What is mass text messaging?
Did you know that 85% of customers say they prefer texting with businesses over any other mode of communication?
In the world of marketing, “mass text messaging” is a form of marketing automation that involves the sending of a bulk number of text messages to a large number of contacts.
Mass text messaging is a cost-effective method of communication for businesses since it enables them to reach a large number of people at once instead of having to send out individual messages to each person. It also has the advantage in that it can be done at any time and on any day, unlike traditional phone calls.
In this article, we will review the importance of mass text messaging and what businesses should be on the look out for while implementing this technology to their advantage.
Did you know that Signpost is used by thousands of small service businesses to automate text messaging? See how our texting tool works.
The Importance of Mass Text Messaging Services
Mass text messaging services are an important part of any business, and can be used for everything from customer support in real-time, sending notifications of appointment reminders and using it as a marketing platform for group texts.
Businesses build a list of contacts then use messaging apps as part of their marketing tools to reach customers at their convenience. SMS software is especially useful for businesses that have a need for sending targeted text messages to large groups—for example, if you run a HVAC company and want to advertise new discounts during seasonal periods, this is a great way to do that.
These services are also convenient for businesses because the workflows are easy to set up and manage. Most providers allow you to create custom message templates that can be sent out for different questions or prompts such as sales offers or even emergency alerts.
With mass text messaging services, businesses can take advantage of all the useful benefits they offer without having to worry about managing a large-scale text messaging service.
Features Small Businesses Should Look For
If you are looking for a mass text messaging service, there are plenty of companies out there that offer this.
It’s important to find a service that offers the features that you need, and here are some things to consider.
Customer Segmentation
Customer segmentation is the process of dividing up your customers into different groups based on their individual needs. With a mass text messaging service, this is incredibly helpful because you can send them information that will be relevant to them without having to send everyone the same thing.
How many segments you make depends on how much data you have and how much time you want to spend segmenting customers. If your business has never used a mass text messaging service before, then it would be best to start small and make one or two segments.
For example, if your business wants to send an offer for certain DIY plumbing products, then it would be smart to create a segment for those who have previously frequented your business in the last 6 months.
This way, you’re only sending relevant information to your customers, and you don’t have to worry about alienating anyone with irrelevant information.
Available Integrations
Integrations are an important part of any mass text messaging service. If you can’t integrate with apps you typically use, it’s going to make using that service harder than it needs to be.
It’s important to look for a service that has a wide variety of integrations. You want to be able to integrate with all of the apps you use in your business, including platforms like Housecall Pro, Salesforce, and Google Sheets.
The more integrations you have, the more efficient you’ll be. It will allow you to use your text messaging service in a variety of different ways, which is always preferable to having a service that only works one way.
SMS Marketing Capabilities
A good mass texting service should be able to do a number of things in order to help you reach your clientele. Here are some examples of what it can do:
Offer the ability to customize texts
Allow you to segment your lists into groups
Choose which messages go out on certain days of the week or month
Schedule messages in advance
Track SMS campaign progress with reports and statistics
Subscriber Database
The subscriber database is a collection of data which is created by SMS messages sent by customers. This data can be used for various different reasons, some of them are:
Marketing
Surveys
Customer service
Research and development
Your detailed contact list is plugged into your subscriber’s database and can be measured by its functionality. It helps the company to know more about its customers and raise the chances of successful open rates with potential customers too. By having this information, they can determine how best to structure their bulk SMS service campaigns and boost customer engagement through effective mass messaging.
The information stored in the subscriber database can help you to determine many things about your target audience including but not limited to: age, gender, and any other information you might need.
Mass SMS Text Messaging FAQs
Having some lingering doubts about using mass texting platforms? Here are some of the most common questions prospective users have on their mind.
How much does it cost to send mass texts?
As with any technology, there are companies out there who offer these services at different price points, so it’s up to you to decide which ones fit best with your local business model and budget.
Some offer monthly subscription plans starting at as low as $25 per month for 500 messages and going up to even $299 per month on custom plans. Some services charge on a per text basis with fees starting at $0.04 per SMS.
What is the best bulk SMS messaging service?
The best bulk SMS messaging service is the one that meets your needs. There are many companies and options to choose from, each with its own benefits, so it pays to be informed about all of them before making a selection.
Here are some factors to consider when looking for the best SMS service provider for you:
How do you plan on using the service? One-time messages? Recurring messages?
Do you want to segment your audience?
How often will you need to send messages?
Are there special formatting requirements for your text messages?
Will you need reports on how well your marketing campaign worked?
Do you have technical expertise in setting up the technology or will you need assistance from the SMS provider?
What’s the cost per message, and are there usage limitations (e.g., number of characters, number of recipients)?
Are there any hidden fees or other charges that may not be immediately apparent when choosing a service?
How will you ensure the security of your text message content?
What is the limit for a mass text message?
Most services generally don’t place limits on the number of texts you can send out. However, there may be limits on how many you send out at once/in one campaign. Some providers may have a cap of a few thousand texts per sending campaign.
Also, your limits may be defined by the service provider you choose and the package you opt for.
Is there an app for mass texting?
Most mass texting service providers offer a mobile app, on Android and iOS, for their customers to make it easier to send and monitor their campaigns.
Signpost’s SMS messaging service can be used with our mobile app. Get more information here.
Is there a free mass texting service?
No, a free mass texting service does not exist. This is due to the associated cost of working with telecommunication providers. These companies partner with these providers who charge them SMS rates, and the carriers’ costs are then passed on to the customers.
Signpost is your solution for customer texting
94% of companies using SMS texting services recommend it to their colleagues and it’s no surprise why. They’re the perfect tool for sending information to people on the go. Sending a text message to customers is an excellent way to build a relationship with them and keep them updated on your latest deals, events, and specials.
Signpost allows you to manage your text message marketing campaigns from one simple platform. It’s a great solution for businesses of all sizes who want to leverage the power of SMS text messaging services without spending a fortune. Get started today.