Text Message for Time Management in Real Estate

Real Estate professionals are extremely busy people, but missing leads are not the way to establishing a solid business reputation, and closing those sales. Implementing a text message marketing plan may seem like one more ball to juggle, however just the opposite is true. With a modern marketing upgrade, imagine taking a few of those balls away – daily tasks and job demands are easier to handle than ever before! More focus can be directed in the right place. Time management is an incredible career booster.

Between office meetings, scheduling client appointments, and conducting property showings – real estate agents can truly benefit from the streamlined approach text message marketing provides. Staying connected with buyers and sellers is the real key to success in this industry. Text marketing brings that level of personalized, direct communication to the table. Potential buyers are able to reach their agent immediately, and receive the response they are looking for. Appointment scheduling can be automated online, plus confirmation and reminders will be sent out so that nobody’s time is wasted. Unnecessary lengthy phone calls are long in the past!

In addition to establishing and maintaining strong connections with clients, real estate professionals need to focus on the homes they are trying to sell. Taking photos and videos are very important in order to properly market a property listing, not to mention staging homes so they look their best for images and showings. These are more necessary tasks that an agent must juggle, however this is another area where text message comes into play to take some of the pressure off of time management. The real estate professional is able to use a text message marketing platform, such as Social Fuse, in order to create a mobile website for each property listing. This process is simple, and from here, potential buyers can text-in for access.

They are able to view detailed images of the property, or watch a virtual tour – and the best part is, they can do all of this whenever it is convenient for them! Now they will be fully informed about property details before they reach out to you in order to schedule a viewing or a meeting in person. Create a mobile business card for yourself – the real estate professional – and link your potential buyers to it via text so that they may contact you, or just learn a little more about who you are.
SMS text message marketing is the perfect way for you to capture, track, and follow up with your leads – particularly those who you may otherwise have missed! The greatest part is, your potential buyers don’t need to change their routine or work day at all, and neither do you. Lead generation and client management is a breeze.

Uncommon Industries Getting into Text Marketing

Text marketing is everywhere. The ease and convenience of the simple marketing method are irresistible to all sorts of industries out there. Connecting with people by reaching them on the device they can’t live without makes complete sense. Even though a cell phone is a very personal device, people don’t mind being marketed to this way – as long as they maintain a level of control. Being sure to abide by a few simple rules and regulations will ensure that this level of two-way communication will work in everybody’s favor.

The most common industries using text marketing today are restaurants and retail stores. This form of marketing is brilliant for providing customers with coupons, promotions and discounts. Before, people used to clip coupons for savings – with mobile marketing, it is as if these coupons are sent straight to your cell phone. Restaurants in particular love how easy it is to let their customers know about dinner specials, happy hour deals, or special events. Staying in communication with customers is a surefire way of making sure they choose your establishment over any other. In a retail environment, SMS marketing is a perfect way to let shoppers know about sales, new merchandise, or provide them with mobile coupons for their next shopping trip. Perfect for this holiday season!

Marketing is the most obvious and most common use for text marketing, however a mobile platform can easily provide a few other benefits. A few industries that aren’t into advertising are discovering that SMS marketing can really benefit their business. Let’s take a look at a few examples. Churches are finding that implementing a text marketing campaign helps them stay connected to their members. It is a perfect way to let everyone who opts-in know about when services are being held as well as announcing who guest speakers may be. The best part about using text message marketing is that a church can send messages of enlightenment to worshippers. This allows the church to connect with individuals beyond the services.

Another industry finding success using text marketing – in a non-marketing manner – is doctor offices. This actually applies to doctors, dentists, veterinarians, or any industry that requires people to make appointments. Allowing patients to text-in their information, and give you the permission to reach them via text message, means that you can set up your database to receive automatic appointment reminders before their scheduled time. This can be a few days before, a day before, or even the day of. Providing people with a basic reminder allows them the opportunity to reschedule or cancel if they need to. Therefore your office will no longer experience no-shows, open time slots can be used much more efficiently.

Three Text Message Resolutions for Retail

There really isn’t a better fit for the retail industry than text message marketing. If your retail store hasn’t embarked on a mobile marketing campaign, then getting in gear for the New Year is a great way to kick off 2013. People spend time clipping coupons for discounts, only to forget them at home, or lose them in the mail pile or junk drawer. By the time you remember where that coupon is, or come across it – often times it has expired and is useless anyway. All that wasted time can be completely eliminated if that coupon was sent directly to your cell phone. The mobile phone is the one item nobody is ever without, so now if you decide to pull over and run into the store – you’ll have the coupon saved in your text message inbox!

There are a great number of uses for text message marketing for the retail industry – many of them go beyond the direct advertising technique. If you haven’t educated yourself about how the basic technology works, and how it will enhance your business – make this your New Year’s resolution. Perhaps your store already has a mobile marketing plan in place, and it is working wonderfully. Great! This places you ahead of the game, and you are off to a good start for 2013. This does not however, let you off the hook with a goal-oriented resolution for your retail store. There are many opportunities to improve, and take text message campaigns to the next level. Here are some good retail related resolutions:

1. “We will appreciate our locals.” Every establishment started somewhere, right? Even though expansion is a great sign of success – it isn’t as difficult to accomplish anymore in this technologically advanced day and age. Now, the focus has turned to remembering your roots, where you started, and who was there for you. Provide special promotions to your local neighborhood, or send messages showing your appreciation for your community. People enjoy a sense of solid loyalty, and they will return the gesture.

2. “We will send less emails.” For a while, it seemed like everybody was constantly sending email advertisements and promotions. More often than not, they go ignored, as inboxes fill with frequent useless messages. People get annoyed and overwhelmed by bulk emailing. The reason you chose to incorporate text message into your marketing campaign is to streamline and simplify your connection strategy, so do just that!

