The defining characteristic of our modern world is connectivity. We can reach friends and loved ones half a world away in an instant on a cellphone. We can find and engage with almost any type of content and connect to like-minded people faster than ever.
How does this new landscape affect the way we do business? A direct line to your customers is an invaluable resource, and it’s now possible with SMS.
SMS is a powerful tool for reaching your target audience quickly and effectively. But simply sending a message isn’t enough—you need those customers to take action. That’s where thoughtful messaging and the use of short, branded, mobile links come into play.
In this post, we’ll explore how leveraging SMS can drive business growth, and we’ll introduce you to top SMS services that can take your campaigns to the next level, including how Bitly can enhance your SMS strategies for maximum engagement and effectiveness.
The value of SMS for businesses: Is it worth the trouble?
Running a small business requires a seemingly infinite amount of knowledge, skills, and tools. You get constant notifications, appointment reminders, and incoming messages. You need to monitor Slack, a group text, and your email, and know about marketing tools, multimedia messages, automation, API, and so much more—all while considering customer satisfaction and collaborating with team members. It’s amazing you can keep all this information in your brain.
So when it comes to the value of SMS for business, is it worth the trouble?
The short answer is yes!
The value of SMS for businesses of all sizes cannot be overstated. As we look closer at the potential impact, we’ll explore key aspects to ensure your message gets noticed, your brand is established with your audience, and your SMS marketing campaign drives action.
Unmatched open rates
Text messages have impressive open rates, and when you use text messages as part of marketing campaigns, the open rates are often higher than for email campaigns and other communication channels.
Research shows that customers who opt into receiving text messages from businesses are likely to have a positive response when receiving a message, making SMS marketing a win-win across the board.
Plus, text messages offer the opportunity for immediate engagement. This makes SMS notifications the ideal option for time-sensitive promotions, flash sales, and event reminders.
Businesses can capitalize on quick, unmatched open rates to deliver important information directly to their audience’s fingertips. To top it off, messages aren’t lost in crowded inboxes or endless social media feeds.
Direct and personal connection
The direct and personal nature of SMS communication allows businesses to deliver targeted and meaningful messages, increasing the likelihood of conversions and long-term customer relationships.
SMS is a uniquely personal form of communication that allows businesses to reach customers directly on their mobile devices. This direct connection fosters a more intimate relationship between businesses and customers. This enhances brand loyalty and trust.
Because customers often view SMS messages as more personal and relevant, text message marketing often leads to higher engagement rates and increased responses.
With Bitly, you can personalize links to include branded URLs in your SMS content to add a layer of trustworthiness and relevance to the message. By including custom links, businesses create a seamless and cohesive brand experience, from the SMS message to the landing page.
Personalized SMS messages can also include customer names, past purchase history, or tailored offers, making recipients feel valued and understood.
High engagement rates
SMS has a remarkable ability to drive action and engagement more effectively than many other marketing mediums.
Customers are more likely to respond to SMS messages to make purchases, book appointments, or confirm event attendance. The immediate and direct nature of SMS prompts quick responses, which leads to higher engagement rates and faster conversions.
Bitly allows businesses to track engagement rates in real time through short, customized short links for SMS messages. These custom links enhance the visual appeal of the message and provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. By analyzing Bitly metrics, you can measure the effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaigns, identify which messages resonate best with your audience, and make data-driven decisions for future campaigns.
Also, SMS messages with clear calls to action (CTAs), along with Bitly links, can guide users seamlessly from the message to the desired action. By streamlining the customer experience, you boost conversion rates and build trust with users.
This high level of engagement and trackability makes SMS a great tool for businesses looking to drive immediate actions, increase customer interactions, and achieve business growth.
Tips for integrating SMS into your marketing strategy
Now that we’ve explored the advantages of SMS marketing campaigns, let’s dive into practical tips for seamlessly integrating them into your marketing strategy. From building an opt-in SMS list to crafting effective messages and leveraging Bitly for link tracking and analytics, these strategies help you discover the full potential of SMS for business growth.
Build an opt-in SMS list
Just like email marketing, every business SMS text messaging campaign starts with an opt-in SMS list. Before sending a text message to any user, be sure they have opted to receive messages from your business. This is called a consent-based SMS contact list, and it’s crucial for your campaign.
To build the list, provide clear and easy-to-find opt-in options on your website, social media profiles, and in-store locations. Offer incentives for signing up, such as exclusive discounts or early access to sales, to encourage more subscriptions.
Also, make it just as easy for subscribers to opt out if they choose. Ensure transparency in the process and always respect their preferences. Remove those who opt out right away. This is especially important with sensitive information, such as health data.
Some incoming messages should remind users why they signed up to receive texts from your business and the benefits they get from being on your SMS list. This continuously reinforces their decision to stay and ensures customer satisfaction.
It’s useful to segment your SMS list based on interests, demographics, or purchase history. This helps you send targeted, relevant messages to users and increases the chances of engagement, especially when you follow up. For example, a customer who has a credit card saved can easily go back to their abandoned shopping cart and complete their purchase.
Craft effective messages
Now that you have your contact list, it’s time to craft the perfect messages for your target audience. Focus on writing concise and action-oriented messages that get straight to the point. Include a clear and compelling call to action that prompts users to take action, such as “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Book Now.” Language that creates a sense of urgency or exclusivity encourages immediate action.
