7 Effective Ways to Leverage SMS for Business Communication

Connecting with your customers means engaging them on the channels they prefer. Did you know that 35% of consumers are open to receiving promotional messages on mobile devices? This makes SMS marketing a key tool for businesses to enhance their communication strategies.

While many companies capitalize on SMS during peak sales seasons like Black Friday, there are countless opportunities throughout the year to build customer relationships and drive engagement. Let’s explore seven effective ways to use SMS marketing for business communication.

What Is SMS in Business Communication?

SMS for business communication involves using text messaging to interact with customers, share important information, promote services, and strengthen overall communication efforts. Unlike person-to-person texting, business SMS uses application-to-person (A2P) technology for efficient and scalable outreach.

From sending reservation confirmations to delivering promotional messages, SMS marketing offers incredible versatility. Businesses can also enhance their communication with Multimedia Message Service (MMS), incorporating images, videos, and other multimedia.

An example of a promotional SMS is a same-day discount offer to create urgency and drive action.

Benefits of SMS Marketing for Businesses

1. High Open Rates and Instant Delivery

SMS boasts an impressive open rate, with over 80% of recipients reading their messages within five minutes. This makes SMS ideal for time-sensitive campaigns like flash sales.

2. Unmatched Reach

With approximately 7.3 billion people owning mobile phones worldwide, SMS has the potential to connect with virtually everyone, regardless of their device type or location.

3. Internet-Free Accessibility

SMS does not rely on internet connectivity, ensuring that messages can reach audiences without data plans or Wi-Fi access.

4. Automation

Automating SMS communication streamlines processes like order confirmations, shipping updates, and password resets. Templates and automation make managing routine tasks effortless while maintaining customer satisfaction.

7 Ways to Use SMS for Business Communication

1. Marketing Campaigns

SMS marketing is a powerful tool for:

Announcing flash sales.

Introducing new products.

Offering limited-time discounts.

Promoting content with links to valuable resources.

Successful campaigns feature concise messages with clear calls to action (CTAs), such as links to landing pages or coupon codes. For example, “Hurry! Get 20% off today only: [Link]”

2. Two-Factor Authentication (TFA) Verification

Enhance security with SMS-based TFA by sending one-time codes to verify user identities. This builds trust and ensures account safety.

Example: “Your verification code is 123456. Enter this code to complete your login.”

3. Personalized Customer Engagement

Use SMS to deliver tailored messages, such as:

Birthday greetings with exclusive offers.

Location-specific discounts.

Recommendations based on purchase history.

Personalization fosters stronger customer relationships and encourages loyalty.

4. Opt-In Campaigns

Grow your SMS subscriber list with opt-in campaigns. Incentivize sign-ups with discounts or exclusive deals, and welcome new subscribers with automated messages that set the tone for future interactions.

Example: “Thanks for joining our SMS list! Enjoy 10% off your first order: [Code]”

5. Two-Way Messaging

Engage in real-time conversations with customers through two-way SMS. This allows for:

Addressing queries promptly.

Resolving issues efficiently.

Building rapport through personalized communication.

6. Transactional Notifications

Automate notifications to keep customers informed at every stage of their journey. Common uses include:

Shipping updates.

Payment confirmations.

Appointment reminders.

Example: “Your package has shipped! Track it here: [Link]”

7. Omnichannel Strategy Integration

Combine SMS with other channels like email and social media for a cohesive omnichannel marketing approach. For example, pair SMS flash sale alerts with detailed email promotions and engaging social media posts.

A transactional SMS example is a bank fraud alert confirming a transaction’s legitimacy.

Choosing the Right SMS Service Provider

To maximize the benefits of SMS marketing, partner with a reliable provider like ADSpires. Key considerations include:

Ease of Integration: Look for APIs that seamlessly connect with your existing systems.

Security and Compliance: Ensure the provider follows industry standards to protect customer data.

Delivery Performance: Opt for high delivery rates and low latency.

Scalability: Choose a provider that grows with your business.

Reporting and Analytics: Access real-time metrics to optimize campaigns.

Two-Way Messaging: Enable responsive communication with your audience.

An example of SMS verification is sending a code for users to enter and complete login.

Get Started with SMS Marketing

SMS marketing offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with customers and drive results. Whether you’re looking to boost engagement, enhance security, or build an omnichannel strategy, SMS is a versatile tool that delivers.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of SMS for your business? Let’s discuss how ADSpires can help you craft successful SMS campaigns that resonate with your audience.

Some parts of this article draw inspiration from Sinch, a highly reputable communication brand.