Three Uses for SMS Marketing in a Hair Salon

SMS marketing is popping up all around us, and it seems to be applicable to nearly any sort of industry. Here in the United States, we love all the bells and whistles on our smartphones. Keeping up with all the fancy apps and games out there is exhausting! Text messaging seems like something of the past – but we all continue to text on a daily basis, don’t we? There is no argument that text messaging is here to stay – regardless of whether or not you own a smartphone yet. All phones are capable of sending and receiving a text message.

The simple technology that never seems to go out of style has strung a chord with many businesses when it comes to an effective marketing technique. Hair salons are a great example of how SMS marketing works – and not only as a marketing technique. There are uses for an SMS application that go beyond advertising, and are more geared toward deepening the customer or client connection. To break it down to a basic level, there are three major uses for text message marketing in the hair salon industry. Let’s take a look at what they are.

First and foremost, text marketing works as a great marketing tool. In a hair salon, obtaining the client’s phone number is no problem – as in most establishments it is standard practice to record this in their database. Encourage clients to opt-in to receive notifications and specials via text from your business. This shouldn’t be difficult, because everybody loves to receive text messages. From here, when business is slow, send a message to the clients in your database about a special offer or a promotion; maybe a deal on a particular service – for a limited time, or perhaps a mobile coupon for them to redeem at their convenience.

Secondly, SMS marketing can be used for appointment scheduling. When a client makes an appointment, capture their phone number and ask their permission to send their reminder via text message. This is a very convenient way to contact clients and saves time by not making tedious phone calls. Send a reminder a day or two before their scheduled appointment. Not only does this reduce or eliminate the number of no-shows, this provides the client with ample time to reschedule their appointment if they need to. Now, the free time slot can be utilized by somebody else, nobody’s time is wasted.

The third use for SMS marketing in a hair salon, is sending notifications to your clients. Just make sure they are valuable. Let everybody know about a new product or service. Send out an occasional beauty tip - a new hairstyling technique, or how to use a particular tool correctly at home.

Three Ways to Avoid Restaurant Text Message Unsubscribers

It is most likely you are already aware of all of the fantastic benefits text message marketing provides for your restaurant. SMS marketing allows you to speak more directly to your customers, as well as target specific messages that are relevant to your diners’ preferences. Breakfast, lunch or dinner specials, happy hour deals or family oriented promotions can be sent to the correct demographic. By using text marketing in your restaurant, you can be sure no one gets left behind. This marketing method is wonderful indeed, however there is certainly a level of responsibility that needs to be maintained.

We are all familiar with spam, in fact, most people have a filter in their email account that captures all of those unsolicited messages so we don’t even have to look at them. Text message inboxes don’t have such a filter therefore the rules are strict when it comes to marketing using a text message platform. For a restaurant, it isn’t difficult to abide by some simple guidelines in order to stay within the best practice usage for SMS marketing. There are three basic rules to follow, let’s take a look at what they are!

1. If someone isn’t your customer already, it is vital that you obtain their permission before adding them in to your text message marketing database. In fact, even if they are your customer, they still must opt-in to your marketing plan. Your customer or future customer must give you their permission by texting-in, or opting-in. This is typically accomplished by encouraging your customer to engage in a call to action, for example: “Text JOE to 96000 for special deals sent directly to your cell phone!” People are very receptive to this - everybody loves a deal. Just make sure they are aware of what they should expect upon opting-in.

2. Give your customer options. Don’t force someone to receive your marketing messages. You must always include an opt-out message in EACH text message you send. “Reply STOP to no longer receive messages from us” This doesn’t mean people will follow through with it, but it does ensure you can earn their trust by providing them with the option. You can avoid complaints, and you will be avoiding the risk of prosecution – seriously!

3. Prevent customers from unsubscribing by allowing them to set their preferences. A simple way to do this is to direct the customer to your restaurant’s website, and from here you can offer them some choices. Maybe they aren’t interested in dinner specials, only lunch specials – your restaurant may be near their place of work. Perhaps someone who is 19 years old doesn’t want to receive happy hour promotions from you. Giving your diners some control over how they are text message marketed to will go a long way for your restaurant.

Which Statistics Matter in your SMS Text Marketing Campaign?

