When it comes to SMS marketing, getting people to willingly opt-in to your text program is the real deal. Creating the Text-to-join code is the first step actually, and you can learn how to create Text-to-Join SMS code if you don’t already know how to.
Once you’ve created your Text-to-Join code, the next step is to create the funnel for subscribers to flow in. This is the meat, where most of your earlier set-up activities should be channeled at. No subscribers, no SMS marketing campaign. Simple!
If done right, you can build a great subscribers’ list passively and keep 95% of them over a long period of time. Here are tested and proven methods to get subscribers opting-into your SMS program:
Target the right people at the right places
It all starts with showcasing your opt-in code in front of people who are likely to consider joining your SMS program and likely buy your services/product once they receive some of your text messages. Selecting the perfect place, mode, and method of placing these targetted ads are entirely at your discretion. However, you want to present your opt-in code in front of the right set of people.
If you are into ladies’ weavons, it would be a complete waste of time putting a signpost at a men’s barb saloon. Having lots of subscribers on your list doesn’t matter; having qualified subscribers do.
Create a good reason to join.
People are moved by the promise of a reward or a good reason why they would take action. Letting them know they will get “news and updates” won’t go as far as asking them to text for “exclusive breaking news” or “15% off” their next purchase. Whoops! Giveaways are also very effective tactics for getting people to subscribe and it takes little on their part to opt-in with the chance to win something.
You can promise on the number of texts they would receive per week (the smaller the better, we recommend 6 texts per week max!) or flexibility of plans. Let them know they can opt-out whenever they feel like and make the opt-out code visible. Don’t worry, only 5% of subscribers opt-out of SMS programs per year compared to 15% of email newsletter subscribers who opt-out yearly.
Talk about it!
Tell people about your SMS program. Words of mouth are powerful and there’s nothing stopping you from asking audience at an event related to your business to whip out their phones and text a code to a short number to get breaking news on your hot products arriving next week. Get your employees to ask happy customers to opt-in. Tell them it is part of your after-sales service or simply a means to serve them better; and mean it when you say it!
Create other visible aids
Don’t forget to add signs to make your SMS campaign visible to subscribers. There’s only so much word of mouth can do for you. Create flyers, posters, indoor signage that can be hung or placed somewhere at the cash register, banners, table tents, bag stuffers, etc. These aids would speak to customers you can’t reach so make them clear, precise, and compelling. Ensure your visible aids circulate well enough to reach all your target audiences. If you operate a big brand, use billboards with clear information to market your text-to-join SMS code.
Add it to your email newsletter
Why not add your text-to-join code in your monthly newsletter and ask people to join? You can either ask them to text to opt-in (“text EXAMPLE to 12345 to get great deals”) or add a sign-up form to your email or website where people can enter their phone number to opt in.
Integrate with social media
Integrating SMS into your social media campaigns is another great way to build up subscribers. You can promote your text call-to-action on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram or other social media handles you operate. You can even add our sign-up widget to your Facebook page so people can opt-in directly. Don’t be afraid to use paid ads if need be.
Broadcast on TV, Podcasts and Radio
If you’ve tailored out a TV or radio commercial, you can insert your text-to-join code at the end of the commercial. Podcasts may allow a longer time for effective promotions. Alternatively, you can create separate commercials for your SMS program if your business needs it. No idea is too big!
Ask existing subscribers for referrals
60% of your subscribers/customers would tell their friends about your business if they feel loyal. You can leverage on that to grow your subscribers’ list. Simply create a fun SMS and ask subscribers to refer their friends. However, offering existing subscribers an incentive for referring their friends might be a better approach. This method is especially recommended as you would enjoy a passive growth that requires no direct effort from you.
That was a journey, wasn’t it? As you begin the task of getting subscribers to join your messaging campaign, you might want to know other ways to retain them for as long as possible. Read on how to retain your SMS subscribers that actually responds to your SMS efforts.
Winning businesses link up with winning solution providers; start your journey to a successful SMS campaign with SMSexperience. To speak with an SMS marketing expert on how to set up your campaign, call +234-706-8832-575. We would be happy to assist you.