SMS text messaging has quickly become the world’s fastest-growing communication channel, with usage increasing at an exponential rate in recent years. Retail SMS marketing is a cost-effective and simple approach for merchants of all types to interact with their customers, employees, suppliers, couriers, and other key contacts.
SMS helps retailers boost their sales, expand brand awareness and improve customer retention.
Reasons to use SMS than other channels
- There is a high open rates than other channels.
- All mobile devices are capable of receiving an SMS.
- There is a high conversion rate than other media.
SMS is the best tool for retailers to send special offers, discounts, limited deals and make the foot traffic for the businesses. So SMS marketing for retail may include launching a new product with a text notification, promoting a one-day sale for existing and potential customers, or offering a coupon on a complimentary product after a recent purchase. Also, the SMS tool is the best communication tool for retailers. So, Once you have a retail text message marketing system in place, it’s easy to use the channel to send transactional messages as well. For example, text messages can be sent after an order has been received, if a product is out of stock, and to provide shipping updates. Keeping customers in the loop during a transaction can build stronger long-term relationships and loyalty to your brands. Also, SMS is the best tool to provide excellent customer service. Because, the vast majority of people own cell phones today and most are prefer to communicate by text messages, successful SMS marketing for the retail programs can also mean better customer service. Consider using the channel to collect feedback after a transaction, purchase, or service call. Poll subscribers to learn more about their preferences. Use text messages to deliver faster responses to questions and complaints.
BEST PRACTICES FOR TRANSACTIONAL SMS FOR RETAILERS
- Send Short & Sweet SMS
Because of its concise and convenient nature, texting has grown in popularity. When your messaging is aligned with this cognitive process, your customers are more likely to opt-in to receive them and connect with the included link to their digital receipt or purchase updates. Include only enough information to keep you up to date on the transaction. Customers are considerably more likely to click into the transaction update link if you keep it unclear, improving your engagement rate even more.
- Keep them Relevant
When a customer gives their phone number to a retailer, it shows how much trust they have in that company. Because phone numbers are very personal and provide an additional layer of accessibility that email does not, using this channel with caution is recommended. Although it may be enticing for a consumer to opt-in to receive their digital receipt or purchase updates through text, the chances are that they did not want to receive marketing texts as well.
- Have it properly managed
With ever-changing restrictions and best practices around SMS for shops, managing this channel consumes significantly more bandwidth than many merchants think when they first activate it. One of the finest alternatives for overcoming this is to have the channel operated by a trustworthy partner.
- Ensure quick delivery
The name of the game when it comes to SMS for retailers is speed. Customers offer their phone number rather than monitoring their email inbox for up-to-the-minute, conveniently available updates. As a result, your delivery times must keep up with when new information about their order becomes available.
- Give clear communications for follow ups
When customers need to contact a brand they purchased from, they may automatically resort to the most recent form of communication they received. When looping transactional communications into SMS, include a click-through option that informs the customer how to contact you for a faster response.
- Make sure your SMS strategy is optimize for all relevant notifications
Transactional SMS messages are among the most popular SMS communications among customers. No matter how consumers buy or browse, your offerings should be consistent. Customers who receive a digital receipt SMS message from you will anticipate the same level of service while shopping online, with order updates sent to their phones. Furthermore, if a firm sends SMS marketing messages but not SMS transactional messages, the consumer may feel as if they are being pushed for sales rather than receiving a complete customer experience plan.
Benefits of Retail Text Message…
Engage with customers regularly
To receive marketing text messages from your retail business, all of your contacts must have opted-in. That they want to interact with your organization on a daily basis, and they want regular communication and involvement
Reach more of your audience.
SMS marketing for retail is an effective technique to contact more prospects and consumers because almost everyone has a mobile phone and the vast majority of people open and read text messages within the first five minutes of getting them.
Increase customer service.
Customer service should be improved. Retailers can improve customer service by integrating SMS marketing tools with customer service tools. Text messaging allows you to have a personal, quick, and effective manner of soliciting feedback, responding to questions, and resolving issues.
Author – Piyumi Hanika