Implementing an SMS text marketing campaign into your business’ current marketing plan is the first step toward seeing success in return on investment. The process of building your database list, creating text marketing messages, sending them out and seeing results is great, but it doesn’t complete the whole package. Even though you are watching your business grow, there is still a final step that needs to be taken. Measuring and tracking the results you are seeing is critical to seeing success – in the long term. By doing this, you will be able to see what is working and what may need some improvement. Tweaking and adjusting your campaigns is the key to seeing optimal results.
There are three major statistics to measure when it comes to monitoring the success of your SMS text marketing campaign. Now, you are able to check on these statistics while your campaign is in action, this might be good to see how things are going – however make sure that the campaign is finished before you do your final analysis. The worst thing you can do while monitoring your numbers is to draw the wrong conclusion, simply based on timing of monitoring.

The first statistic to examine is the list growth. Don’t forget, your number one goal by incorporating an SMS marketing campaign in the first place is to grow your list! This growth rate number will measure the speed at which your campaign is growing, or in other words – how quickly people are responding to your “hook message”. This is important to follow, because it can be compared with previous marketing campaigns.

Next take a look at your opt-out rate. Watching your lists grow is certainly fun, not to mention encouraging – but you’ll also need to keep an eye on those who opt-out of your SMS marketing campaigns. If you are noticing people are choosing to no longer receive marketing messages from your business, consider this a red flag. This means something isn’t resonating with your customer or client base. It’s no big deal to make a mistake, as long as you can identify what isn’t making the connection, make the necessary adjustments, and learn from it in the future.

The final statistic to look at is redemption. Now that you know how many of your customers are opting-in, and opting-out – it’s time to take a look at which ones are connecting with your campaigns, and taking advantage of them. This is particularly effective if you use mobile coupons. You’ll want to know the percentage of mobile subscribers redeeming the promotion. This is the true way you will be able to measure your ROI – Return On Investment, as well as your CPA – Cost Per Acquisition.

Segmentation Using Text Message Marketing

Regardless of what industry your business is in, creating separate targeted text message marketing groups within your database is very important. This can work whether you own a retail store, restaurant or a salon. There are a great number of reasons why making smaller individualized databases are a great use of text message marketing. Different customer or client lists can be created by use of different keywords, or they can be manually put into the system at the point of sale. These lists will separate customers based on their shopping preferences. This way, any messages they receive will be relevant to what they are looking for – hence a higher success rate. Let’s take a look at some examples to illustrate the concept.

Retailers are a type of business that can be used as a solid example. They use SMS marketing to connect with their prior customers in order to encourage repeat business. This is really effective, but if you are a savvy retailer, you’ll understand that this is simply just a starting point. The opportunity to take the marketing technique a few steps further isn’t difficult. It just takes a little more planning. Retailers are using different lists to promote their store on a higher level – for example, personal shopper services, special events, preferred shopper hours of operation, or the arrival of new merchandise. Smart retailer are beginning to take it a bit further and create groups to target based on age, special interests, or buyer history. The bottom line is, not everybody shops for the same thing, or is seeking the same information. Pinpointing these differences will take your retail store or business in general to that next level.

This idea of segmentation doesn’t have to be complicated. It isn’t always necessary to separate your database into many groups, maybe two or three will suffice – depends on your business or industry. We can take a look at a restaurant to view the concept from a different perspective. Restaurants can use different groups or keywords to let their customers know about happy hour deals, menu changes, meal specials or special events. This works great - but what if someone is underage and doesn’t need to receive messages about happy hour? What if someone is a vegetarian and doesn’t want a message about your steak special? People have different preferences, especially when it comes to their dining choices. When a restaurant knows the difference between their different customers, they will find more success reaching each and every one of them. Take a look at times of day too. People who come in for lunch are a different demographic than those who make dinner reservations. Text message marketing allows you to send relevant messages to your loyal customers.

Prevent Buyers from Opting-Out of your Real Estate Text Message Marketing Campaign

If you are a real estate professional, you have probably heard of text message marketing. The benefits of SMS marketing in the real estate industry go far beyond advertising. The best part about this marketing method is the versatility that can be found within the platform. The opportunities to connect and communicate effectively with potential buyers and sellers are endless! The ability to create separate buyer lists based on preferences or qualifications allows your messages to be relevant, which in turn means they will be greatly appreciated. As with all great things, you can be certain there is a level of responsibility involved.

