Around the globe, there are over 5 million mobile users that are able to receive and open text messages. This makes SMS marketing one of the most effective strategies to reach out to your customers and prospects. With bulk SMS campaigns, it is possible to send messages to a large number of people within a few seconds.

What Bulk SMS marketing entails

Just as the name suggests, bulk SMS involves sending a large number of SMS texts to customers as well as potential customers. Bulk SMS are not only used for marketing purposes, but they can also be utilized to send reminders as well as alerts to customers. There are companies that utilize a billing system with bulk SMS to alert customers about outstanding bills or late payments. To implement the bulk SMS campaigns, it is essential to pre-craft messages containing the promotional material. Here are some of the best practices to keep in mind.

1.      Identify what you want to achieve

Regardless of the marketing campaign one chooses to implement, the first step is always setting up some goals. It is essential to determine what you want to achieve with your SMS marketing efforts. Different companies utilize bulk SMS campaigns for a variety of goals. For example, a school requires a billing system with bulk SMS to alert parents to pay school fees, while an online store needs SMS’S for E-commerce stores to alert potential clients about coupons or products available on discounted price. Without a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it is impossible to monitor the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

2.      Define your contact list

After determining your goals, you need to decide who to send the text messages to. Always have a clear idea of your ideal recipient when crafting a marketing message. It is essential to ensure that the contact list is in line with your marketing goals.

3.      Keep your text short and engaging

Determining the content of your messages is the most critical part of your SMS marketing campaigns. It is advisable to keep the message below 160 characters to avoid it being sent as a multipart or separate messages. Always ensure that the SMS adds some value to the recipients.

4.      Remember CTAs

Regardless of the channel used to send messages to customers, call-to-action phrases are crucial. CTAs conclude your text messages by clearing telling the recipient what to do after receiving the text. This might be a visit to your website, inviting customers to your latest promotion, or informing them about an available offer they can take advantage of.

Learn more about bulk SMS marketing at Webcom Kenya.