As technology advances and attention spans decline, today’s customers demand solutions that both enhance their connections and deliver immediate results. In response, businesses must focus their strategies on delivering personalized communication in an automated way.
Consider this: 46% of consumers check their mobile phones before leaving bed each morning. With an average person checking their phone 160 times a day and text messages boasting a 98% open rate (dwarfing email's 20%), the case for communicating via SMS is undeniable.
Let’s unravel how text messaging, when smartly automated, can support business success by nurturing customer relationships, building customer loyalty, and driving revenue.
Connection is everything! Text messaging offers opportunities to amplify reach, enhance engagement, and streamline operations in previously unimaginable ways. Let’s explore some of the top benefits companies see by integrating automated text messaging into their communication strategies.
Benefits:
For example, a study at Penn Medicine demonstrated that when a hospital communicated via automated texts with patients post-discharge, there was a significant reduction in the use of acute care resources. The automated messages were delivered from their primary care practice 30 days after discharge. In conjunction with an electronic medical record inbox, the automated messaging platform escalated any need for staff follow-up. The campaign’s high degree of automation required minimal effort from staff beyond usual care.
The results were impactful: patients who received the message had a significant 41% lower odds of 30-day use of acute care resources. The study led to a marked reduction in readmissions, underscoring the profound impact of a well-executed text messaging automation strategy.
Automating text messaging is about more than just efficiency; it’s a way to deliver customized interactions that drive significant results.
Explore our previous post, What is SMS Marketing and How to Get Started, for a deeper understanding of how SMS marketing automation can further benefit your business.
A recent study showed that Americans send and receive, on average, 40 texts daily. Text messaging stands out as a powerful tool for digital marketing due to its unique advantages:
Texting is by nature to the point. You have a limited number of characters, so communication is accessible and direct. You can easily reach your leads and customers, avoiding the complexity of other channels.
Text messages can also be easily automated. This allows for scheduled messages that maintain consistent contact without continuous manual input.
SMS messages enjoy near-universal open rates, far eclipsing those of emails. This ensures your messages are not just sent but seen. You can also send them worldwide, reaching audiences both globally and locally.
Sending a personalized, instant text message increases customer engagement significantly. Strengthening relationships and boosting conversion rates.
Texts are typically read within minutes, making them perfect for timely announcements and offers. This contrasts with the delayed engagement seen with emails.
Using SMS you can reach your audience fast, using a powerful yet simple tool.
Businesses are increasingly leveraging SMS marketing automation to drive revenue. With its direct line to customers, text campaigns deliver personalized engagement and timely promotions that significantly boost sales and customer loyalty. Here are some of the top ways they are making an impact on the top line:
Start experimenting or expanding your tactics. Don’t be afraid to get creative as you discover the text-based marketing strategies that will best drive your business success.
Beyond direct marketing, SMS automation seamlessly integrates into other aspects of your business communication, further enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Here are some powerful examples of what you might do:
Marketing can use text messages to send birthday and anniversary messages. Personalizing customer interactions with celebratory messages and offers in honor of their special day.
You can also use the channel to send waiting list updates. Keep customers informed about their product or service waiting list status.
Also, when a new product or line is going to be launched, let people know with a text. It’s immediate and creates excitement. You could send an email announcing the drop, and then send a text just before it goes live.
Finally, send seasonal greetings on holidays and special occasions, fostering community and connection.
Sales can send an SMS for order confirmations. Offer peace of mind and keep customers informed with automated confirmations and status updates about their orders.
Both sales and customer success can send payment reminders to improve timely payment collection by sending friendly SMS reminders for upcoming or overdue bills.
Finally, sending shipping notifications keeps customers informed and engaged with real-time shipping updates.
Customer support can streamline initial customer inquiries and support through automated SMS, providing quick responses and escalating complex issues when necessary.
Appointment Reminders help to reduce no-shows with timely automated SMS reminders.
When a client joins sending them onboarding messages facilitates a smooth onboarding process. You should send them essential information to promote engagement.
You can also promote your loyalty program sign-ups via text to drive long-term customer engagement.
Finally, sending policy updates to notify customers about significant policy changes, terms of service, or privacy information increases transparency.
Successful SMS marketing automation starts with selecting the right platform. Key features to look for include:
Leveraging a platform that embodies these features ensures businesses can execute effective SMS marketing strategies that drive significant revenue growth.
SMS marketing automation is a pillar for modern digital marketing strategies, improving service and contributing to revenue generation. From personalized promotions to communication initiatives, its impact is far-reaching.
Unlocking the full potential of text messaging and automation requires the right platform. Sakari is the easiest and most versatile platform, delivering text messaging and automation at scale– designed for businesses that want to grow. Sakari supports all the capabilities discussed throughout this article, enabling companies to reach and surpass their business goals.
Are you looking to transform your communication strategy and drive terrific success? Start a free trial with Sakari and experience how our platform can elevate your text message marketing to new heights!