the birth of short codes began to revolutionize marketing strategy in bulk messaging. However, 10DLC (10-digit long code) saw a formal codification by CTIA only by 2017.

As of today, the number of text messages sent daily stands at an impressive range of 23 billion per day. Services like Easify have eased out bulk messaging all the more with the assistance in 10DLC compliance to ensure that you reach your audience effectively.

What is an SMS Campaign, and Why is it Still Relevant?

An SMS campaign is a targeted marketing strategy that uses text messages to send promotional or informational content to a specific group of recipients, helping businesses connect with customers and keep them engaged over time.

In traditional marketing channels, obtaining attention can be difficult. But SMS marketing is different. It gives direct, personal, and exceedingly efficient communication. From promotional offers to important alerts, SMS campaigns provide a platform for businesses to interact with their audience instantly.

In today’s world, it is especially important as SMS campaigns help connect a business directly to its audience. For instance, they can really help with time-sensitive promotions. This can apply to Black Friday sales, Christmas offers, or even events like the Fourth of July.

Key SMS Marketing Features That Drive Campaign Success

Instant Delivery: Communication at the Speed of Light

In the digital age, timing is everything. SMS marketing stands out with its near-instantaneous delivery. When you send a message through Easify's platform, it reaches your audience within seconds, ensuring your time-sensitive information gets immediate attention.

Unparalleled Open Rates

Traditional marketing channels pale in comparison to SMS's remarkable performance. With an astounding 98% open rate, SMS Campaign demolish email marketing's average of 20%. This means your message is almost guaranteed to be seen, making SMS an incredibly powerful marketing tool.

Direct and Personal Communication

SMS Campaign is, in essence, like having one-on-one conversations with each customer without the interference of email inboxes and social media timelines. It's a whole new kind of personalization. Businesses can use platforms like Easify to send personalized bulk message - make every message feel like it was made just for each customer.

Technical Aspects of SMS Marketing

Infrastructure and Delivery

Modern SMS marketing relies on robust technological infrastructure. Platforms like Easify utilize advanced networks to ensure:

• High message delivery rates
• Instant message transmission
• Comprehensive tracking and analytics
• Secure message handling

Integration Capabilities

The best SMS marketing platforms offer seamless integration with:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
• Marketing automation tools
• E-commerce platforms
• Customer support systems

Strategies for Running Effective SMS Campaigns

To optimize your SMS marketing efforts, consider these five practical strategies:

1. Choose the Right Tools:
   Invest in software that meets your specific needs. Whether you're looking to increase your messaging volume or add visuals like images and videos, selecting the right platform is essential for success.
2. Write Clear and Concise Messages:
   With short attention spans, it's important to keep your messages brief and engaging. Try to stick to the 160-character limit to ensure your texts are direct and captivating.
3. Follow Compliance Guidelines:
   Make sure recipients have opted in before sending messages and offer an easy way to opt out. Adhering to these guidelines builds trust and keeps your campaigns compliant with legal standards.
4. Time Your Messages Wisely:
   Timing is key. Avoid sending messages during work hours and test sending them in the evenings or on weekends to find out when your audience is most responsive.
5. Create a Content Schedule:
   Strive for balance—space out your messages to remain relevant without overwhelming your audience. A content calendar can help you stay organized and allow for personalized responses when needed.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve your SMS campaigns and boost customer engagement.

Types of SMS Marketing Campaigns

Promotional Campaigns

These are sales-driven messages, to announce special offers and introduce new products. Advanced segmentation tools allow for very targeted campaigns towards certain customer segments.

• Promotional Campaign Strategies:
• Flash sales
• Limited-time discounts
• Product launch announcements
• Exclusive member offers

Transactional Messages

Beyond promotions, SMS serves crucial functional purposes. Order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders, and account notifications fall under this category. These messages provide essential information and enhance customer experience.

Transactional Message Use Cases:

• Real-time delivery tracking
• Appointment confirmations
• Account balance alerts
• Reservation reminders
• Two-factor authentication

Benefits of SMS Campaign

1. Cost-Effectiveness

SMS Campaign/ Text marketing is probably one of the most affordable means of communicating with millions. It requires the least investment. When compared to the traditional advertisements of print, TV, or radio, SMS is quite cheap to implement. The costs come around only a few cents per message.

Furthermore, an SMS campaign has an open rate of approximately 98%. This ensures that almost every recipient receives the message. This in turn gives way to an increase in the return on investment.

2. Universal Accessibility

With mobile phones ubiquitous across demographics, SMS marketing provides a nearly universal communication method. Age, location, or technical savvy becomes irrelevant - almost everyone can receive a text message.

