Friday, May 4, 2012

How Can A Business Implement SMSText Messaging Into Their Operations


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Using SMS or text messaging as a form of marketing has really risen in popularity and usage in the past few years, with more and more people now owning a mobile phone or a smart phone. Sending text messages as a form of marketing can be a very cost effective way of doing things, but you don't just need to use it for marketing as it can also be a useful customer interaction tool.

We take a look at how you or your business could potentially use SMS or Text Messaging as part of your day to day business operations.

Order Despatch And Tracking - How often have you had to sit at home and wait for a package that turns up at 4.55pm, meaning that you could have gone to work or not had to make other arrangements to simply wait for a parcel? Delivery companies and couriers can now text customers to give them a more defined time slot, which means you do not have to keep customers waiting in the house all day for a delivery that may or may not arrive.

Latest Offers - Because SMS / Text marketing is one of the most direct forms of marketing that you will find, it is an excellent way of getting your special offers and promotions in front of existing and potential customers. As we mention below, text messages are almost always read when compared to other methods, so this can be a really successful way of promoting any new products or offers that you might have going on.

Promotional Voucher Codes - Research has shown that people tend to read their text messages more than any other form of communication on their mobile phone, so if you have a promotional code or special offer, this is one of the most successful ways of getting it in front of people.

Bookings / Reservations Confirmations - A customer rings up and books a table in your restaurant two weeks before they need it. Come the day of the booking, they do not turn up because they have either forgotten or gone elsewhere. Restaurants that SMS their customers a booking confirmation and then follow up a day before or on the day do see more of their tables being filled as planned and because this can be automated it is a very cost effective and quick way to make sure that reservations are kept. This can also be utilised by hair dressers, beauty salons, medical appointments or anything that needs a reservation, booking or appointment in advance.

Time Sensitive Messages - If you have ever been waiting for a taxi or train and can not understand why it is late or exactly where it is, a quick text message from the operator to tell you where your transport is and why it's late will probably ease your anger and make you wait a little bit longer. Many companies also text their customers when they are on their way in the event of the customer waiting for them, including installations, deliveries and breakdowns, as it helps customers to keep on top of the time they spend waiting for these things to happen.

New Additions / Upgrades - If you sell products that you can deliver upgrades and enhancements for, most noticeably software and electronic systems; you can quickly text the customer to let them know there is an update available for the product. This is ideal if the upgrade or patch fixes security or reliability issues and means that you can constantly keep improving your product and let the customer know that you have done this.

Purchasing / Donations - With the improvement in technology it is now possible to buy things with a text message, with ring tones, mobile phone games and other downloadable products available in this way. You can also take donations via a mobile phone text message, which can be fantastic for charities or businesses that are running a charitable appeal.

With technology coming on leaps and bounds over the past 5 years, the fact that you can now directly SMS your customers or potential leads is a fantastic improvement for marketing. You do need to bear in mind that some people will consider this to be a very intrusive form of marketing, but as long as you offer them a free opt out facility; most of your database should be ok about receiving your updates.

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