No one likes to receive spam, you know, those unsolicited emails that pop up in your inbox? Most people have filters that can capture and hide spam messages so that we don’t even have to see them. Not only are these sort of unwanted messages annoying, but they can potentially compromise the security of your computer. With text communication, there is no such thing as a spam filter. Luckily, we don’t need one in there for the most part – so the ultimate goal is to keep it that way. If you are a real estate agent and you are looking to implement text message marketing into your business, it is essential that you follow a few simple guidelines to ensure you don’t overstep any boundaries. Cell phones are highly personal devices after all!

1. Your list of potential buyers must be created from people who have opted-in. What does this mean? It means you need to obtain their permission before you send them any messages. Typically, this can be accomplished by posting a call to action on your sign rider. “Text 123MAIN to 96000 for listing details.” People find this convenient and they love the instant info factor, so you can be sure to expect many text-ins. Create your reply message to provide property details such as square footage, bedrooms, price . . . etc. Next, create a second message confirming their choice to opt-in to your list, in turn receiving more messages from you regarding this property, or similar properties.

2. Allow them to opt-out. I know this isn’t what you want to be reading, but it is the law! You must provide your potential clients with a way out. Put a disclosure at the end of each text message. “Reply STOP to no longer receive messages from us.” This doesn’t mean people will necessarily oblige, but they will appreciate the option.

3. People won’t unsubscribe from your text message marketing campaign as long as you give them a little control. Encourage potential buyers to log on to your website, and set up a few preferences. What is their price range? What areas would they like to consider? From here, you can target your messages to provide buyers with exactly what they are looking for.

Mind your Text Message Marketing Manners

All sorts of companies out there are taking advantage of text message marketing. Businesses that have chosen to implement this form of communication into their marketing plan have the great advantage of connecting with their clients and customers on a targeted and direct level. Whether you are just starting to understand the technology and how it applies to your individual business needs, or you have been using SMS marketing for while now – the important thing to remember is that text message marketing is a privilege. If you, as a business abuse the privilege, not only will you be tarnishing your own reputation, you may be damaging your industry’s reputation and level of standard as well. It can be easy to get carried away with how easy and fun text marketing can be, as well as how effective it is for your company – however you certainly do not want to be bothersome to your customers and clients.

The easiest way to get caught up excessively in the marketing method, is if you send messages at inappropriate times, or if you send messages too frequently. There aren’t any real set-in-stone rules for text message marketing, however there are a few guidelines to consider so as not to come off as annoying. You’ll want to avoid abusing your text marketing privilege as best as you can.
Firstly, be aware of when you send out your messages. A good rule of thumb to stick by is to send your messages during business hours: 9am to 6pm. You don’t want to risk sending a message when someone is eating dinner, or spending time with their family. Sure, it’s not as invasive as a phone call – but any interruption is still an interruption!

Secondly, don’t send messages just because. Your messages should always have meaning, and provide something of value. Sending a message just because you haven’t sent one for a while is not a good enough reason. This essentially defeats the whole purpose of text message marketing! Yes, you do want to make sure your business remains on people’s minds – however be subtle about it. Make yourself known as the business who is consistently relevant with their messaging.

Third of all, don’t overdo it. Definitely don’t send more than two messages per week. You know how it feels to get constant emails from that one site you shopped on months ago – it’s annoying! You don’t mind an email or two from time to time, especially if there is a coupon involved, but you don’t need to your inbox to fill up with meaningless messages. Same concept. For example, if you are promoting an upcoming special event, give your customers 2 or 3 days notice, and then one final reminder.

Five Steps toward Choosing the Right Text Marketing Software

So, you’ve heard the hype about text message marketing. Everyone is getting into it, it works wonders for your business, it is cost effective, simple, etc. The question is, how do you know which text marketing software to choose? When you type it into your search engine, it seems like a zillion companies out there are offering text marketing. Launching your SMS marketing campaign suddenly feels exhausting with all those choices. You want to make sure you make the right choice for your company, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck and you want to make this happen fast. There are lots of factors when it comes to narrowing down your choices for a decent text marketing software. Here are a few simple steps to follow to help streamline this process:

1. You’ll want to find a company with a short code. A short code is a five or six digit phone number, which you will have your customers and clients text to – which in turn will capture their information into your database. From here, you will be able to send out mass messages to people who have opted-in. Short codes are easier to remember than regular phone numbers, they are catchy and effective. You’ll definitely want to rule out the companies that don’t utilize this text technique.

