SMS marketing can benefit businesses of all sizes, put it’s particularly well suited to smaller businesses and start-ups who have less to spend on traditional marketing campaigns. A recent SAP survey found that 70% of consumers felt SMS marketing was a good way for an organisation to get their attention.

• According to research by The Wireless Association, the open rate of text promotions and offers is a whopping 98%.

That puts the 22% open rate of emails firmly in the shade.

• Text message promos, including special offers, participation in loyalty programs and coupons, are redeemed eight times more frequently than email offers.

So introducing SMS into your marketing mix is a smart move. Here are 5 reasons why SMS marketing is perfect for your small business.

Reach a targeted audience - without a huge marketing spend

SMS marketing is no longer a question of sending out thousands of texts in the hope some of them will reach your target demographic. Today’s mobile marketing technology is far more nuanced and effective. You can use information you’ve already collected to choose which customers to send your promotional campaigns to, and to help you tailor these campaigns to specific customers and audiences. You can send messages to customers, clients, and those that have opted in to receive communication from your company. So today’s SMS marketing for SMBs is more likely to reach a receptive audience who are more likely to respond.

More effective than email

We’re all glued to our smartphones. With text messages arriving right there in your pocket, they’re hard to ignore. On the flipside, emails, with subject headings giving us a clue as to what’s contained, can sit in inboxes for weeks, or get sent straight to the trash with ease. It’s why email open rates are a poor 22% compared with a staggering 98% SMS open rate. Texts are opened fast, making the perfect for small businesses looking to promote flash sales and same day events and promos.

An audience that wants to know more

Consumers are more likely to subscribe to general brand email campaigns on a whim. Those opting-in to mobile programs are more discerning. According to The Wireless Association, when it comes to SMS contact, consumers limit themselves to brands they really care about before signing up to SMS marketing. This gives small businesses the power to market directly to an audience that’s loyal and captive.

Creating a brand dialogue

SMS marketing enables businesses to open up a dialogue with customers. Email marketing tends to be very one-way, with no-reply communication. Via SMS, communication feels more one-to-one, personal, and it’s easier to engage customers in replying to you with feedback. 

Better customer and marketing value analysis

It’s now so easy for businesses of all sizes to gain valuable info from SMS marketing campaigns. It’s simple to track where users are texting in to join, whether it’s via print ads, social media channels or in-store advertising, etc. This gives you real insight into the the relative effectiveness of your other advertising streams.