Why We Text: Marketing, Mobilization, and More
The use of SMS text messages in business has been increasing as the years go on. But why is this?
SMS messages can play an important role in both formal and casual communication. Mass SMS text messages are especially useful when contacting many people at once. This includes situations that involve mobilizing groups, advertising a product or service, or keeping your audience informed.
The draw of SMS text messages is in the medium’s versatility. This type of communication allows you to communicate with almost anyone, almost anywhere, at any time, and about anything.
Anyone: The Social Reach of SMS Text Messages
In 2015, there were 4.15 billion cell phone users worldwide. In that same year, there were 190.64 million smartphone users in the U.S. alone, not accounting for non-smart phones.
These numbers indicate just how widespread cell phone use is, and they’re only increasing as time goes by. With so many individuals owning cell phones, the vast majority of organizations can contact their audience using this one avenue. Within the U.S., the likelihood of someone having access to a cell phone even if they don’t own one is high.
Whether you’re looking to boost sales, increase event attendance, engage your church congregation, or keep your students’ parents informed, SMS text messages can be a simple means to this end.
The fact that mass SMS can reach so many people at the same time is also valuable. Gone are the days of individual calls and messages. Now, it takes less time and fewer resources to provide quality information to a group of people. From a provider standpoint, it’s both easier and cheaper to communicate with your entire audience simultaneously.
Anywhere: The Geographic Reach of SMS Text Messages
SMS text messages aid in communicating with many people. It can allow you to communicate with these people no matter where they are or what they’re doing.
More traditional advertising or communication methods rely on the audience being in a specific location. People had to drive down the road where a billboard was posted or be at home to receive a call. They had to be at the school on parents’ night to hear an update. Each communication style was tied to a location.
With cell phones, this expectation changes and expands a potential audience.
Cell phone users will receive the same message regardless of their location. They can be sitting at work, driving, jogging, or out to eat — regardless, they’re going to receive the message.
If they happen to be in an area of the U.S. with no cell coverage, they’ll receive the text once they’ve returned to service. Even in those places without coverage, there are ways of receiving messages via WiFi, like Apple iMessages or WhatsApp.
This lack of a tie to a geographic location is especially important as eCommerce becomes more and more important. It may not matter to a brick and mortar store in Atlanta, Georgia, that their advertising doesn’t reach individuals in Spokane, Washington. if they create an online store, it will begin to matter more.
Anytime: The Time-Insensitive Reach of SMS Text Messages
Another benefit of SMS text messages is that they can be sent and delivered at any time.
Automated phone calls, while helpful, are only appropriate during certain times of day. They can’t be answered if the recipient is in a particularly quiet or particularly noisy location. Texts, though, can be read regardless of surroundings, or easily opened at a later time if the recipient is busy.
This time insensitivity makes SMS text messages an ideal communication method for notices or information that are time-sensitive. You can always send an SMS text message quickly.
Having a big sale tomorrow? Tell your customers now. Need volunteers immediately? Let them know. Dangerous weather headed towards a building full of your employees? Warn them and remind them of proper protocol. Instant communication allows for an instant response.
This process is made even easier when you can write and save messages in advance for particularly common or likely scenarios. Tornado safety protocol volunteer requests are easy to write in advance and simply select and send when needed.
Communicating with your audience at any time also allows you to hear from your audience at any time. SMS text messages can facilitate text polls and 2-way conversations. These extra ways for your audience to contact you can help them feel heard, increasing customer or employee satisfaction.
Anything: The Versatile Reach of SMS Text Messages
An additional benefit to SMS text messages is the capability to provide more information, even across different media. SMS messages can be used to send pictures, links, and maps, all of which have their place in organizational communication.
Traditional communication relies on relaying all information in a single format, such as print or voice. SMS messages allow for more varied formats and mixes of these types of communication. This gives them even more use amongst organizations with different goals.
If you’re using SMS text messages to inform event attendees of parking for the event. You can send a map.
Using SMS text messages to allow supporters of your nonprofit to order T-shirts? You can send a link.
If you need to use SMS text messages to gather feedback. You can send a poll.
Sometimes, a simple text message will do the trick. Other times, it’s nice to have access to a communication method that’s versatile in what it has to offer.
The Benefits of SMS Text Messages
Whether you’re communicating with a large group or a single person, those within a specific geographic area or those spread across a continent, those sleeping or those working, or to groups requiring a single sentence or an opportunity for more information: SMS text messages can be a huge benefit.
Organizations don’t use texting as a tool because it benefits a single area or aspect of what they do, but because it can aid almost any area in communicating clearly and effectively with their entire audience.
If you think mass SMS text messaging could aid your group or business, consider DialMyCalls.