2. Now that you have narrowed down your company choices to those who use short codes, scroll around on the company’s website and look for a regular phone number. I know, this is the opposite of the last step, but it is for a different reason! If you can’t find a company phone number on the first page of their website, skip them. Why? Because you want to pick a company who is accessible. When you have questions, you will want to talk to a real person.

3. Now look for references. You’ll want to look for the sort of references that are from individual human beings, don’t be blind sighted by flashing company logos. Look for quotes from happy customers, real looking photographs, true tales of text message success. You want to know the company has customers!

4. You should have a smaller list by now. Narrow it down even further by seeking out the text marketing software companies that offer no other services. You need a company that specializes in text marketing only, no fancy other marketing methods included. If a company can specialize in a one particular thing, it is likely they will excel at it – and so will you.

5. Lastly, you need to seek out simplicity. Your list should be very small by now, and from here, sign up for a free trial and choose the company that provides you with the simplest steps to getting started with your campaigns. If you don’t get it, move on.

Ways to Keep your Clients Pleased Using Text Marketing in your Salon

Keeping customers happy is easier than ever for salons through use of text marketing. Your salon most likely has a current marketing method, perhaps that includes newspaper advertisements, flyers or encouraging stylists to pass out their business cards. Ultimately, word of mouth is the best sort of marketing a business can acquire, because this means that customers are so pleased with you, they are telling their friends, family and coworkers about it. Unfortunately, building a stellar reputation takes some time in most instances. Studies have shown that text marketing can speed up the process of ensuring your business is getting that well deserved buzz.

The first thing that is really great about text message marketing is the fact that the salon can increase their client visits, and decrease the number of no-shows simultaneously. The way this works is that by encouraging clients to submit their cell phone number during their first visit - so as to add their name to your database system – you can shoot them reminders via text. Send appointment reminders a week before their appointment, then maybe the day before. This is all automated, so those annoying phone calls and leaving messages is no longer necessary. Plus, this gives the client the opportunity to cancel or reschedule as needed, freeing up a time slot for someone else. Nobody’s time is wasted, and schedule management becomes streamlined.

The second factor of text marketing being a hit in the salon or spa industry is that referrals are a breeze. Offer an incentive to clients who refer your salon to their family and friends. A discounted service or free samples are good examples. If a stylist is fairly new to the salon and is looking to build her clientele list, send out a text message introducing the newcomer – list her strengths and specialties. Keeping those chairs occupied and your stylists busy means that customers are happy, and are coming back.

Increasing retail revenue is simply the best result of a text marketing campaign. Take advantage of holidays or special occasions by sending out a mass message letting all your clients know that you are running a special promotion on certain services, or you are offering freebies, such as trial size products, a makeover, or an included blow-dry or style. People will certainly return to the salon where they feel not only the most comfortable and beautiful when they leave, but where they feel the most welcome and special when they arrive.

Text marketing is a way of providing your clients with value, and therefore when they tell all of their friends about how wonderful your salon is, you can be sure those friends will be calling to schedule their next appointment with one of your stylists.

SMS Marketing for Property Management Simplifies the Renting Process

SMS marketing has great benefits for property management companies. It works similar to the way text message marketing works for the real estate industry – except the properties aren’t for sale, they are for rent! Rental properties are much more prevalent nowadays than ever before. Since the economy took a downslide a few years ago, less people are in a position to be homeowners. Plus, rental properties are great sources of income for their owners. Property management companies are doing very well in their industry right now - in fact, there are constantly new companies being formed as well as current companies expanding. Property management has become a rather competitive field as of lately.

If you are an apartment manager, or a property management company, you are probably constantly trying to fill vacancies. For every month that goes by where a vacancy isn’t filled, means money lost - not only for the owner of the property, but for the manager as well. It can be a tedious job when tenants are always turning, the move out process can be stressful for everyone. Sometimes the amount of work or repairs in between tenants can become expensive, and accelerate the wear and tear of the property. In order to avoid this, the trick is to find tenants that will stick around for a while. You don’t want just any sort of tenant however, finding the right tenant is key.