3. “We will remember timing is key.” It really is. Send your loyal database information about a flash sale, or a limited promotion. If people feel a sense of urgency to redeem a text message deal or coupon, they are more likely to take advantage of it.

Text Message to your Restaurant Guests

Creating an opt-in list for your Restaurant using the text message does not have to be a difficult process. Once you build your list of loyal customers, applying interactive marketing campaigns can be a lot of fun. Purchasing a list of random cell phone numbers is simply not an option. The main reason text message marketing is so successful, is because spam is almost non-existent. The mobile marketing industry intends to keep it that way. Besides, you wouldn’t want to give your restaurant a bad reputation. It isn’t hard to start compiling this list – especially if you provide a decent incentive. Guests have to opt-in – or text-in – in order to add themselves to your marketing database. In many instances, a little instant gratification can go a long way. For example: “Text BURGER to 96000 to receive 50% off your check!” Not many people will be able to resist such a deal, a discount simply for sending a text message? It’s a no brainer. Upon texting in for the deal, the customer will receive an instant reply asking for their confirmation to receive future marketing messages from your restaurant. They will most likely be so thrilled to save a few bucks at lunch they will be anticipating what you send them next.

Implementing a text message campaign in your restaurant doesn’t mean you need to completely forget about traditional marketing methods. The best way to make people comfortable with a new form of advertising is to blend it with something familiar. Billboards, posters, signs, or commercials are all forms of traditional marketing. For a restaurant, table tents are often a successful form of advertising a special or promotion. Post your call to action on a table tent, so that diners will see it right away upon being seated. Perhaps it is even a good idea to encourage staff members to talk about your text messaging promotion with customers, to answer any questions they may have on the spot. Once your opt-in list starts to grow, you can send mass messages to all of your customers. Let them know about meal specials, happy hour deals, or special events.

There are ways to program your messaging system to record when guests have an upcoming occasion, such as a birthday or an anniversary. From here, you can send them a text message offering them a prime table to celebrate, or a discount for their special day. A simple text message can really accomplish a lot for your restaurant. By making your guests feel comfortable, you can be certain they will be choosing your establishment over others to catch up with friends, connect with family, or even entertain business clientele. Text message marketing is a fantastic choice for restaurants.

Text Message Marketing Rules Number One

Text message marketing is the number one choice when it comes to mobile marketing and services. It is more popular than ever, and this goes to prove that effectiveness combined with simplicity is truly a winning combination. Even though there is so much growth in the mobile field starting with email, and moving on to applications, instant messaging, and social media - SMS is hardly considered lowly. Everyone knows how it works, and nearly everyone has a phone with text messaging capabilities. It’s hard to believe not everyone has a Smartphone, however this is the truth! This is why Text Message Marketing is so effective. It reaches all people. Those who are technologically savvy, as well as those who are not. Text messaging is not only popular, it happens to be the number one form of communication in general. More text messages are sent and received over phone calls made, or emails sent. People enjoy the convenience of a condensed message, right in the palm of their hand.

By 2013 the volume of messages are expected to be 10 trillion, according to Portio Research. This means that if marketers want to reach the highest number of consumers, they must learn to implement text into their marketing plan. It’s important to consider the fact that mobile spam is turning into a real privacy issue – therefore it is essential that creating and maintaining a text marketing platform is controlled, and guidelines are strictly abided by.

Text Message Marketing is entirely the most inclusive data submission and delivery system out there, let alone the most effective. There are a few reasons to review as to why SMS is top of the list when it comes to mobile marketing. Firstly the cell phone is the most common form of media on the planet, with an average of 5-billion subscribers – this is 70% of the world’s population! Regardless of the country, they say every single phone out there is capable of text messaging – no matter which mobile network the user is signed up with. 80% of these subscribers use text messaging on a regular basis. The statistics are wild when it comes to this technology. For businesses not to be tapping into this by now is crazy. People are hesitant, they worry SMS is just a fad, and will fade quickly, however this is not the case at all. SMS will evolve, but it stands strong as a solid base to mobile technology, which seems to be branching out in so many directions – some of these branches will break off and not stick, but some will blossom. They all stem from the same trunk – the trunk being Text Message Marketing. For a business to take the time to learn about this technology and use it properly surely will be beneficial in the long run.

Use Links with Text Message for Real Estate

Text Messaging in the Real Estate industry has really shown some great results. There are many different ways to use text message marketing, and it can be applied to nearly any industry out there. The reason text messaging does so well in real estate specifically, is because this industry is notoriously one of the more tech savvy ones. The real estate industry welcomes new technology and new forms of media when it comes to marketing. Making the sale is always important, but the competitive nature of realtors brings this technology to a whole new level. Text Messaging provides Real Estate professionals with the right tool to aid their business in marketing, selling, and tracking those numbers. SMS allows realtors to manage clients and potential buyers effectively.

The cell phone has really turned out to be a magical device. Allowing the user not only to communicate in multiple ways – but also to research, map, photograph or even purchase, right in the palm of their hand. The smartphone has completely changed the game for the real estate professional. They are able to build exposure and create a brand in just a few simple clicks. Connecting with prospective buyers and sellers is important – but building a relationship with these people will build their trust, and this is where the most effort needs to take place.

Consumers love their mobile phones for many reasons, but the one thing they love the most about it – is having the ability to text. Even those who don’t yet own a smartphone are capable of using this simple technology. This type of marketing doesn’t leave anyone behind in the dust, and that is what makes it so powerful. People love to have information instantly, and through the use of sign rider, realtors are able to give prospective buyers that instant gratification they seek. “Text 123MAIN to 96000 for more information.” The buyer can text-in, and view pictures, learn property details, asking price, and even take a virtual tour. There are great possibilities here. A few brief sentences can have quite an impact, plus this doesn’t mean that information is limited. Within the basic limit of 160 characters, the realtor can include links to images or video. This also provides the opportunity for the realtor to create a mobile business card, and include that as a link for the prospective buyer to click on. Mobile business cards are great. They can give the interested buyer more detailed information about you, the realtor. Maybe a personal touch – such as a little history about you – can be quite effective. Include a friendly photograph, and of course, your contact information. This can even be set up so that the person can add you to their contacts with just a simple tap.