Personalize messages whenever possible, addressing recipients by name or referencing their past interactions with your brand. Test different message formats, tones, and CTAs through A/B testing to identify what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing is an effective way to test your process and ultimately improve your campaigns.
Don’t forget to include relevant information—such as product details, event dates, or exclusive offers—to entice users to engage further. Even small changes can make a big difference in engagement!
Another key factor in text message marketing is timing. Send messages when users are most receptive, such as during lunch breaks or in the evening.
Use Bitly for link tracking and analytics
Tracking and analytics are essential to leverage SMS for business growth.
Bitly’s shortened links in your SMS messages make communications with customers more visually appealing and save on precious characters. Custom short links, combined with a personalized message, get more clicks from potential customers.
With Bitly Analytics, you can access actionable insights on audience behavior, such as geographic location, device used, and the time at which they interacted. Understanding these metrics makes tailoring future messages to suit your audience’s preferences and behaviors a breeze.
Top 9 business text messaging services to check out
If you’re ready to take your SMS marketing to the next level, you need a great partner. You need an SMS marketing service. These services allow you to schedule texts to send to an Android, iPhone, or whatever cellphone your customers use to receive incoming messages.
We’ve put together an extensive list of the top business text messaging services. Each offers features and capabilities for your specific business needs, including two-way messaging, follow-up texts, bulk SMS advanced analytics, seamless integrations, and personalized customer interactions. These services have what you need for your next SMS marketing campaign.
Note: These companies were found during our online research while writing this article.
1. SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting is a simple, user-friendly text messaging platform that allows businesses to engage with their audience effectively. It is an intuitive platform with automation features for creating, sending, and managing SMS campaigns.
Key features:
- Two-way texting
- Autoresponders
- Simple audience import
Best use for businesses: Great for businesses looking to create personalized, interactive SMS campaigns.
2. Sakari
Sakari is a powerful SMS platform designed for businesses of all sizes looking for higher conversion rates. It offers a robust platform for sending SMS messages globally, with features for automation and personalization.
Key features:
- Contact management and lead capture
- Trigger-based campaigns
- 1,300 pre-built integrations
- Flexible API
Best use for businesses: Businesses looking for a reliable platform to automate campaigns.
3. Twilio
Twilio is a leading cloud communications platform that offers a range of services, including SMS messaging. It provides APIs and developer tools for businesses to build custom SMS solutions tailored to their needs.
Key features:
- Programmable mobile-first customer engagement
- SMS, WhatsApp, and chat messages
- Twilio Segment, a customer data platform
Best use for businesses: Ideal for businesses seeking a highly customizable SMS solution
4. TextMagic
TextMagic is a comprehensive SMS platform for marketing and communication designed for businesses looking to streamline their communication efforts. It offers an all-in-one solution and a user-friendly platform for sending and receiving SMS messages, managing contacts, and tracking results.
Key features:
- Two-way texting
- Internal staff communication
- Integration with 1,000+ business apps
- Enterprise-grade security compliant
Best use for businesses: Businesses looking for a large suite of integrations with a focus on compliance and security
5. EZ Texting
EZ Texting is a convenient SMS marketing platform tailored for businesses of all sizes. It offers an intuitive platform for creating and sending SMS campaigns, managing contacts, and tracking performance.
Key features:
- Unlimited contacts
- Shutterstock photo integration
- Drip campaigns
Best use for businesses: Great for businesses looking for a no-fuss option with a low startup cost.
6. SlickText
SlickText is a feature-rich SMS marketing platform designed to help businesses engage with their audience effectively. It has a range of tools on an easy-to-use platform.
Key features:
- Hands-on customer experience
- Contests and surveys
- Targeted messaging
- Automated workflows
Best use for businesses: Businesses looking for a range of features with a focus on automation, and a full suite of available integrations.
7. Textedly
Textedly is a straightforward SMS marketing platform that emphasizes subscriber growth and engagement. It offers mass and one-on-one texting through automated services.
Key features:
- Mobile coupons and promo codes
- Text surveys and contests
- Picture messaging
Best use for businesses: A good choice for businesses seeking a straightforward and reliable SMS marketing program
8. Podium
Podium is an AI-powered platform that emphasizes lead conversion and building your business’ reputation online. The centralized platform allows you to manage customer conversations across various channels, including SMS, chat, and reviews.
Key features:
- All messaging in one inbox
- 200+ integrated apps
- Conversational AI agents
Best use for businesses: Best for businesses looking to centralize customer communications and manage online reviews.
9. RingCentral
RingCentral is a robust communications platform that includes SMS as part of its suite of services. Its main feature is a business phone system with real-time AI.
Key features:
- Personal AI assistant
- Enhanced business SMS
- Secure communications
Best use for businesses: Perfect for businesses seeking a complete communications solution in one platform.
Choose the right SMS service (and strategy) for your business
To leverage SMS for business growth, choose a cost-effective service provider that aligns with your business needs and goals through the right marketing tools. Whether you prioritize mass texting, personalized interactions, or seamless integrations, the top SMS services offer a range of features to suit various marketing strategies and campaigns.
Strategic planning and analytics are the backbone of effective SMS campaigns. Reach your target customer right on their phone, and utilize tools like Bitly for link tracking, analytics, and optimizing your messages for higher engagement. By leveraging these insights, you and your team members can refine your approach, tailor messages to your audience, and drive better results.
If you’re ready to elevate your SMS marketing, find your perfect Bitly plan today!