Text message marketing is used by businesses to communicate effectively with their audiences. SMS messaging is convenient, fast, and affordable, thus making it an effective way of lead generation. Text messaging is also used to reach out to existing and potential customers and build relationships with them that will eventually lead to more conversions. Customers have leaned toward digital platforms for business transactions in recent years. In only one year, customers increasingly favored social messaging to communicate with businesses – a staggering 110% increase in usage. Texting was also a highly sought-after choice for communication, as it saw an impressive 75% rise in use.
Mobile messaging applications, social media messages, and texting are becoming the preferred method of communication for a whopping 85% of consumers – they prefer it to calls or emails due to its personalization and convenience. If your business is looking to stay ahead of the marketing curve, one strategy you must consider is SMS lead generation and nurturing. With text marketing as a tool in your arsenal, you can propel success and sales further than ever. This article will explore lead generation, its benefits, and how to use it for your business.
What is Lead Generation?
Lead generation is a technique to draw potential customers in and nurture their interest in your brand by introducing them to your products or services. To optimize this process, SMS lead-generation utilizes text messaging channels such as texting, chats, and even popular third-party instant messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Text lead generation is not a solitary approach but should be used in tandem with other methods. For instance, if you send out an email and no one responds, sending them a text could spark engagement. Thankfully this process can (and should!) be automated for optimum efficiency and productivity.
SMS lead generation doesn’t just affect one department, and it affects all of them. By using messaging to generate and groom leads, marketing teams can pass on qualified leads to sales and onboarding customers for customer service teams.
Where is SMS Lead Generation Mostly Used?
Businesses mainly use SMS lead generation for major operational areas. Utilizing SMS lead generation gives them an advantage in effectively engaging with their prospects. This strategy works well for the following.
Real Estate – Real estate agencies have adopted SMS integration on their websites to provide a more accessible platform for buyers. Agents employ SMS to acquire potential customers’ contact information. After which, open house reminders and other vital details are sent through SMS for that exact purpose.
Advertising – SMS lead generation is a potent tool for discovering potential customers and transforming them into paying patrons with targeted messages. By skilfully sending the correct text at the perfect time, you can capitalize on this highly effective method of generating leads.
Event Management – Event coordinators have been leveraging text messages to augment event attendance, stimulate ticket sales, and draw out more data from participants at trade shows.
Talent Acquisition – Recruiting firms leverage the power of SMS to contact promising job candidates and extend invitations, which can be accepted with just a few taps. Not only that, but they also keep prospects informed throughout their entire hiring journey. With this simple yet effective tool, employers have access to high-quality talent in no time.
What are the benefits of Using SMS for Lead Generation?
Using SMS for lead generation comes with many benefits for businesses. SMS is a powerful and profitable marketing channel due to its immediacy and the expanding amount of time people spend on mobile devices. Here are the top benefits of using SMS for lead generation.
- It helps reach your target audience – SMS enables you to reach your target audience quickly, which is essential for lead generation and customer acquisition.
- It increases engagement – SMS marketing messages are concise, so they’re more likely to be read and engaged with than other long-form content. As a result, it can be used as an effective tool in the lead-generation process.
- Improves marketing messages – SMS allows you to create short, precise messages that can be used to increase customer engagement.
- Helps build relationships – Personalized SMS messaging helps build relationships with customers and prospects by providing them with relevant, timely offers or information.
Read more about the 13 Benefits of SMS Marketing to explore its advantages for businesses.
How to create an SMS Lead Generation Campaign?
Creating an effective SMS lead generation campaign requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating your SMS lead generation campaign.
1. Gathering and Importing of Existing Leads
For a successful lead generation process, you must first collect comprehensive data from your prospects via subscription forms and CTAs. If you have an already-curated list of qualified leads with explicit permission for text message correspondence, import those contacts into the SMS platform of your choice for immediate use.
2. Using an Appropriate Keyword and Short Code
At the start of your lead generation process, you must create a keyword that prospective customers can text to join your list. It should be short, sweet, and easy to remember so that it will stand out in a user’s mind.