In order for a property manager to find great tenants, keep them around, and do this faster and more efficiently than their competition – they must incorporate an SMS marketing plan. How does text message marketing fit into a property management company? It’s simple. Let’s break it down into a few simple steps. Say there is a property available to rent. Obviously, bringing in some decent tenants as soon as possible is the goal. The property manager normally posts a “For Rent” sign in front of the property, with his phone number below. Now, anyone passing by who may be interested in renting the property will have to call the phone number to find out the details. This means the property manager receives a zillion phone calls a day, and in many instances – people are strange, unqualified renters, the specs don’t match up to their requirements, or monthly rent is too high. This property manager is so tired of interrupting his day to constantly answer calls.

By using an SMS campaign, on his “For Rent” sign, he posts a small call to action. “Text 123MAIN to 96000 for details.” Now, instead of calling a number, the potential renter will text-in. Upon texting in, the potential renter will receive an automatic response letting them know what the asking rent is, how many bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, what is included. In the message, there will be contact information for the property manager, therefore now – his phone calls are only from people who fit the bill.

SMS Marketing Ideas for Winter Holidays

SMS marketing is still fairly new out there, best practices are always being tweaked and revised. One thing that is certain - building mobile marketing campaigns geared around a holiday or special occasion are guaranteed to generate a positive response. Use a combination of text in the message and style of coupon or discount to reflect a holiday, and not only will people get excited to take advantage of the promotion, you can rest assured that your campaign is fresh and current.

This time of year we have so many holidays right around the corner. If you were on the fence about whether or not an SMS marketing tactic is right for your business, this is your chance to jump in and give it a try. People are out and about, spending money. All sorts of businesses can apply a holiday themed campaign and see great results. This is your chance to make new customers aware of your business and what you have to offer, as well as your chance to turn current customers into loyal return visitors. Let’s take a look at some examples:

Veteran’s Day – You don’t hear a lot of people talk about this day - which falls in mid-November, however it rings a bell with a lot of people. There are so many veterans out there who have fought for this country, and by gearing your campaign toward celebrating them will surely show your respect and pride, which can only advance your business’ reputation.

“Billy’s Hardware is having a Veteran’s day sale – 50% off all winter snow shovels!”
Thanksgiving – Turkey day! Just because this family based holiday is notorious for people pulling out their stretchy pants and eating themselves into Black Friday – doesn’t mean your business can’t take advantage of it for a sale. This is time for entertaining, traveling, and celebrating.

“Rosie’s Kitchen is having a special Thanksgiving blowout – with any table linen purchase, get a set of placemats to match!”

Black Friday – Need I say more? The entire world will be shopping.
Christmas – Of course, this one of the biggest holidays of the year. Months and months of planning goes into Christmas; shopping, décor, food, travels . . . you name it! Any business can capitalize on running special, sale, or any sort of promotion in honor of this favorite holiday. Gift giving, children, Santa, cookies, snow are all single word ideas for inspiration. The possibilities truly are endless.

“Johnny’s Toy Chest celebrates Christmas early – all games are buy one get one free!”

New Years Eve – New beginnings means resolutions. This holiday marks change, not only for your customers but your business too! After practicing your SMS marketing campaigns, and seeing your numbers rise over these last few months, you are now an expert – and you wonder why you didn’t get started with it sooner!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Use SMS Marketing in Your Hair Salon

Whether you own or work at a hair salon, you know how annoying it is when people don’t show up to their scheduled appointment. The receptionist has to call the client, find out if they are simply running late, or just not planning to show up at all. This is even if the receptionist has time for this with all the tasks that she has in front of her - juggling stylists, clients, schedules and appointments. The stylist is impatient, realizing they could have used that time slot more efficiently – the salon owner is irritated, seeing money wasted – the receptionist is frazzled, unnecessarily so. By using SMS marketing, this problem can be eliminated. Here is a step-by-step process about how utilizing text marketing will help your salon run more smoothly.

1. Your client either calls to set up an appointment, or they schedule a follow up appointment right there in person after their last visit. Cut, color, or style – the client know which stylist is a great fit for them, and they are happy to jump into the coveted pre-holiday time slot left. The client provides you with their contact information, including their cell phone number.