Four Examples of Relationship SMS Marketing

When it comes to SMS marketing, there are two types of customers you’ll want to target for your business. Regardless of which industry you business is in, there are new customers, and there are existing customers. Many businesses tend to place their focus on obtaining new customers. Marketing to get new business is very important, however it is equally – if not more – important to make sure your current customers get the special treatment they deserve. The best customer for any business out there is a return customer. This is commonly known as relationship marketing. Generating repeat business is the way a business owner can establish a solid reputation in the community, not to mention, this can even lead to a word-of-mouth form of building a customer database. This is the ultimate goal, because not only is it elusive – it is powerful, and best of all, free!

SMS marketing provides a highly successful technical way to reach out to existing customers, however a little instinct is needed on the part of the business owner as well. Messages to existing customers need to feel personal and they need to be significant enough to establish their trust and loyalty. It’s important to remember that your customers are human beings, not just consumers. Here are some simple guidelines when it comes to creating your relationship SMS marketing campaign.
Offer something of value. You’ve heard this a million times, but it is even more applicable here. Your communication should speak directly to what customer wants or needs. You don’t want to waste anyone’s time, so provide a message that is relevant and it will go appreciated. Using a survey or list segregation can help in this process.

Make your message unique. You don’t need to be obscure to use slang to stand out from the crowd, but try your best to think beyond the formal office language. People have a tendency to tune out such speech. Keep it casual. You want your business to come off friendly and approachable, yet intelligent.
Make it last. Of course you’ll want your relationship marketing to last the lifetime of the customer. The only way to get to there is if your system can remember everybody for years ahead. Keep track of each customer’s shopping history – even from ages ago. This allows you to perfect your individual marketing and anticipate their needs.

Go beyond SMS marketing and make real contact. Based on your customer preferences, offer them recommendations at the point of sale. Don’t rely too heavily on technology, such as email. Use text message marketing to enhance an already established relationship. Recognize special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries and use this as an opportunity to provide VIP specials or promotions.

Expand your Retail Text Marketing Strategy

With the New Year right around the corner, this is the perfect time for your retail store to think about expanding your text marketing plan. If you are a retailer and you haven’t embarked onto a text marketing technique for your current advertising strategy – unfortunately you can consider yourself behind your competition. However, it isn’t too late. Text message marketing is nothing new, but companies are slow to catch on. Those who have, aim to keep it in the dark, because they are reaping the benefits to a great extent when it comes to customer communication and connection. For those of you who have discovered the benefits of text message marketing, bravo! Your New Years resolution for 2013 is to find ways to use the technology to go above and beyond. Let’s take a look at some retail examples.

A clothing store may currently use text message marketing to send mobile coupons, offering their shoppers deals and discounts. A way to take this a step further is to create a VIP program. Keep your frequent buyers on a list of their own, and gear special promotions directly toward them. People love to feel appreciated, and it is always a good idea to reward your most loyal clientele. Create a mobile website for your store, which is interactive. Let your customers choose their favorite items, and they can opt to be notified when these items go on sale. Or you can offer styling tips featuring those items to give your customers a little inspiration!

A furniture store probably also uses text marketing in the most obvious – yet effective – way of sending out mobile coupons and promotions. Perhaps you can let people know about when your next big sale is, or when new merchandise arrives. Taking this to an interactive level can be about making your store visual for people. Think about Ikea, when you browse through their store in person, they have so many displays featuring design elements for all of their products and furniture. Your store can do this through a mobile website. Allow your customers to click on their favorite items, and then show them examples of how they can incorporate the pieces into their décor style. Plus, this is a good way of adding more information – such as measurements and dimensions.

Many retail stores use text marketing to encourage their customers to shop in person, and this is a great way of accomplishing increased in-store business – however if your store has an online presence, text message marketing is a great way to direct them toward ordering online. People love instant gratification and online shopping really capitalizes on this – so how about offering a pre-order option? Allow your customers to access your site via text message link in order to place a pre-order for their favorite items.

Text for Real Estate Works to Connect Buyers and Sellers

When it comes to text messaging and real estate, I’m surprised I haven’t been seeing more messaging campaigns out there. Although they are certainly popping up more often - so if you are a real estate professional and you haven’t considered this form of marketing for your business, now is the time to strike. This is the perfect way to stay ahead of your competition, and it is no secret that the real estate industry is one of the most competitive out there. The benefits of text message marketing are very great. The real estate industry is one where connections between agent and buyer need to be established not only quickly, but solidly as well. Text marketing steps into play here.

It all begins with the rider sign, “Text 123MAINST to 96000 for property listing details”. This call to action nabs the potential buyer’s attention while they walk or drive by. Texting-in is much easier than calling – and the reply is immediate. People enjoy not only the immediacy of text message marketing, but the convenience as well. Plus, this adds a wonderful level of convenience for the realtor as well. Imagine all the lengthy unnecessary phone calls you won’t have to answer, no more wasting time. There are a few methods of implementing text marketing to the real estate industry that will place you ahead of the game. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Make your auto reply text informative. When a potential buyer text-in for listing information, be sure to provide them with what they are seeking. How big is the property, how many bedrooms does it have, how many bathrooms, what is the asking price . . . etc. A way to take this a step further is to give them a phone number to call, where you can leave a pre-recorded message regarding more details about the property, and even the surrounding neighborhood. For truly interested buyers, they can be forwarded directly to your cell or office line.

