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.