2. You input the client’s information into the system. Perhaps you make a few notes about them, if they are a returning customer – note which services they enjoy most. Put the client’s appointment date and time into your SMS appointment system. Set it up so that a message is automatically sent to your client’s phone to confirm the appointment, even right after you hang up with the phone.

3. You decide to set up your SMS appointment system to generate a message and send it automatically. This is entirely up to you - maybe you’ll want to send more than one message. Set up your text message to remind the client about their time and date of their scheduled appointment. Sometimes a day or two before, works well.

4. One of two things will happen from here. Either your customer will show up at the right time, on the right day for their appointment and everybody will be happy; or your customer will realize that oops, they forgot they have to pick up their kid from soccer practice that day, or they scheduled a dentist appointment at the same time. In this case, the customer will call, cancel and reschedule their appointment with your hair salon.

Either way, using SMS marketing for streamlining the process of appointment scheduling and sending out reminders is simple and effective. Nobody likes to waste their time, and this way, every one can plan accordingly. The stylist may choose to squeeze in a different client, the business owner will not be losing out on money, and the receptionist can focus on keeping everything organized.

Common Questions about QR Codes

I’m sure you’ve seen them around, those funny little patterned squares. They sort of resemble barcodes, but there is something a bit different about them. Visually, they are made up of tiny squares instead of lines. Many people aren’t sure what they are for, or how they work. Here are some answers to a few common questions – you’ll be an expert in QR codes before you know it!

So, you have a fresh new website for your business. You know that SEO is important, and you have put a lot of work in keeping your site updated whether it be with a blog, graphics, new content, coupons, offers or new products. Now you are ready to have people visit your site. Your business is ready for new customers and more traffic.

This is where a QR code will come in useful. QR stands for Quick Response. They originate in Japan, where QR codes have been used for ages and are rather common nowadays. The way this code works, is you scan the code with your mobile phone, and the code transfers information to your phone. The information is details about your business – your site, images, locations, prices . . . etc. The last time I saw a QR code, it was on a movie poster. Upon scanning the code, the movie trailer plays right on your phone. Pretty cool, huh?

How does the cell phone read the code?
Good question. The cell phone needs a code reader. These can only be downloaded to a smart phone – and can be found as an application. There are many different types, they are free and can download instantly.

How do I get my own code for my business?
This is a common question, with a few answers. You can easily generate your own code from a website, many different mobile marketing sites include these as part of their marketing package. Social Fuse is a great company who offers a free trial with QR codes generation included.

Will my customers use them?
Yes. As time goes on, more and more people are utilizing QR codes. They are fun and interactive, not to mention, nearly everyone owns a smartphone and is able to scan it with no trouble. If anything, the code will spark a conversation, encouraging buzz about your tech savvy business.

How do I use my QR code?
As a business owner, whether it is a small or large business – there are many ways to set up your QR codes. Add them to flyers, posters, banners or even T-shirts. They can include such things like: Product details, special offers or coupons, event details, mobile business cards with contact information, or a link to a promotional video.

Text Marketing Boosts Response Times for Real Estate Professionals

The March 2011 Harvard Business Review has found there to be a direct link between text marketing response times to business prospects, which in turn leads to increased sales. For the real estate industry, the success rate involving SMS marketing is rather mind-boggling. According to the numbers, various companies spent nearly 25 billion dollars to generate home buying leads online in 2009. Of those leads that received an inquiry or follow up call within an hour were seven times more likely to qualify over those leads that didn’t hear from anyone. Overall, representatives using a follow-up system in place were sixty times more likely to nab the lead over companies that waited 24 hours to respond. Not a bad statistic!

Text marketing is the perfect fit for real estate professionals, because in an industry where follow up and response time is so vital to success – implementing a system to streamline this process is truly the key to success. Especially if it is so simple. Creating a system to respond to leads faster than your competition will give you an edge, which is essential to increasing sales as well as keeping your business organized. Did you know that 25 percent of companies out there don’t even bother responding to leads? Another 25 percent took more than 24 hours to respond. A closer look at the numbers shows that nearly two thirds of companies in the United States are pretty much throwing away the money they’ve invested in generating leads because they simply waited too long to respond. This is close to 15 billion dollars being wasted, which means everyone involved is missing out on fantastic potential opportunities.