QR codes are also an interesting approach to the real estate industry. They don’t work for everybody, only those who possess a smartphone – but they have the potential to be very effective when it comes to connecting your tech savvy buyers to the information they are looking for. Placing a QR code on your “For Sale” sign will allow the buyer to scan the code and be linked to a mobile website for your property. On this site, you can include photos of the house, or even a virtual tour. Don’t forget to include your personal information so interested buyers can get to know more about you, the realtor. Allow them to schedule a showing, or fill out a qualification worksheet directly from your site to streamline the buying process.

Ring in the New Year with Text Marketing for your Restaurant

Text marketing is one of the most effective ways for a restaurant to connect with customers. If your restaurant hasn’t embarked on a text marketing campaign yet, getting everything in order for the start of the New Year will really work to your benefit. With text message marketing, the uses are ever expanding and the marketing technique has truly proven to be not only highly effective, but incredibly versatile as well. When it comes down to it, connecting with customers is the ultimate goal. Sure, everybody loves a deal – but they also enjoy feeling appreciated for their business, and that is where your restaurant can stand strong, and stay ahead of your competition.

A great restaurant motto for the New Year is “Consistency is the key to loyalty.” Keeping this in mind at all times will set the stage for a successful marketing campaign – and consistency when it comes to service, food quality and atmosphere is a great idea too! People like to know what to expect when it comes to their favorite restaurant. This is why they come back with friends and family. Text marketing only enhances this, and will ensure your restaurant is first choice every time.

If you haven’t learned more about text message marketing, and how it works for your business, make this your New Year’s resolution. Perhaps your restaurant already has text marketing campaign working, good for you! This places you ahead of the game, which is a great place to be for 2013. This doesn’t mean you are off the hook when it comes to making restaurant resolutions – it just means that you are in a position to take your marketing efforts to the next level. Here are some suggestions for restaurant text marketing resolutions to consider:

1. “We will remember timing is everything.” In a restaurant, timing messages properly is essential. People notoriously make last minute decisions regarding meals, and a smart restaurant knows this, and can capitalize. Send a lunch special message around 10 or 11am. It’s after breakfast, and most likely customers will be thinking about lunch – you can sway their decision your way!

2. “We will make an effort to celebrate.” People love to celebrate, and one of the most common ways to do so is by dining out. Take careful note of your restaurant guests, and their special occasions. Birthdays and anniversaries are certainly dates to be kept on file. Schedule a text message to go out to those particular customers, offering them a special promotion in honor of their special day. You can be sure they’ll choose your restaurant to celebrate their milestone!

3. “Create a VIP program.” In other words, reward, reward, reward. Make sure your loyal guests are rewarded for returning to your restaurant. Establishing “regulars” will create a solid reputation for your restaurant.

Text Marketing Software Goes a Long Way

Finding the right Text Marketing Software can really do a lot for your business. All sorts of industries are discovering the benefits of text marketing. This marketing method is finding its place in nearly all types of businesses, large and small. Text messaging is nothing new, however this application of the simple technology is fresh. Due to the fact that nearly everyone out there is familiar with text messaging – what it is and how it works – means that this level of communication is extremely effective. People text every day, in fact people text more often than they dial phone calls! Although many people are smartphone users, text messaging doesn’t require a smartphone to provide the capability of sending and receiving text messages. This technology is not only simple, more importantly – it is universal.

If you are a business who is interested in truly connecting with your customers on a personal level, then SMS marketing is the right path for you. It can be noted that if you aren’t using it already, your competition probably is! Regardless of which industry you are in. While searching for the text messaging software to go with, there are some factors you may want to consider first.
You’ll want to make sure the software you choose is compatible with all the major cell phone carriers, and they need to have the ability to create short codes, keywords and coupons. Pictures, graphics and photos are important – as are instant mapping systems for those savvy smartphone users. Decent text marketing software companies – such as Social Fuse – are aware that businesses all have a variety of marketing budgets. Sometimes these budgets are ever evolving with our economy – just like everything else! They will be sure to offer plans fit for any budget, or any size business. Providing customizable packages are very important, as helping your business get the best bang for the buck is a top priority.

A good company will help you – the business owner – use current marketing methods in addition to text marketing. The best way to implement a new technology or new service is to blend it with the old one – in order to make a seamless transition. Traditional marketing methods are perfect for grabbing the attention of new customers in order to build a loyal database. Use a banner, poster or sign to give your customers a call to action: “Text JEAN to 96000 for 50 percent off any pair!” From here a customer will be voluntarily opting in for further marketing messages. Great customer support is key in any decent text marketing software. Choose a company that will make themselves available through multiple forms of communication to be reached in the event any questions or concerns arise.

Accelerate your Retail Text Message Campaign

The popularity of using text message marketing in the retail industry is no secret any longer. More and more stores all around the country are taking advantage of SMS text marketing. Connecting with customers using this marketing method is highly effective due to how personal and intimate the level of communication is. The best part about using a text message marketing campaign in your retail store is the versatility it provides. It isn’t just about the advertising technique – using surveys, polls, trivia and contests are just a few examples of how implementing a two-way communication can bring your store to the next level.

With the holidays only a mere few weeks away, stores are busier than ever. Christmas shopping is in full force. This is the perfect time for retailers to get started with an SMS marketing campaign – if they haven’t already. With so much traffic coming through the doors during this time of year, there isn’t a better opportunity to get your customers’ attention and keep it all year long! Of course you’ll need to encourage your customers to opt-in to your marketing campaign, but this isn’t difficult. There is a way to accelerate your SMS program. Tap into some familiar resources. Implementing a new marketing technique with some tried and true methods will go along well with your customers.
Grab their attention while they are shopping in your store. Retailers can display signs at the point of sale, on shelves, or in aisles to provide a call to action toward a text campaign. Educate your sales staff about how it works, so they can discuss it with your customers.