Make sure to strategically place your SMS shortcode – a five or six-digit phone number – in prominent places across your website.
Ensure that you promote your keyword, phrase, or word a potential lead will text to join your SMS list as much as possible. Include it on any web pages related to your business, such as the homepage and landing pages, digital ads, social media posts, Business cards, and Google listings. That way, customers can easily find out how they can opt-in to your messages.
3. Setting up an Automated SMS Responder
One of the most powerful features of SMS lead generation is its ability to send automated messages. An automated SMS responder can respond instantly when prospective customers text your keyword, phrase, or word to join your list.
Managing all potential customer queries can be challenging, with numerous customer inquiries co-occurring. You can’t be active online 24/7, so some customer service must take priority while others have to wait their turn.
When prospects attempt to contact you while you’re away, tending to other tasks or asleep, if they fail, it can have catastrophic effects. These would-be customers may be quickly discouraged and turn to your competition instead, potentially costing you a sale.
Don’t leave any lead left behind. Set up an automated response that fires off whenever someone texts in your keyword. You can use this to introduce yourself and new offerings or provide helpful information. With this tactic, you will take advantage of potential customers and opportunities.
4. Following up with Potential Leads
Simply relying on auto-replies won’t be enough if you want to nurture your leads successfully. You must also utilize pre-scheduled autoresponders that automatically send text messages at specific intervals, such as after a few days, weeks, or months.
These sequences can be tailored to each user’s preferences and should contain relevant information likely to interest them. It’s essential to stay in touch with your leads so you can take advantage of all opportunities.
Utilizing SMS auto-responders can be a great way to empower your leads with additional resources or deepen their understanding of your services. Moreover, you can use them to grant free product trials and open the door to more possibilities.
5. Sending an Opt-in Text
After you’ve gathered all your leads and set up the automated SMS reply, it’s time to send an opt-in text. It is a short message sent to each lead, allowing them to confirm their subscription before they start receiving messages from you.
An opt-in message should pass off as non-promotional and provide the customer with an easy way to confirm their subscription. It should also alert users that they may receive future text messages from your business while allowing them to unsubscribe at any time.
It is vital to comply with messaging regulations and maintain customer trust. Failing to do so can result in severe legal implications, costly penalties, and other unwanted consequences.
You may also read more about Double Opt-In and its advantages.
6. Including a Call to Action in your Text Messages
Ensure that each message you share contains a succinct Call-To-Action. Furthermore, ensure your leads comprehend the value of what you’re providing them with. Afterward, be prepared to offer them a clear plan of action.
Make sure to direct your prospects by providing a crystal clear call to action. Before you dispatch the text, please take a few minutes to consider what you want to achieve with this communication and incorporate an appropriate CTA to help them reach that desired outcome. Explore examples of Call-to-action to determine the best one for every situation.
7. Customer Segmentation
Maximize the impact of your texts by segmenting your audience based on their preferences. Segmentation enables you to target those who have opted-in and other criteria that may be more specific such as employment status, geographic location, and beyond! Get creative with audience segmentation – approach each lead individually and personalize your messages for maximum engagement.
By leveraging segmentation, you can tailor your offer specifically to the needs of each customer group and ensure that they receive only messages that add value. Generate different lists of customers to send them to content catered to their interests – this will help guarantee higher engagement rates from those who genuinely need what you offer.
What are the Best Practices for generating more Leads with SMS?
SMS marketing can increase customer response rates by up 45 percent compared to other lead-generation platforms. However, if it is not done “right” you risk losing leads and subscribers. Here are some SMS marketing best practices to generate more leads with SMS and ensure you do your SMS marketing campaign correctly.
Have A Reliable SMS Service Provider
If you’re looking to incorporate SMS lead generation into your business, the first and foremost action is to identify a trustworthy provider that provides services catered to your needs. Make sure they offer tools and features appropriate for today’s digital landscape- this will ensure smooth sailing throughout generating leads.
