BEST PRACTICES FOR TEXT MESSAGE MARKETING

Text message marketing is a powerful tool for reaching customers directly on their mobile devices. This tutorial is designed for both desktop and mobile users and will guide you through the essentials of text message marketing, ensuring you understand its impact and best practices.

Prerequisites Before Creating and Sending a Text Message

Before starting this tutorial, ensure you have set-up of the following prerequisites. This is mandatory. Click the links below to learn more.

• Getting Started

• Subscription Set-Up

• Manage Phone Numbers

• Create a Contact

• Creating Contact Groups

• Creating Custom Forms

• Build a Campaign

Navigate to Inbox

• Desktop: Click the 'Chat Icon' from the left side menu or go directly to it via this link: https://console.vastreach.com/inbox.
• Mobile: Click the 'Chat' text from the navigation list (click the logo at the top left).

Understanding The Impact of Text Message Marketing

Text messaging is more effective than emails or phone calls for marketing as it is a direct and frequently checked communication channel. It's convenient, allows for automation, and enables quick responses. Short, catchy messages with visuals can effectively link to your promotions.

Creating and Sending a Text Message

1. On the Chat screen click the 'Create New Conversation Icon' (pencil with a plus Icon) to begin a text message conversation.
2. Select a contact from your Vast Reach account.
3. Click Text button at the bottom of the conversation preview.
4. Choose the contact's number under 'To:' and your number under 'From:'.
5. Type your message and hit the Send Icon (paper plane icon).
6. Optionally, add Emojis or attach a File/Image.

Note:

• A contact must have a number to receive text messages.
• There is a file/image size limit of XXMb for text messages.

Best Practices for Text Message Marketing

Generate Leads

• Use Vast Reach to create Custom Forms for your website to collect leads.
• Directly link those contacts to your text message/email marketing list via a Contact Group.
• Take it to the next level with Vast Reach's Campaign builder. Using the Contact Groups you can create a text message/email marketing campaign and start turing those leads into customers.

Get Acknowledgment From Your Customers

• Make sure to ask in your custom forms if the customer is willing to opt-in for text messages using a check box.

Respect The Customer’s Choice and Follow The Law

• Opt-out contacts from your marketing list as per their choice to avoid legal issues.

Keep It Short and Sweet

• Craft short, engaging titles connected to your message content.

Let Your Customers Know Who You Are

• Start your message by identifying yourself.

Create a Clear Call to Action

• Ensure your message is engaging, concise, and visually appealing.

Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Follow text messaging laws.
• Keep messages concise.
• Use visual aids and links.
• Clearly identify the sender.

Don't:

• Overwhelm contacts with frequent messages.
• Write lengthy text messages.