Use the Internet. Talk about your SMS text campaign on your website. Allow customers the opportunity to opt-in on your site to receive messages from your store. From here, you can allow them to create their own settings. Add birthday notifications, or specify product preferences.
Go with a traditional marketing method. Good old-fashioned print can actually go a long way. Use billboards space, flyers or posters to promote your text message marketing campaign. Place an emphasis on your short code - or opt-in number – as well as your keyword.

Don’t forget about your email campaign. Many people already opt to receive coupons or promotions via email from their favorite retail stores. Make your store stand out above others by combining your text marketing campaign along with your email. Give your customers options.

Social media always goes a long way. Everyone seems to be connected through Facebook or twitter. Use these outlets to let all of your shoppers know about new merchandise, special offers, sales, or great deals available. Provide your “likes” with a special discount to your store, or VIP status!

Text Message to Market Your Real Estate Listings

Using Text Message marketing for the Real Estate industry is a creative approach to connecting with potential buyers. More and more businesses out there are discovering SMS marketing – how effective it is, and how simple it is to implement. Everyone owns a cell phone, and there is a fairly high chance that they have it with them most of the time, right? It makes perfect sense to use this outlet to connect with people on a marketing level. When done correctly, it is easy to establish a personal connection with a potential client or customer. More people use their mobile phone to send and receive text messages over dialing phone calls nowadays! Text messaging is convenient, instant, and quick. This makes the technology a lot more appealing than finding the right moment to make a phone call, or check lengthy email messages.

Using the text message to apply to the real estate market is a great way to pinpoint people who are truly interested in buying, and those who may be just a waste of time. Time is valuable to realtors, therefore using it more productively is very much a priority. For you – the real estate professional – to begin the process of using SMS in your business, it all starts with the sign.

Obviously you will place a “For Sale” sign in the front yard of the property you are marketing. The trick here is, to jazz it up a little. Include a call to action on your sign. “Text 123MAIN to 96000 for more information.” This way, people who drive by, or happen to be walking their dog through the neighborhood can send a quick text to learn more about the property. Some people say include your phone number on the “For Sale” sign also, and that isn’t a bad idea. However, nowadays – there isn’t anyone out there who isn’t capable of sending or receiving a text message. Even those who don’t own a smartphone are in on this technology.

A decent text message marketing service will provide you with a keyword assigned to each individual property, so that you will be able to track which properties your various opt-ins are interested in – you’ll be able to follow up in no time! Upon texting-in, the potential buyer will be able to view the number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, listing price, gas or electric, square footage, pictures, yard specs, and most importantly – your contact information. Some realtors may even want to include a virtual tour, or create a separate link for a mobile business card. Text message marketing for real estate truly works because it is versatile and customizable to each individual realtor, as well as each individual property.

Text Marketing Works for Small Businesses

Text Marketing is a great way to establish your small business as an integral part of the neighborhood. Text messages seem to be the only thing people are reading these days, and although it was made popular by gossiping teenagers – everyone is getting into it now! People of all ages and generations are using text messaging to communicate with their family and friends. No one seems to be deterred by the 160-character limitation, in fact, this requires that messages sent and received must be short and sweet – just the way we like them to be. Text messages have close to a 100% open rate, therefore it is almost a guarantee that your message will be read instantly. Businesses are starting to take notice of this communication phenomenon, and are realizing text marketing truly does have its place.

The use of text messaging continues to explode in this country as years pass, and the numbers for people in their 30’s and 40’s using this technology are skyrocketing. More people use text messaging over phone calls or emails combined. Surprisingly, SMS remains spam free – which makes it a perfect uncluttered marketing source. There is also the fact that people are never without their cell phones, therefore text messages reach them instantly. Text marketing can work in any industry, and can be applied by any business out there, large or small. Restaurants can see some great results by using text marketing, as well as retail stores, or even a doctor’s office. The possibilities are quite vast. Here are some rules to get started in text marketing:

1. Keep it legal. Even though SMS is nearly spam-free, there are people out there who are trying to upset this balance by attempting to sell text blasts to lists of random cell phone numbers. If you go this route, you can expect to be cut off by cell phone carriers – and Congress will certainly hit you with penalties. Consumers must opt-in to receive your text message marketing campaigns, so offer an incentive or two to sweeten the deal.

2. Don’t discard your traditional marketing. Text marketing is highly versatile, and can be used alongside traditional marketing methods. Restaurants can use table tents to encourage a text-in for a discount. A retail store can post a sign. You can even run a radio advertisement, instructing customers to text-in for a promotion from your business.

3. Give people some bang for their buck. People are wary about giving up their cell phone number therefore it is important to make them feel comfortable. One way to accomplish this easily, is to reward them – for those who opt-in to your text message marketing campaigns, they may have special “insider” access to promotions that others don’t have.

Top Two Ways to Avoid Spam in SMS Text Marketing

It’s most likely that you are aware of SMS text marketing, and all of the benefits it provides for your business. Each day, it seems as though more and more industries are taking advantage of an SMS text platform – obviously for marketing, but also for organization and simplicity. Text message marketing allows you to speak directly to your ideal clients or customers - targeting the right audience is one of the best aspects of this marketing method. Despite all of the versatility the simple technology brings to your business, the most important thing to remember is that there is definitely a level of responsibility. Reaching customers or clients via their cell phone is highly effective when it comes to creating a personalconnection, however there are laws to abide by for this level of communication.
We all know it, and we all hate it. Spam! Nobody likes getting junk in their email box. Even with all the filters you can set up on your computer – it seems as though something always sneaks through. Unwanted cyber solicitation. Spam is awful because not only is it annoying, it can be potentially dangerous should a link be clicked on that may compromise the security within your computer. Spam is very rare when it comes to text message marketing communications, so the ultimate goal is to keep it that way. There aren’t any filters on text messaging, and hopefully there won’t need to be! Your business must research best practices for text marketing, and be sure to get it right.

