SMS and Mobile Marketing: 5 Types of Texts Your Customers Will Actually Read

Mobile marketing via text message makes it easier than ever to reach customers and get your message across – if they actually read what you send. How can you make sure that your customers open your texts and actually read them? Timing, content, and frequency all matter, and paying attention to these important details will help you plan a successful SMS marketing strategy.

1. Texts that are seasonal

Messages with timing that makes sense are more likely to be read. Reminders about gifts for mom are much more likely to be read in the two weeks before Mother’s Day than any other time of the year. Make sure the texts you send are relevant to what’s going on in your target demographics world, from holidays to seasons and they’ll be more likely to read what you have to say.

2. Texts that are timed correctly

Avoid sending messages first thing in the morning or after 9pm – and make sure your message correlates to the time of day. Sending an offer for a BOGO shoe sale or a great lunch deal? Morning is the best time, so anyone reading and (hopefully) acting on your offer can make plans for lunch. Text messaging gives customers the chance to respond or make plans instantly, so advertising your lunchtime special at 3pm won’t have much effect.

3. Texts that they’ve asked for

Make sure your customers and recipients have truly opted in for your messages, and they will be more likely to read them. Having a clear and easy way to opt-in that allows customers to sign up to receive your messages and even set the frequency they’d like not only keeps you FCC compliant, but it also makes it more likely that your text will be read, too. Saving your opt-in records is a must, too; you can refer back to them if needed and have documented evidence that you never send spam.

4. Texts that offer something, without strings

While text messaging is an excellent marketing tool, no one wants to be asked for stuff over and over again. Make sure your texts include things other than requests for the customer to buy or do something. Sending inspirational quotes, subscriber-only coupons or deals, and informational or engaging reminders keeps things interesting and ensures your customer reads your message.

5. Texts that are not repetitive or overly frequent

Schedule your messages so they arrive regularly, but not too frequently. Staying in touch via text is an excellent way to relate to your target clients, but every demographic will have their own “just right” level of contact. If you’re not sure about how much to text – ask! Your customers can tell you how much they want to receive as part of their opt-in and feedback.

When your texts are unique and interesting and arrive at the right time, they are more likely to be opened and read. Planning your texts out in advance and making sure you strike the right balance of engagement, information, and actual product marketing can help boost your ROI and make it easy build an ongoing SMS relationship with your target demographic.