SMS Marketing Tool is a tool used to send permission-based text messages to subscribers. It is easy to use, a flexible and efficient tool for marketing. The Hub rates it as the most effective method of marketing nowadays.
The only constraint faced in SMS marketing is acquiring the permission of customers. This can be seen as both an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Obtaining permission requires businesses to carry out an SMS campaign. This involves signing up on an online SMS platform through which businesses pay to access unique keywords and shortcodes. The shortcodes are used as numbers to send text messages to potential customers asking for their permission to send promotional (and other) text messages. Interested consumers can follow the instructions given in the text message to opt into the SMS service. Customers these days prefer to be contacted via text as it is direct, intimate and easy to read. Statistics support this by showing that 57% of customers are not likely to recommend a business if its site is not mobile friendly. Moving back towards the issue at hand; the lengthy, tedious process of seeking permission from users instead of directly sending out text messages can be considered a downside.
However, the advantage of an SMS campaign is that it is more likely to gain customers’ trust. Users will appreciate the fact that they have the right to opt-in as well as opt out of an SMS service instead of receiving spam messages from brands they are not interested in. It is not only an ethical but legal obligation of businesses nowadays to seek permission before carrying out the SMS marketing tool. Hence, if companies do not follow the proper procedure of SMS marketing, they run the risk of being sued.
SMS marketing tools bring about a number of benefits. Users can now track online orders. Many companies use a text message service to confirm an order via SMS to the user once he/she has placed the order. Many brands also keep customers updated on the delivery time, dispatch and arrival of the order. A common use of an SMS marketing tool to send reminders, whether they are for orders or upcoming events. Technology has played a huge role in making SMS the most effective marketing method. SMS services are fast, reliable and secure. Brands are legally bound to protect the privacy of customers and give them a clear-cut option (including frequent reminders) of being able to opt out of the service.
Statistics show that SMS marketing receives a positive response from customers as well. The response time for emails is about 90 minutes whereas a person can respond to an SMS in less than 90 seconds! Furthermore, 8 out of 10 businesses use SMS marketing. These companies are growing every year and are likely to reach a large extent by 2020, thus showing the impact SMS marketing can have. Lastly, customers, these days don’t want to miss out on anything. SMS marketing helps them keep updated on the latest trends e.g. when a new collection comes out when there is a sale on it and so on and so forth.