Promote Your Number
Make sure your number is evident and accessible so potential customers can reach out to you quickly. Include it on your website, Facebook page, and paid ads for maximum exposure. Invite people to send an SMS when they have questions or inquiries – make sure you’re available to respond promptly.
Constantly Engage your Prospects
SMS Marketing intends to create a swift and dependable communication channel between you and your customers. To achieve this, it’s crucial to construct intricate conversation flows that will allow your phone number to send messages all over the globe and receive messages from prospects.
After you’ve finished setting up, send your customers regular messages via SMS with updates on new products, promotions, and exclusive offers. It will help build customer loyalty by informing them of all the latest developments in your business.
Demonstrate that you are invested in the success of your business and its well-being by utilizing this technology. Sending birthday or season greetings during celebrations will help distinguish you from competitors and create a lasting bond between them and your brand they can trust, admire and be devoted to.
Encourage People To Sign Up For Your SMS To Receive Special Deals Or Events
Texting specials of the day and other promotions to your subscribers is a highly effective strategy for marketing. Take advantage of this unique tactic today to maximize your potential.
Bars, restaurants, and service-based businesses are perfect users of this effective tool. Invite prospective customers to text you for a personalized pricing plan. Collect their information and use it for the lead nurturing sequence while simultaneously sending along the needed details!
Ask Your Satisfied Customers For Reviews
Reviews are a fantastic way to instill confidence in your business, brand, and yourself. By motivating satisfied customers to share their feedback on online forums like Google Reviews, Trip Advisor, Yelp, or Facebook – as well as your website – you can create an environment of trust that will go far in growing your company.
Take your customer loyalty to the next level by sending a text invitation to leave reviews of your business on popular platforms. Strengthen your rapport with customers and increase brand awareness today.
What are the Best SMS Campaign Platforms?
Business SMS service providers provide organizations of any magnitude the capability to establish personal two-way communication with their consumers, personnel, or stakeholders. It offers businesses an invaluable opportunity to create meaningful relationships and foster engagement with their target audience.
SMS providers vary significantly regarding their range of features, services, and protocols. From message encryption to delivery reports and two-way communication channels, the options available can substantially impact your messaging experience. Here are three of the best SMS campaign platforms.
- JookSMS – JookSMS is one of the largest SMS marketing platforms with an extensive network of over 200 global networks. It offers many features, such as SMS API integration, low-cost international texting, and bulk messaging. Moreover, they offer customer segmentation which allows you to divide your client base into groups based on their behavior or preferences. JookSMS helps business scale through SMS lead generation, automation, and other services at affordable rates.
- TextMagic – TextMagic is a cloud-based SMS service that can help you create, manage and track your mobile marketing campaigns. It offers extensive features ranging from bulk messaging to auto-responders and message templates. You also get to choose the sender ID for your messages – giving your business some added credibility.
- Clickatell – Clickatell offers impressive services to more than 220 countries globally. It allows you to send SMS, WhatsApp, and other messaging channels from the same platform. You can also use this service for two-way messaging, meaning you can send messages and receive a response from your target audience. They offer a wide range of tools to bridge the gap between mobile applications and other workflow systems like Zapier, making it easier for large businesses to automate their messages.
Does Cold Texting Affect The Generation of Leads?
Cold texting is a strategy entrepreneurs, and business owners use to reach out to prospective customers and generate leads. It can be a powerful tool for direct marketing campaigns, but it needs to be done carefully and with consideration for the recipient’s preferences.
One of the critical elements of successful cold texting is personalization. Businesses can maximize their lead generation efforts by ensuring each message is tailored to a specific individual. Automating messages with the right combination of personalized content can go a long way in generating positive responses from prospective customers.
However, cold texting can be risky if not done correctly. Irrelevant or overly aggressive messaging may lead to customer complaints and even lawsuits, so it’s crucial to ensure that all messages sent are appropriate and respectful. Furthermore, customers may refrain from receiving messages or have their phone numbers blocked. Therefore, businesses should be careful and considerate in their cold texting campaigns to ensure they don’t jeopardize potential long-term relationships.