Firstly, if someone isn’t already your customer, you must get their permission first. This is one of the most important things to remember about a new SMS text marketing campaign. The individual to whom you plan to connect with on a future basis must text-in, or opt-in in order to receive messages from your business. Quite often this can be accomplished through a very simple traditional marketing method, such as a sign or flyer encouraging the customer to text-in for a promotion. From here, a follow up message can be sent confirming the customer’s permission to get marketing messages from you in the future.

Secondly, you must give your customers some control. By control, I mean options. Nobody likes to feel trapped, so be sure to always include a disclosure at the end of each text message that provides the customer with an option to opt-out. Usually it can say something like “Text STOP, to quit receiving messages from us.” If you get this right, you’ll be on your way to creating a solid database of loyal customers, but if you skip this step – you will be opening the door to prosecution for unsolicited SMS text messages. Yikes!

Get Creative with SMS Marketing in your Hair Salon

If you own a hair salon, it is in your best interest to implement an SMS marketing campaign as soon as possible! Kick of the New Year with a fresh campaign, and you will find yourself ahead of the game. Owning or managing a hair salon is a challenging career - the industry is highly competitive. There are a few tricks to ensuring your business will succeed and even embark on the elusive “word of mouth” advertising method – which everyone know is the most effective, and can only be earned.
In the salon industry, creativity is welcomed with open arms. This business is artistic, and the best hair salons out there pride themselves on providing unique services and styles. With SMS marketing, there is so much versatility in the way it is applied to a business – an owner has no choice but to get creative and use their imagination to figure out how to make it work best for their particular business. Sure, a direct sales pitch is the most obvious direction – and don’t get me wrong – this is an effective move. You’ll find this is definitely a solid place to get started – with a lot of room for creativity as well. Here are a few ideas to jumpstart your approach.

1. Mobile coupons. This is a basic way to get people excited to come back to your salon. Send coupons via text message for discounted services or free product trials. Everybody loves a great deal!

2. Take advantage of special occasions. Holidays, anniversaries, birthdays . . . you name it. Any opportunity to celebrate with a new hairstyle is worth texting about – don’t you think?

3. Refer a friend. Reward your clients who let a friend know about how great your salon is, these people are your ultimate advertisers, plus they are free!

Appointment reminders are a great use for an SMS marketing platform also. Use text messaging to confirm appointments, allow rescheduling or cancellations, and send out reminders so that your time slots are always used efficiently. Wasted time is wasted money, and this will ensure no more no-shows.

Use text message marketing in your hair salon to send out notifications or announcements. This is a great way to let your clientele know about any special events that may be happening. Introduce your newest products, and announce your latest services being offered. If you have a new stylist on your team, let everyone know about them. Sometimes, reaching out to customers simply just to connect can be an effective way of communicating. For example, offer style tips or tricks to try at home. Keep everyone updated on the latest trends and you’ll find yourself with a loyal database in no time.

Big Picture with Restaurant Text Message Marketing

It is no secret that text message marketing for the restaurant industry is a fantastic way of connecting with customers. Restaurants are as much a place to socialize as they are a place to eat. Nowadays, people have so many choices when it comes to where they dine – this is why it is so important to make sure your restaurant stands out over the competition. For a restaurant, ensuring customers return is vital. Establishing a loyal customer database creates the “word of mouth” reputation that so many businesses strive for. Don’t forget that acquiring new customers is equally important, as one of the main goals for a restaurant should be to push customers out of their regular routines, plus this opens the door for expansion.

Text message marketing is a great way to accomplish both of these essential connections, and there are many different ways to go about the process. In order to figure out which direction to take your marketing campaign in as a restaurateur, take a look at the big picture. For example, restaurants are aware that certain days are busier than other days, like Fridays and Saturdays compared to Mondays and Tuesdays . . . right? Running a text marketing campaign geared toward Monday and Tuesday special deals is a better use of a marketing effort, as Fridays and Saturdays are days that don’t need any help when it comes to the business flow.

Another benefit of business flow awareness is staffing. This is an angle many restaurateurs don’t think about – and it is a nice benefit of strategically text message marketing on certain days over others. In order to keep a solid group of staff members working for your restaurant, you need to provide them with the hours they require to make a living. If you are able to keep the flow in your restaurant more consistent throughout the days of the week by using text marketing, you’ll also need consistency when it comes to staffing to accommodate your increased customer based on those previously slow days. Happy servers, cooks and bartenders lead to happy customers, this is important to keep in the back of your mind.

Another point to consider is what it is your restaurant does well. Maybe you are known for a certain food item – best pie in town, most authentic falafel, or perhaps your unique mojitos are to die for. Whatever it is – capitalize on it. For example, if your restaurant is known for having a wonderful brunch, your first reaction may be to use brunch to branch out and get people to come in for other meals throughout the day – and this is a good idea – but a better idea is to market your brunch specifically. Get new customers hooked on what you do best, and you’ll find your regular brunch goers may try a different time of day to dine.

Retail Text Marketing Leads to Repeat Shoppers

Text Marketing in a Retail environment is the most effective way to increase sales from both returning customers and new customers. Many stores focus on bringing in new business, and while this is important, it is equally – if not more – important to keep existing business engaged. Every business owner needs to keep an eye on two types of customers: The current one, and the new one. Current customers include those who have made at least one purchase previously. Did you know that a returning customer has the potential to be five times more profitable than a new customer? Plus, keeping shoppers coming back, means that they will spread the word – leading to new business anyways.

