Why is SMS the perfect addition to any marketing mix?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the five billion people around the world who send and receive SMS messages. With over half the world’s population using the mobile channel, it’s clear to see why businesses love using it in their marketing mix. 

With the right customer experience and data platform (CXDP), SMS becomes a versatile tool helping you achieve a myriad of goals and engage audiences across the globe, and across any industry. So, how could SMS become the superhero in your marketing toolkit? 

Achieve your business goals, one character at a time

SMS marketing messages are short but powerful, with some marketers seeing higher engagement when using mobile channels alongside email. Many consumers say that SMS feels like a more personal channel, and as a result, sees average open rates of 98%. With your messaging being seen, you can focus on driving the results you want. We’ve seen the channel used to:

Propel sales and revenue

With impressive open rates and a conversion rate of 45%, you’ve got a much higher chance of getting your brand in front of the right people. So whether you’re announcing a sale, showcasing new products, or offering personalized discounts, SMS ensures your message lands right where it counts – in the hands of your audience. One Dotdigital customer London Lash, earned an impressive £114K revenue from SMS in the first six months of their campaign, with an ROI of 7:1.

Drive app downloads

Have an app that deserves more attention? Looking to deepen your customers’ mobile experiences? SMS is the best place for you to encourage your audience to download your app due to the uninterrupted mobile experience. You can send short app download links with SMS or offer incentives, such as exclusive discounts for app purchases, seamlessly directing your audience to the right place without them leaving their phone.

Gather customer feedback

Want to understand your customers better? Send them a simple SMS survey. Fast and easy to complete, SMS surveys typically have a response rate that’s 3X higher than traditional email surveys. Understanding your audiences’ needs and preferences has never been so straightforward, helping you refine your customer experience. Ipsos, a Dotdigital customer, made the most of our Communications API and broadcast feature to handle feedback from over half a million customers.

Universal appeal: SMS in every industry

SMS offers unmatched flexibility, making it a powerful tool that can be adapted to the specific needs of virtually any industry. Its ease of integration into existing marketing strategies makes it a universally appealing option. Here’s a glimpse into how diverse industries leverage SMS for success:

Retail and ecommerce

• Promotions and flash sales: Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity with limited-time offers sent directly to customers’ phones.
• Abandoned cart recovery: Gently nudge customers to complete their purchases with personalized reminders and special deals.
• Loyalty programs: Foster customer engagement through points updates, exclusive offers, and birthday greetings.

Finance

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enhance security by sending one-time codes for logins and transactions directly to customers’ phones.
• Fraud alerts: Notify customers immediately of suspicious activity on their accounts, allowing for quicker intervention.
• Balance updates and payment reminders: Keep customers informed about account activity and upcoming payment deadlines.

Healthcare

• Appointment reminders: Reduce no-shows and improve patient experience with automated appointment confirmations and reminders.
• Lab results and prescription refills: Provide patients with convenient access to important information via secure text messages.
• Public health campaigns: Send crucial information about vaccinations, disease outbreaks, and preventative measures.

Hospitality and travel

• Mobile check-in and boarding passes: Streamline guest arrival processes and eliminate the need for physical tickets.
• Hotel promotions and upsells: Offer guests exclusive discounts on upgrades or spa treatments during their stay for customer satisfaction that beats the competition every time.
• Flight status updates and travel tips: Keep passengers informed about delays, gate changes, and valuable travel insights.

Education

• Emergency alerts and school closures: Deliver critical information to parents and students during unforeseen circumstances.
• Homework reminders and class updates: Keep students and parents on track with important reminders and announcements.
• Parent-teacher communication: Facilitate easy communication between teachers and parents regarding student progress or upcoming meetings.

Non-profit and events

• Fundraising campaigns: Enable convenient donation options via SMS, increasing participation and boosting fundraising efforts. SMS outreach for nonprofits has shown to be highly successful, with Action for Children generating hundreds in donations with just one SMS campaign.
• Event promotion and ticketing: Disseminate event details, generate excitement, and allow for mobile ticketing for a seamless experience.
• Volunteer recruitment and management: Mobilize volunteers by sending updates, reminders, and expressing appreciation via text messages.

These are just a few examples, and the possibilities are truly endless. With its high open rates, conciseness, and affordability, SMS can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes and across all industries.

Go global: Reach billions with the right CXDP

You already know that SMS is a global channel, which means it’s perfect for businesses that want to expand into new markets and demographics. However, not every marketing automation platform supports SMS sending in multiple countries. Make sure you choose a platform that has global support so you can confidently connect with your audience without borders. 

Dotdigital empowers you to send to 220+ countries and territories and is ready to scale with you. If you’re already a Dotdigital customer, talk to your Customer Success Manager to get started today.

If you’re not a Dotdigital customer yet, you can request a demo of the platform.

Add SMS to your marketing strategy

SMS marketing empowers you to connect with your audience on a personal level, enhancing the customer experience with impressive open rates and global reach. This versatile tool cuts through the noise, offering a direct line to your customers’ pockets across industries. Leverage SMS marketing to drive sales, increase app downloads, gather feedback, expand your market, and achieve a multitude of goals – all through the power of texting. Start your journey to marketing success today.