It is no secret that the world has changed significantly over the last 20 years. Consumers’ attitudes to approaching purchasing decisions and their expectations from sellers have evolved, so traditional sales techniques aren’t as effective as they once one. But nowhere in this ever-evolving ecosystem have we seen more change than in technological advancements.
SMS marketing, for example, has transformed the way we communicate with each other, and in turn, has changed the way marketers communicate with consumers. SMS marketing is just one of the tools modern marketers are using to reach their audiences, increase brand awareness, and boost their sales. But what is SMS marketing? In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of SMS marketing, how it’s defined, and what the benefits are. Let’s dive in!
What is SMS Marketing?
We all know what text messaging is (unless you live under a rock, though you probably wouldn’t be reading this blog if you did), but what exactly does SMS mean? SMS stands for short messaging service, and in the world of marketing, SMS refers to sending text message campaigns, promotions, news, updates, etc. to customers who have opted into receiving communications from your brand. It’s kind of like the email marketing of the 21st century. Email is still an invaluable part of a healthy marketing strategy, but SMS marketing allows marketers to communicate on an even more personal level than what is possible with email alone. As such, SMS is often touted as one of the most valuable new marketing tools since email.
Like email marketing, SMS is an owned channel, which means brands have complete control over who receives the marketing message, what content they see, and when they decide to send it. But the fun doesn’t stop there! MMS, or “multimedia message service” messages provide the exact control and impact as SMS messages but do so with accompanying pictures, GIFs, or other animated images. Now that you understand what SMS marketing is, let’s look at some of its benefits.
The Benefits of SMS Marketing
We know that prospects typically require multiple touchpoints across numerous channels before they decide to make a purchase. SMS marketing serves as a shining example of one of these touchpoints, and with the ability to customize your messaging and delivery time, SMS can have a huge impact on your sales. In fact, if you have a limited marketing budget and are looking for worthwhile channels to expand your reach and increase conversions, SMS could be a perfect fit! Research shows SMS has a higher click-through rate (19%) compared to landing on the first page of Google search engine results page (34.36%), email marketing (4%), and Facebook (1%).
Consumers have spoken, and brands now know that personalized communications are the key to stronger connections and better sales. In that way, SMS marketing is an essential tool for brands that want to stand out, deepen engagement, and create exceptional customer experiences. Have questions about SMS and whether it’s a good fit for your brand? BuzzShift has the tools and expertise to help! Let’s connect!
About BuzzShift
BuzzShift is a digital growth strategy agency with a focus on mid-market, scaling DTC Brands. By combining the ideologies of branding, performance marketing, and retention agency, we can create memorable experiences with measurable results and build long-term success for our clients with scalable, sustainable growth. Learn more about BuzzShift.