The Business of Being Effective with Text Messaging

Text messaging is emerging as one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience.

The low cost associated with sending even bulk text messages make this a high ROI tool that you shouldn't overlook.

So what are the tricks to writing text messages that will convert leads to sales?

As the following article shows, here are “5 tips for writing effective mass text messages” that you can implement today.

1. Hire a professional writer

If you don't want to lose your audience before they even read your second line of text, hire a professional writer to write your copy. A professional copywriter will be familiar with marketing techniques, as well as be able to ensure that the final draft is free of grammatical errors and embarrassing errors. Vet any writer you're considering hiring by asking to see their writing portfolio and asking about their marketing background.

2. Give a little

Don't bother texting your leads unless you have something concrete to offer them. For example, messages about changes to your company or updates to your terms of services are best communicated via email or better yet, as notifications on your business website. Coupons, on the other hand, are always welcome, especially ones that they can have scanned right from their phones at checkout points.

3. Make them feel special

Announcing a sale via text message is an acceptable marketing technique that should have some positive outcome for your sales figures. But to really bump it up, make your lead feel special. Announce the sale, then give them a special code that will give them a certain extra percentage of discount, just because they agreed to be on your SMS mailing list. Your customers will definitely keep a look out for all your texts in the future.

4. Keep it short and sweet

Don't take advantage of your lead's good nature by hassling them with long, drawn out text messages that they really don't have time for. Use short cuts and abbreviations to get your message across with as few words as possible. Skip, connecting words, adjectives and adverbs. For example, "Huge Sale is Happening Today at 4:00!" should be changed to "Sale 2Day at 4!"

5. Respect their time

Many people keep their phones and other mobile devices on their nightstands for use as alarms to wake them in the morning. Don't misuse your texting power by sending texts at times that are likely to wake them in the middle of the night. If you have to separate your text mailing list according to regional time locations, then so be it. Think of it like a phone call. Don't text after 9 p.m. or earlier than 9 a.m. Outside of those times, your "friendly text" comes across as a nuisance.

If you use this new marketing tool well, you might be able to drastically improve your sales conversion rate.

Keep these tips in mind as you form your text messaging marketing campaign.