Text Marketing is a low cost, simple way to keep in contact with existing Retail customers. Everyone has a smartphone these days, and they use it for more than just communication. These phones are used for research, mapping, browsing, photos and music. It makes perfect sense for businesses to tap into this “wonder gadget” and utilize the connection people have with their mobile device for marketing efforts. For a retail store there are so many ways to connect with their shoppers via text messaging. Here are a few examples, which have led to great success:

1. Rewards or Points. You know that card in your wallet for the sandwich store? The one that gets a punch every time you swing in for a sub? This can be automated to be done via text. As a retailer, you can apply this to more than just sandwiches. Reward your customers, text them their updated point score and encourage them to earn more to receive a prize.

2. Referrals are key. Send out a text blast to your customers letting them know if they bring in a friend, they will receive some sort of reward. Referrals are very successful, because people will certainly go somewhere their trusted friend tells them about. Retailer should really make this a top priority.

3. Members Only. Offer a special sale, only for existing customers. Consumers love to be an “insider” and to have access to a promotion other people don’t. Maybe send a discount coupon to your list, or even better – send out a message for customers to show as an “entry-fee” to shop an early release sale, before the sale becomes available to everyone else!

4. Come back to shop sale. Run a special sale that encourages shoppers to bring in a previous receipt from your store. The older the receipt, the better the discount – because this proves your long-term customers will reap the most benefits from your promotion. Longevity is the goal here, if people are rewarded for shopping over and over again – you’ll be sure they will return.

Start the New Year Right with Text Marketing for Real Estate

If you are a real estate professional and you haven’t started using text marketing – unfortunately this puts you a step behind your competition. The real estate market is one of the most competitive industries out there at the moment, and for 2013 your New Year’s resolution should be taking yourself to that next level for your business. Implementing an SMS marketing plan will connect you more quickly, and efficiently to potential buyers and sellers. Communicating with people on a deeper level is accomplished by identifying what it is they are looking for, while providing with them with a clear path on how to get there.

The greatest strength about using text marketing in the real estate industry is the immediacy. Potential buyers can text-in for more information about a listing, and not only will they receive the information they seek in an instant, directly to their cell phone, but this provides you with the opportunity to send them follow up information. Whether it is with your contact information, or other properties with similar qualities – you are connecting with them on their preferred level, which is convenient for everybody. You save time by not needing to take unnecessary phone calls for property information, and potential buyers save time by allowing permission for information to come straight to their mobile device.

With the New Year upon us, there is no better time to take text marketing a step further as a successful real estate agent or professional. Here are some tips to kick to those resolutions in gear.

1. Keep it clear and simple. Post a call to action on your rider sign, but don’t make it complicated. “Text 123MAINST to 96000 for property details.” This is so easy, someone can remember the instruction if they are driving by.

2. Make your reply informative. Once a potential buyer text-in – or opts-in – for more information, give them what they want to know. How big, how many bedrooms/bathrooms, and how much.

3. It isn’t hard to add additional information. Include links to photos or even a virtual tour. You can also include a link to your personal page – so they can know more about you as an agent, and contact you if they like.

4. Referring to the above tip, create a mobile business card if you haven’t already. Text marketing is highly convenient, but making yourself available and approachable is a key element in your marketing effort.

5. Don’t forget to follow up. The whole purpose of text marketing in real estate is to capture potential buyers mobile numbers. Connect with your possibilities and help them find what they are looking for. Half the battle is YOUR effort to communicate.

6. Remember, it’s more than just a sale. It’s a home. Let people know information they may not initially seek, such as nearby schools, community activities, and resources.

Effective SMS Marketing Tips for Hair Salons

One of the best ways to connect with clients for your Hair Salon is to use SMS Marketing. People may have been scaling back their expenses these last few years, taking fewer vacations and shopping less. Everyone still needs a haircut, right? Hair services have been a great market these last few years, in fact the industry appears to be growing at a rapid pace. SMS Marketing is a great way for hair salon owners to not only grow their business, but to manage it as well. Building a client database has never been easier and keeping people coming back is a simple process with SMS. Here are a few ideas about how hair salons can take advantage of mobile marketing.

Firstly, it can reduce the number of no-shows and boost those business numbers. People are on the go nowadays, moving a mile a minute – therefore it seems like appointments can often be forgotten about. This is highly inconvenient for stylists, as their time is valuable. Send out a text message to remind your client about their booked appointment, therefore they can confirm, cancel or reschedule as needed. For those exclusive salons, this can be a great way to make the most of time slots – for example if there is a last-minute cancellation, send out a text message to someone who may have been trying to book on that particular day. This also eliminates the need for someone to make tedious phone calls as reminders – which are often ignored. This quick, affordable and instantaneous way of reaching out to clients will definitely increase your profit in the long run.

In order to run and maintain an SMS marketing campaign, your hair salon must first acquire a database of clients. Most salons have business cards that they hand out to clients, some even with appointment reminders jotted down on them. Post a message on the card that gives the client an instruction. “Text HAIR to 96000 for special discounts and promotions!” From here, your client will opt-in to your list, and they will automatically receive the deals, and customer appreciation messages that you send out.

Take advantage of holidays. There are a few times of year that stands out over others for being great opportunities to send out a text message marketing messages. Consider when your clients will want to look their best. Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day are a few good examples. Take this concept even further by keeping track of birthdays – so you can send a personalized message with a special promotion for someone to truly feel recognized on their day.

Use SMS marketing in your salon to appreciate your customers. Let them know about new products, improved services, or special promotions.

Timing is everything in SMS Marketing

When it comes to SMS marketing, timing really is everything. All kinds of industries love using text message marketing, not only as an effective form of advertising, but also as a method of organization, or just to make a connection with customers and clients. There are so many uses for a simple mobile marketing platform, and it feels like there are new ways of using the technology popping up every day! Whether you are a restaurant, retail store, or hair salon – I’m sure you have found the right use for you when it comes to using SMS marketing for your business. You may just be starting out in a text marketing plan, or perhaps you’re an expert in how it works, either way, remember that reaching people in such a personal and direct way comes with responsibilities. Timing is a really important factor when properly utilizing a text message marketing campaign. Here are a few examples:
If you own a restaurant, send lunch specials in the morning. This allows your opt-in group to plan accordingly. Maybe they were planning to take the office out today, now they’ll choose your restaurant to dine in. Don’t make your message unreasonably early though, you don’t want your message to beep in before the alarm does!

