When it comes to communicating ideas quickly, there’s nothing better than text messaging. Yet despite using it frequently in their everyday lives, many business owners fail to consider the value SMS could bring to their companies. Could it be a good fit for you?
Top Ways SMS is Used for Business
As you know from your own life, SMS is versatile and convenient. And though businesses can find applications in nearly every aspect of their organizations, three specific opportunities tend to garner most of the focus:
- Internal communications. One of the top use cases for SMS is as a tool for internal communications. With the right SMS software in place, it’s possible to leverage text messaging for sending out company updates and event reminders, coordinating work schedules, notifying staff of weather-related emergencies and closures, educating employees on HR policies, and even gathering internal feedback.
- Marketing. SMS is one of the most efficient and direct marketing channels. While it does require some effort to collect phone numbers and make sure you’re following SMS rules and regulations, the results are excellent. You basically have direct access to your customers whenever you need to reach them.
- Customer service. In certain industries, SMS provides a simple and straightforward customer service option that’s faster than email, less intrusive than a phone call, and incredibly cost-effective.
Businesses typically start with one of these applications and then eventually add other ones into the mix. It’s up to you to determine when and where you’ll integrate SMS text marketing company into your business.
4 Reasons SMS is a Wise Investment
There are ample reasons to use SMS. If you speak with leaders in organizations that have begun implementation, you’ll discover benefits such as:
1. Increased Productivity
An employee always has their phone with them. Research shows that 97 percent of text messages are opened within 15 minutes of delivery, with a whopping 99 percent opened all together. Thus, an investment in SMS is basically a guarantee that your message is going to be opened, which subsequently drives productivity through the roof.
Whether you’re sending a link or a notification, this speed makes it easier to get more done in less time. And that’s pretty much the definition of what it means to be productive.
2. Improved Speed of Communication
When you want an employee to do something quickly, you want the most efficient form of communication possible – the option that will get the message to them in the least amount of time. And while email might be better than snail mail, it’s certainly not the fastest choice.
SMS is far superior to email, and you can use texting alternatives on many occasions. There are many similarities between SMS and Email. Both can be automated. Both can carry your corporate messaging. But customers are more likely to respond to SMS.
This has less to do with the actual speed of delivery (an email can be delivered in seconds, too) and more to do with the fact that people are more likely to see an SMS notification before an email notification. (The majority of people will see it within three minutes.)
Even if it’s just a few minutes, saving time in communication can mean the difference between making a massive, costly mistake and executing with poise and precision.
3. More Convenience
Is there anything more convenient than being able to shoot a quick message with a link? Unlike email, where you have to spend a lot of time thinking up what to write, recipients of a text message have an expectation that the message will be short and to the point. This makes it much easier on the brand. No long platitudes or lead-in; just deliver the offer and be on your way.
4. Highly Profitable
From a marketing perspective, SMS is a very profitable investment. It costs just pennies to send a message, and with open rates and engagement that’s many times larger than other mediums, it’s a very worthwhile investment. Many business owners fail to consider the value that sending bulk SMS text messages could bring to their companies.
Some companies report ROI of 500 percent or more, with some brands claiming returns of 30X. It obviously depends on how you use it, but it’s good to know that gains like these exist.
Give SMS a Try
SMS has the power to take your communications, marketing, and efficiency to the next level. Make 2021 the year that you elevate your business and soar to new heights, all while lowering costs and streamlining complex processes.