Marketing through SMS is a great way to connect with customers, establish relationships, and build trust. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin with SMS lead generation.
What is SMS lead generation?
SMS lead generation refers to the process of getting phone numbers from current and prospective customers so that you can remarket to them. It drives customers to your website or location, where you can engage with the customer personally and even collect valuable data. SMS lead generation utilizes text messaging channels such as texting, chats, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp.
Having a strong lead generation strategy is crucial to your business strategy because it not only guarantees the success of your marketing team but it also drives up revenue. But before you start sending out those messages, here are the basics of lead generation that you should familiarize yourself with first.
1. Import and Collection
Subscription forms, CTAs, and similar strategies effectively generate leads. You can import and collect these through your website. If you already have an existing list of qualified leads from other sources, it’ll be beneficial to import them and incorporate them into your SMS strategy.
2. Shortcode and Keywords
A shortcode is a 5 or 6-digit number designed for high-throughput, two-way messaging. It sends and receives an SMS and MMS messages to and from mobile phones. Shortcodes are often used by brands to send SMS campaigns, alert services, or enter SMS competitions. Place your SMS shortcode strategically—make sure it’s positioned in as many places as possible on your website.
Do the same with keywords. Place a word or a phrase on your website, social media, business cards, Google listings, and other online ads.
3. Web Forms
A web form (or a “contact form” or “sign up form”) is a channel that allows customers to get in contact with you and to send information such as an order, a catalog request, or inquiries.
Add a web sign-up form to your website. These web forms are a means of collecting your website visitor’s contact information. This data can be used to connect with your customers and keep them updated through SMS.
4. Autoreply
Nobody is available 24/7. It’s not possible for you or your team to be online at all times. There will be moments when leads will try to contact you while you are away, busy, or asleep. And when customers don’t get a timely response, they get discouraged. This is why you should set up an autoreply. Set up an auto-response message that sends when someone texts in your keyword. These auto-replies could be introductory texts, a new service or product announcement, or it could say that they will be contacted by a live agent as soon as work hours begin. This assuages any impatience on the customer’s end, giving you more leeway in terms of providing customer satisfaction.
5. Personalize Your Messages
Utilize the information you’ve collected using data collection to automatically customize your texts. It could be as simple as including the contact’s first name at the beginning of the text message. Statistics show that 73% of customers want to engage with brands that use their personal information to provide more relevant shopping experiences for them. This means including their name, birthday, the latest purchases, or even anniversary dates. Sounds daunting to apply? Personalization can easily be done through an effective SMS platform.
6. Measure Performance
Use analytics to measure your performance and learn what works and what doesn’t. Through this, you can identify which text messages have higher click-through rates and use those insights to adjust your texts in the future. Measuring your performance will help you monitor how close you are to achieving your goals.
7. Call to Action
Remember to use a clear Call-to-Action (CTA). Before you send your text message, make sure to include a call-to-action that will show your prospects the value you’re offering. Examples of CTAs are “Buy Now,” “Download Now,” or “Subscribe Today.”
Improve Your Lead Generation Through SMS
SMS marketing helps you to quickly and effectively reach your audience. Sending text messages to your leads with relevant and personalized offers, deals, and other promotions can be a powerful way to boost your sales and boost the customer experience. With the right tools, SMS marketing can improve your business strategy for the better.
Ready to try SMS for lead generation? Check out our features at Ringbot!