Fortunately for real estate professionals, there is a simple technology that can make every aspect of their career a lot more manageable and successful. Text marketing integrates the process of lead generation, conversion, and organization seamlessly. You can be sure that if you aren’t taking advantage of this, your competition is – so it’s time to step up your game. Think about it, in the beginning of 2012 there were nearly 100 million smartphone users in the US alone. Owning a smartphone gives a potential buyer an advantage when it comes to obtaining more information about a property listing – due to the fact that they are constantly connected to the internet. The best part about text marketing is that a cell user doesn’t necessarily have to own a fancy phone in order to take advantage of the technology. Texting in for more information can be accomplished using any mobile phone, and receiving more information regarding the listing via text message is no problem.

The real estate professional can connect with potential buyers as well as sellers using text message marketing, and stay at the top of their game.

Text Message Marketing for Small Businesses

Mobile texting seems like “old news”, doesn’t it? Why are we still talking about it? Text messaging seems almost as archaic as paging someone – remember the pager craze? We were definitely texting before we had color screens, or even touch screens for that matter. Even though nowadays we are so focused on the latest application, RSS feed, or even catapulting birds into structures – text messaging is still something we all do every day.

Small businesses that are able to understand and implement text message marketing will go far – especially now, while there are so many different opportunities. Plus, the marketing technique still has plenty of room for innovation.

The first major point to make for small businesses benefiting from text message marketing is that they can reach a much more broad range of consumers. I know this may come as a surprise, but there is still a large number of people in the United States who don’t yet own a smartphone. Of course it is in the best interest of any sort of business not to alienate any potential customer or client. Text messaging really steps in here, because a smartphone isn’t necessary to send or receive a text message. This is particularly important if your business is trying to expand outside the country. In continents like Africa and South America, cell phone access is more prevalent than landlines or internet, these nations’ access to the outside world is their mobile phone.

The second reason small businesses can utilize SMS marketing well, is that this allows them the opportunity to send information to the right person at the right time. In other words, take advantage of the intimacy of connecting with a person via their personal cell phone. The only devices more personal than a cell phone are perhaps hearing aids! This means that you, as a business owner need to have the mindset that you are having a conversation with your customers, not only just advertising to them. Do this by offering something of value, this way they will welcome having a relationship with you over their mobile phone.

The third reason is cost. In most instances, small businesses have a small budget to work with. Text message marketing packages are no longer out of range, only utilized by large global scale companies. There are a great deal of affordable plans, which are customizable and can apply to any business size, even if you are a business just starting out. Plus, don’t worry about having everything perfectly in place. Many owners are concerned that they don’t have a solid plan for how everything will work once they embark on a text message campaign. Just get started, and see what happens!

Create Relevant Text Marketing Lists

Controlling multiple text marketing campaigns by using lists is a great way to manage both existing customers and new customers. Business owners and managers often get caught up in the idea that capturing new clients is the only way to succeed and get ahead, but what about existing ones? Keeping existing customers happy and returning is just as successful – if not better than capturing new clients. Hopefully, your loyal returning customers will tell their friends, and help you create more and more loyal returning customers. By going above and beyond to impress the current clients your business has, is how you can get on the fast track to obtaining the elusive word-of-mouth reputation that every business out there strives for.

Advertising is important, but when it comes to your strategy – you aren’t going to advertise the same way to all people. For example, if your business is a pizza joint – you may post an advertisement or coupon in the newspaper to encourage new business. On this ad, you would have your location and maybe a link to a menu. But for your current customers, you would take a different approach. Include a special coupon when they come to pick up their pie to go, or get them going with a punch card for frequent visits. It doesn’t have to costly or complicated to create different campaigns for different people, and the individualized touch can really go a long way.

For text marketing, this can be done seamlessly. That same pizza joint can have two text marketing campaigns running. One to encourage people to opt-in, or text-in. This can be included in that newspaper advertisement, or it can be on poster or flyer. There will be call to action, such as, “Text TONY to 96000 for a free order of wings with any large pie from Tony’s Pizza!” When people text in, they will automatically receive a coupon code for their order along with a phone number to call to place the order. Their cell phone will be entered into a database for new clients. For people who have been in previously more than once, their name is most likely in the database already. If it isn’t, it can be the next time they call in an order.