Maybe your business is an office where clients or patients need to make appointments. SMS marketing is a great platform to set up appointment reminders. Generate your text message reminder to be sent 2 days before the scheduled appointment time. Provide a call to action so that your client has the opportunity to reschedule or cancel if needed. This allows for a much more efficient use of time.

If you are a church, maybe you use SMS marketing to reach your church members. This is a great way to let people know about service times, guest speakers, and send out messages of enlightenment. If you are going to send a prayer message, or an uplifting text, make it early in the day. This way, you receiver will have your message in their thoughts to power them through their day.

Be aware of frequency. Don’t send messages too often, nobody wants to be bothered by you. Two times a week is more than enough - of course it depends on what type of business you are in. Plus, always make sure your messages are relevant. Don’t send out a message unless you are providing the customer or client with some sort of value.

Set up your messages so that they are generated and sent during regular business hours. It is very important to respect people’s space. You don’t want your message interrupting your client during dinner, or while they are spending time with their family.

Twelve Best Strategies to A Strong Text Marketing Database

Text marketing definitely involves some strategy. It’s one thing to read about the case studies, and mimic what businesses are doing out there to find success with the marketing method – but it’s another to actually take the steps and create your own unique campaign. Every business is different - therefore strategic steps should be taken to find a fresh marketing approach. With text marketing, there are a great number of possibilities. Achieving steady customer growth is the ultimate goal toward boosting those numbers. Here are some ideas to increase your customer database so you can drive traffic to your business.

1. Create your SMS text marketing campaign and advertise it properly. Put it somewhere where everyone can see it. A table tent, display sign, poster or business card. The more visible, the better.

2. Make your call to action simple, and provide an incentive to your customers. “Text SWEET to 96000 for a free cupcake with any bakery purchase!”

3. Keep your messages short. People enjoy text messages because they aren’t lengthy, like some emails can be. The message only takes a few seconds to read and respond to – and that is what works.

4. Constantly be seeking out new and fresh locations to place your advertisements. The more people who see your text marketing campaign, the more opt-ins you will see.

5. Provide your loyal customers with regular discounts, and don’t forget to reward them for referring their friends to your business. Word of mouth is the best reputation you can strive for.

6. Use text marketing to send out event announcements, invitations and streamline the RSVP process. This is a very effective way to host a successful event.

7. Send out valuable messages, such as tips or pieces of advice relevant to your business. If you are a restaurant, give a cooking tip or recipe idea.
8. Use text marketing to reach long lost customers. If someone hasn’t shopped at your store in a while – send out a “we miss you” message with a coupon, encouraging them to return.

9. Create appointment reminders in your SMS system. This is particularly effective in salons, spas, or doctor’s offices. No more no-shows, give your clients the opportunity to reschedule so as not to waste anyone’s time.

10. Take advantage of holidays. People love to feel special, so sending out special promotions for holiday shoppers will drive traffic through your doors in no time.

11. Use social networking. Link your customers up to your Facebook page, and offer incentives to those who “like” your business.

12. Create a survey. Find out what your customers are purchasing, and what they aren’t. Determining your customer’s preferences allows you to create individual lists – ensuring that your text marketing messages are always relevant.

SMS Text Marketing Brings Versatility to the New Year

With SMS text marketing showing such promise for so many different types of industries, implementing a fresh new marketing plan into your business should be your biggest New Year’s resolution. Nowadays, resolutions aren’t just for those looking to lose weight – there is no better time to consider moving toward business-oriented goals.

Times have changed with lightning speed these last few years with the onset of new mobile applications and the ever-growing social networking scene. One aspect of mobile communication that has held strong is SMS text marketing. In fact, there are becoming more and more uses for the technology with each new industry discovering the highly effective marketing technique.

Many industries out there are finding that text message marketing actually goes beyond the direct, targeted advertising – the most obvious, and most common – use of the basic technology. With an SMS text marketing platform, businesses in all industries are finding innovative ways of communicating with clients and customers – which is really what the marketing effort is all about. Not every industry has something to sell, but what every industry does have in common is the rooted need to establish connections with people on a daily basis. What is a more effective way to accomplish this than to reach people on the one device they can’t live without?

Perhaps your business already has a text marketing plan in place, and you are currently enjoying the benefits of creating more meaningful client relationships leading to higher business numbers. Not only are you on the right track for this upcoming year, but you are also establishing a solid reputation in your industry for being ahead of your competition. This doesn’t let you off the hook for coming up with your goal-oriented business New Year’s resolutions – there are always new directions to go in, and there is always an opportunity to step it up to the next level.

SMS text marketing is a great fit for industries such as restaurants, or retail stores. Mobile coupons are highly effective in bringing in customers, and sending notifications via text message regarding discounts, sales, happy hour deals, and dinner specials go a long way in establishing loyalty amongst your client and customer database. There are ways to take SMS marketing further – let’s take a look at an example. Churches have been taking advantage of mobile platforms as a means to keep their congregation notified about service times and changes, or special guest speakers. One cool way of using the technology, in addition to notifications, is that the church can send out messages of enlightenment, ensuring that their message stays with the churchgoer, even after services are through.

To carry this concept over to a restaurant, the establishment can send messages about cooking tips, or wine pairing ideas. A retail store can offer trendy how-to-wear examples. The ultimate goal with SMS text marketing is to bring more value to your customers in 2013.