Text marketing is among the instantaneous and most convenient means of communication with customers, which, just like any other technology, is still evolving. What may have done well two or three years ago may now be flopping because of shifting consumer expectations, new carrier regulations, and developments in technology. When you continue to use a relatively similar text marketing method as you used several years ago, there is a need to consider a serious revision of what you are using. To see what features of your strategy are likely to be outdated and what can be done to correct them, take a look at the following ones.
You’re Still Sending Generic Messages
Present-day customers demand customization. When you are blasting the same message to all the numbers on your list, you are missing out on the actual engagement. Behavioral, preference and past purchase personalized messages are much more effective. They demonstrate that your brand understands its customers and is interested in talking to them about relevant topics. The software of today would enable you to segment your list and would enable you to create segments of people to send special messages. The difference can be a birthday wish, a special offer to the second-time shopper, or at least a “we miss you.” Without this human touch in your messages, your audience can ignore you.
You Haven’t Considered New Compliance Standards
Text marketing also comes with tight regulations. The disregard of rules does not only simply damage your image but also causes your number to be blocked by carriers. As an example, Have you ever heard of 10DLC? Otherwise, you may be lagging behind. You might be asking what is 10DLC? It represents a 10-digit long code, a texting pathway tailor-made to business messaging. It is aimed at enhancing the delivery of messages and cutting spam. Companies have to register their brand name and campaigns with the carriers to use it, which enhances credibility and confidence. In case you have not yet moved to the shared shortcodes or unregistered number, your messages may never get to your customers.
You’re Not Using Two-Way Messaging
When your approach to text is that you are talking and you never listen, it is obsolete. Today, consumers do not desire mere notifications; they desire interaction. Two-way messaging enables individuals to respond, send inquiries, and interact with your company in the present. Be it to confirm booking, provide customer assistance, or even make minor purchases; mutual communication makes it easier and instills confidence. A brand that can enable conversations via texting usually has better satisfaction levels and retention.
You’re Ignoring Timing and Frequency
Sending odd-hours messages or bombarding customers with lots of messages will result in opt-outs. Intelligent timing and considerate frequency are in a modern approach. This will involve analysis to determine the best time your audience is likely to read your messages, perhaps during their lunch times or early evenings, and ensure you do not text too often. Timely messages that are well-spaced will be perceived as a reminder but not a digital nuisance. Whenever your writings are not aligned with the preferences of your audience, then the odds are that no one is reading them or is even driving your subscribers crazy.
Your Strategy Lacks Integration with Other Marketing Channels
Texting needs not become a silo. When SMS is combined with email and social media, as well as in-store experiences, your marketing strategy is much stronger. As an example, follow-up conversations via text can be sent after the person viewing the email offer. After a visitor checks in your store, you can send a coupon through SMS that can inspire them to make purchases immediately. Integration makes your brand feel retained at each one of those touch points. Your text marketing should not work so hard in isolation, especially where it does not support or sync with your larger campaigns.
Conclusion
Text marketing can still be the most powerful thing but with the right usage. The risks associated with outdated strategies are poor engagement, loss of trust, and compliance. Whether it be focusing on getting personal and implementing new solutions to compliance, such as 10DLC, to implementing conversational messaging along with synchronizing your efforts with other channels, upgrading your strategy can mean so much. Being up-to-date and customer-conscious, your texts may become more valuable than mere messages: they can become meaningful moments, bringing your brand even closer to the customer.