Now, when Tony is finding business is slow, he can send out two sets of mass messages. One to all those new text-ins, and one to those who are already customers. The first message can say, “Tony’s has half off pepperoni pies on Fridays!” Current customers probably know this already, so their text can read, “Get a free dessert for two with any large pizza order, just show this text to your server!”

Text Marketing Aids in Retail Delivery Services

There are a few ways of using text marketing in retail that most people don’t think about. Text message marketing seems typically straightforward in the retail industry – however thinking outside the box can really push your business that extra mile. Retail is the perfect line of work to implement an SMS campaign. People love to communicate via text, therefore if their favorite store is connecting with them in this way – you can be sure they will happily return, and bring all of their friends. With the holidays looming in the near future, if you are a store owner, the time to take action with a fresh marketing campaign is right now.

The most straightforward way text marketing works for retail is by posting a sign or poster, encouraging shoppers to text-in – or opt-in – for a discount. By providing something immediate for your customers, a sort of reward for their business – will prove to earn their loyalty in the long run. “Text JEAN to 96000 for half off any denim item!” Now that the pleased customer has left your store, shopping bags in hand, you can alert them about future sales, promotions, or events for your store. The customer will be happy to hear from you.

One of the different ways mentioned earlier about how to implement text message marketing is using it with a delivery system. Many stores offer a delivery service for their customers, for example an appliance store will deliver a washing machine, or a refrigerator. If the store is online, which is more and more common – as people really enjoy the convenience of shopping on the Internet – whatever the item is that is ordered will be delivered right to the customer’s doorstep. During the checkout process, the customer can choose to accept notifications via text message regarding the delivery. This usually happens with email anyway, why not switch the notifications to appear on your cell phone? The benefit to this is the fact that it is instantaneous.

The text message will remind the customer about the date and estimated time of the delivery. Another text message will come on the date, confirming a more precise delivery time – sometimes deliveries can run late, particularly during the busy holiday season – when weather may be unpredictable. This process can even go a step further. The retailer can include in a message a click-to-call link that will connect the customer with a customer service representative, in the event that the customer needs to reschedule the delivery. Things come up, and it is great to know that nobody’s time will be wasted by use of the simple technology. Text marketing not only adds to the level of connection between retailer and customer, but it streamlines their shopping, ordering, and receiving merchandise deliveries.

Use Text Marketing to Provide Holiday Tips from Your Restaurant

Restaurants are surprisingly busy during the holidays, although most people may believe the opposite to be true. Think about it. People are traveling to see family and friends therefore they must stop for a bite along the road or in the airport, right? Or think of all the folks Christmas shopping out there – shopping works up an appetite! Even those who are slaving away in the kitchen, preparing traditional holiday feasts will need to take a break from the kitchen. Restaurants are busier than ever during this time of year, and with all of the hustle and bustle, it’s important for them to establish a solid relationship with their customers. Creating a loyal customer database will carry over into the New Year, leaving your restaurant off to a great start for 2013.

The most effective way to make the most of these next few weeks is to implement a text marketing campaign into your current restaurant marketing plan. Encourage diners to text-in – or opt-in – in order to receive an awesome deal. For example, a discount on their check, a free dessert, or an extra drink. Your customer will be so pleased with the promotion, they will welcome future text messages from your restaurant regarding specials, events and coupons. It’s easy to ensure your restaurant is their choice for dining during this holiday season, as well as making it a favorite for all of those special occasions during next year.

In addition to the common ways of using text marketing in your restaurant, there are a few things you can do that will push your restaurant to that next level. Sometimes, a text marketing campaign isn’t always about providing consumers with a promotion or a discount. However, it is about building the connection between business owner and customer by providing something. That something doesn’t necessarily have to be a money saver in order to be something of value. How about providing your loyal customer database with some holiday cooking tips, inspired by your chef? Or even a cool idea for a dining table centerpiece? Perhaps let everybody know how to prevent the turkey from being dry. Or include a link to a recipe for a healthier version of that tried and true green bean casserole. Mention which flowers are most fitting for a hostess gift, or which candles will last the longest.

Another idea that takes this text marketing idea a step further is allowing customers to submit questions to be answered. What sort of wine is best to pair with a holiday lamb? How many bottles should I buy based on the number of guests attending my holiday party? What is the secret to fluffy mashed potatoes? Using text marketing to interact with your restaurant guests will keep them engaged and connected to your business.