Are you using SMS (text) Messaging to Engage Your Customers?

Email has been a transformational way for business owners to keep in touch and send offers to customers. However, mobile is emerging as THE channel of tomorrow, and merchants need to be able to use it to improve brand awareness and engage with new and prospective customers.

According to a 2012 Pew Internet and American Life research Report, the majority  (a whopping 82%) are sending and receiving text messages on a daily basis. Naturally, with this huge increase in text messaging, SMS (Short Message Service, or texting) campaigns present a way for businesses to reach customers on the channel they use most frequently to interact with family and friends. It has become one of the most powerful and effective new ways to activate and engage customers.

Retailers have traditionally built foundational relationships with their customers with email- but you should know that text messaging is an up-and-coming platform that you can use to maintain regular communication with your customers. By implementing a mobile strategy that appeal to customers who are familiar with and regularly use mobile, you can broaden your reach and appeal to a wider audience. By sending instant and relevant messages to customers and providing them with a strong call-to-action, businesses can bolster their brand as well as improve revenue.

SMS allows businesses to spread awareness of their mobile presence and keep customers engaged by offering coupons and initiatives.  You can also increase loyalty and increase future purchases by engaging with your customers by sending alerts on new products and sales. SMS campaigns that provide consumers with timely offers and insider brand information can turn casual shoppers into loyal customers and brand advocates.

With the steadily growing number of customers using mobile to access the web, in addition to the number of customers browsing and purchasing through mobile storefronts and retail applications, SMS is a key tactic you should incorporate to boost your marketing strategy.