In today’s busy digital world, customers receive many emails, social media posts, and ads every minute. SMS marketing stands out because it is direct and has open rates over 98% as confrimed by Forbes. A message can either boost sales or be ignored, depending on how engaging and personalized it is. Here are some tips for businesses to create SMS campaigns that really connect with customers.
Why Engaging SMS Campaigns Matter?
SMS is a personal way to reach your customers since it goes directly to their phones. When done right, it builds loyalty, encourages action, and increases sales. However, if done poorly, it can feel annoying or unimportant. The key to success is to keep messages short, choose the right timing, and personalize the content.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Before sending any SMS, know your audience. Group customers by:
- Behavior (frequent buyers vs. one-time customers)
- Demographics (age, location, gender)
- Engagement level (loyal customers vs. inactive ones)
For example, offer loyal buyers an exclusive preview sale. Send “We miss you” discounts to inactive customers to encourage them to return.
Step 2: Keep It Short and Impactful
With only 160 characters, every word matters. Use clear, actionable text instead of vague statements.
Instead of “We’re having a sale this week, and you can get discounts on many of our products.” Use “Flash Sale! 20% off all items until Sunday midnight. Shop now!” Be short, clear, and persuasive.
Step 3: Personalize Beyond Names
Customers today want more than just a greeting. Use customer data to connect better:
- Purchase history: “Hi Alex, get 10% off running shoes like the ones you ordered before.”
- Location: “Kampala shoppers! Enjoy free delivery this weekend only.”
- Interests: Suggest products based on what they’ve browsed.
This way, customers feel recognized, not just targeted.
Step 4: Add a Strong Call to Action
Every SMS should encourage the recipient to take a specific action. Examples include: Shop Now, Book Your Seat, Claim Offer Before Midnight”
Adding urgency to CTAs, like “Last chance today,” can increase engagement.
Step 5: Send at the Right Time
Timing is key for your SMS messages.
- For promotions, send messages during lunch breaks or early evenings.
- For reminders, send them a few hours before the appointment or delivery.
- For seasonal offers, send messages close to holidays or weekends.
Always think about your audience’s lifestyle when planning your campaigns.
Step 6: Test, Measure, Improve
Track important metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Use A/B testing to compare different messages, timing, and calls to action (CTAs). Keep improving your SMS campaigns to ensure they stay relevant and effective.
Conclusion
Engaging SMS campaigns build relationships with customers. To make the most of SMS marketing, businesses should know their audience and personalize their messages. Keeping content short and timing campaigns wisely are also key factors. By doing these things, businesses can turn SMS into a powerful marketing tool.
When done correctly, SMS messages don’t just sell products, they build trust, loyalty, and connections with your customers. Now is the time to rethink your SMS strategy. Sign up on EgoSms today to start customizing your campaigns and watch your customer engagement increase.