3. Measurable and Actionable Results

Modern SMS platforms provide comprehensive analytics. Track delivery rates, open rates, click-through rates, and conversion metrics with unprecedented detail. This data-driven approach allows continuous campaign optimization.

Advanced SMS Marketing Techniques

Personalization Strategies

Dynamic Content

• Use customer names
• Segment based on purchase history
• Customize offers based on preferences

Behavioral Targeting

• Track customer interactions
• Send contextually relevant messages
• Create personalized customer journeys

Automation and Workflow Integration

• Set up automated message triggers
• Create complex communication workflows
• Schedule messages in advance
• Implement sophisticated segmentation

Compliance and Best Practices

Regulatory Considerations

• Obtain explicit consent
• Provide clear opt-out mechanisms
• Comply with telecommunications regulations
• Maintain customer privacy
• Follow guidelines like TCPA in the United States

Do you wish to know more about TCPA compliance for text messages and SMS marketing? As a leading bulk SMS service provider, we’ll tell you all about it.

Message Design Best Practices

• Keep messages concise
• Use clear, actionable language
• Include a strong call-to-action
• Avoid spammy language
• Provide genuine value in every message

Examples of SMS Campaigns

4 Examples of Successful SMS Campaigns

Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut implements SMS marketing to send personalized offers and exclusive deals to their clients. Their campaign led to an increase in orders and engagement levels that proved again that targeted time-sensitive messages really work.

Dunkin' Donuts used localized SMS to discount coffee and donuts. Thus, this campaign increased store traffic by 21% and sales by 17%. It proves the power of SMS for driving foot traffic.

Westfield Shopping Center: To promote in-mall events and offers, Westfield sent SMS messages notifying shoppers about exclusive offers. The campaign enjoyed a 97% open rate and contributed significantly to an increase in event attendance and store sales

MGM Resorts: The luxury hotel chain used SMS to engage their guests, sending reservation reminders, updates for check-in, and promotions for exclusive events. The result was improved customer satisfaction and upticks in room bookings- upsells.

5 Examples to Inspire Your Next SMS Campaign

Birthday discounts

“It’s your special day, Taylor! Celebrate with 25% off your next purchase. Use code BDAY25 by date. Shop your favorites here: link"

Exclusive member previews

“VIP Alert! Your early access to our spring collection starts today. Be the first to shop: link. Limited time only!"

Abandoned cart reminders

"Hi Sam, your cart is calling! Complete your order now and enjoy free shipping with code FREESHIP. Hurry, items are selling fast! link"

Flash Sales

"Last chance! Take up to 60% off during our end-of-season flash sale. Only 8 hours left! Shop here: link"

Appointment Reminders

"Hi Lauren, your haircut appointment is scheduled for 3 PM tomorrow. Reply ‘C’ to confirm or call us to reschedule. See you soon!"

How to Optimize Your SMS Campaigns

We’ve listed some key points that will help you optimize your SMS campaigns:

• A/B test message content
• Track key performance metrics
• Continuously refine your messaging
• Use personalization tokens
• Implement dynamic content

Use SMS Marketing as Part of Your Omnichannel Strategy

SMS shouldn't exist in isolation. Integrate it with:

• Email marketing
• Social media campaigns
• Push notifications
• Traditional advertising

Choosing the Right SMS Campaign Software

When selecting an SMS marketing platform, it’s essential to choose one that simplifies your marketing efforts while delivering powerful results. Easify stands out as the ideal solution with its range of advanced features, including:

Comprehensive List Management: Organize and manage your contacts effortlessly.

Advanced Audience Segmentation: Target the right audience with precision to maximize engagement.

Robust Analytics and Reporting: Gain insights into campaign performance with detailed analytics.

Easy-to-Use Interface: Navigate and execute campaigns seamlessly, even as a beginner.

Compliance and Opt-Out Management: Built-in compliance with regulations like TCPA ensures hassle-free opt-out management.

Integration Capabilities: Easily integrate with your existing tools to streamline workflows.

Affordable Pricing: Get premium features at a price that fits your budget.

Get Started with SMS Campaign Today with Easify!

No matter if you are a small business and would like to interact with local customers or a large company trying to develop a communication strategy; it is SMS marketing that provides an unmatched platform for a direct connection with your audience. And, with those tools like Easify, you're all set.

Easify is a dedicated SMS bulk messaging platform that makes SMS marketing simple, effective, and engaging. With its simple user interface, robust feature set, and attention to successful business-audience connections, Easify will work hand in hand with you to create your effective SMS marketing campaign.

Don't just be another voice among others. Equip yourself to cut through the noise, connect immediately, and cause your engagement to skyrocket when employing strategic SMS marketing.