Looking for a new way to reach your audience? Short Message Service (SMS) marketing can be a great tool to cut through the noise and connect with your members. In fact, research has found that the open rate for SMS is around 90% in three minutes.
Here are some ways membership organisations, associations and unions can use SMS marketing and some tips when using the channel.
You can use SMS marketing for:
Renewal reminders
As such an important process, renewal reminders should not be left to email alone. Particularly if your renewal period is at the same time each year, sending an SMS is a great way to remind people they need to act.
There are many systems that make it just as quick and easy to send a bulk SMS as sending an email.
Event prompts
If you are looking to encourage people to register for an event, download their ticket or remind them of the details, an SMS is a great option.
As we typically get less texts than we do emails, it’s quicker for people to search through their messages. Think about when you have been given a code for access to the gym – it’s sent in a text so it’s fast to find.
Confirmations
Not everyone will have their email notifications turned on for their phone, so sending a text means members receive an instant transactional message from you. For example, you could send a thank you message after a member has renewed.
Special incentives
It’s highly likely you’ve received a special promotional offer via SMS (2-4-1 pizza anyone?). Sending a text can be a good way to communicate personalised offers or encourage people to look at their emails if there is an important message.
Key tips for SMS marketing
- As the text must be short, it encourages you to write concise and persuasive messages. Consider the core message you are providing for your members.
- Use tools to reduce the length of links, like bit.ly; some CRM tools provide short URLs too.
- Using a tracked URL is a way to see the success of your message. It can be hard to measure open rates for SMS messages, using a tracked link can be a good way of measuring clicks.
- Personalise your messaging based on members interests and past interactions to drive engagement.
- Be compliant by ensuring your SMS marketing is in line with data protection regulations. Members must opt-in consent and you need to make it easy to unsubscribe from this channel.
- Integrating your SMS system with your CRM allows you to manage your marketing campaigns in one location. This reduces having data in multiple locations and allows you to have a more complete overview of the communications your members are receiving.
Connect your system to any software, using our apps.
Zentso has various ways to integrate and automate your SMS messaging with your CRM and we work with a range of partners.
If you don’t see a solution listed, speak to us about integration today.