As more and more users around the globe are now connected via mobiles, SMS marketing is more effective than ever before. Thus, for businesses, gathering cell numbers and creating long lists of prospective customers has become a significant factor in making efficient SMS marketing campaigns.
In this blog, learn more about collecting phone numbers for SMS marketing.
Why collect phone numbers for SMS marketing?
Here are some significant reasons why businesses should collect phone numbers for SMS marketing:
1. Permission-based communication
It will save you from all the legal implications because collecting phone numbers for SMS marketing ensures you have the explicit permission of people to contact them. The permission-based idea builds trust as well as credibility with your audience.
2. Direct and immediate communication
Phone numbers offer a way to connect to the leads in real time and directly. Unlike emails, social media posts, etc can go unnoticed sometimes. The same SMS message is read within minutes and gives a way of passing information that will be immediate and most relevant to the target audiences.
3. Higher engagement and conversion rates
SMS marketing has higher open and engagement rates than other marketing channels. By collecting phone numbers, such high engagement can convert a prospective client, whether it is because of promoting new products, providing personalized or special offers for unique customers, or giving important updates on stuff.
10 strategies to collect phone numbers for SMS marketing
Here are some key strategies to focus on if you are looking to collect phone numbers for SMS marketing:
1. Text-in competitions
Organize some competitions that will demand entry via text and give out prizes to prospective customers, collecting cell phone numbers in the process.
2. Keyword campaigns
Run ad campaigns where customers can text a keyword to receive special offers or discounts, prompting them to provide their phone numbers.
3. Social media promotions
Use Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for executing phone number collection strategies. It may be done via social media campaigns or ads using a keyword campaign or even a poll or stories.
4. Value exchange
Give something of value in return, like an eBook, a report, or a free demo/trial, for the phone numbers obtained from online forms, email replies, or SMS requests.
5. VIP clubs
Invite the customer to exclusive VIP clubs by giving their mobile number in addition to promising advance intake for product sales, mobile coupons, exclusive webinars, etc.
6. Partnerships
Team up with allied organizations that can help intensify database growth together and increase potential customer contact numbers.
7. Events and conferences
Take advantage of industry events to collect attendee details using strategies like competitions, giveaways, or value exchanges.
8. Advertise your number
Ensure your dedicated number is prominently displayed on all advertising materials, encouraging customers to contact you via SMS with memorable keywords for special offers.
9. Website forms
Make mobile numbers compulsory while filling out web forms, sign-up, and checkout pages. Provide customization and seek their choice to make it obligatory for the customer to provide their numbers.
10. In-store campaigns
Run monthly prize draws, and offer free samples or exclusive to-store offers in exchange for mobile phone numbers.
Best practices to collect phone numbers for SMS marketing
Some of the best practices for collecting phone numbers for SMS marketing include:
1. Clear consent
Consent to the collection of phone numbers should be received in explicit terms and be made very clear before collection for purposes of marketing—in other words; you need to state, very clearly, why you need their number, how that number will be used, and then, afterward, allow them to give their consent using a checkbox or some other method. Without clear consent, you risk legal issues and damage to your brand’s reputation.
2. Transparency about message frequency
Be transparent about your sending frequency to subscribers’ phone numbers. Mention if they will receive messages daily, weekly, or monthly updates. This helps in keeping subscriber’s preferences in check to avoid subscribers opting out due to an overload of messages.
3. Ensuring privacy and compliance
In this respect, it is essential to ensure a security and compliance aspect that includes, for example, privacy under GDPR or TCPA. This ensures safeguarding collected phone numbers, consent to process their data, opt-outs, etc., and also other obligations relating to the use of users’ preferences concerning their data.
4. Creating compelling opt-in messages
Design opt-in messages where it is made explicit and clear what the value the prospective subscriber is going to get in return for sharing his mobile number. It has to be exclusive deals, timely updates, valuable content, and personalized recommendations. Use persuasive language and a clear CTA to encourage users to SMS opt-in willingly.
Ready-to-use templates for SMS marketing
Here are some SMS marketing templates to take inspiration from:
In-store sign-ups
1. Welcome offer: Hey there! Enjoying your shopping experience with us? Sign up for exclusive deals and offers tailored just for you! Simply text JOIN to [Your Store’s Dedicated Number] and get ready for exciting discounts.
2. Monthly newsletter: Stay in the loop with our latest arrivals, promotions, and events! Join our newsletter by texting SUBSCRIBE to [Your Store’s Dedicated Number] and never miss out on what’s new.
3. Loyalty program: Become a VIP member and unlock special perks! Text VIP to [Your Store’s Dedicated Number] to join our loyalty program and enjoy rewards with every purchase.
Online forms
1. Discount alert: Want first dibs on our upcoming sale? Enter your mobile number below and receive an exclusive discount code straight to your inbox!
2. Product updates: Stay informed about product launches and updates! Provide your phone number to receive notifications and exciting news about our offerings.
3. Event reminders: Don’t miss out on our upcoming webinar/event! Share your mobile number to get event reminders and important details sent directly to your phone.
Social media promotions
1. Flash sale alert: Exclusive offer for our social media followers! Comment with your phone number or DM us to receive a special discount code valid for today only!
2. Giveaway entry: Participate in our giveaway! Like this post and send us a message with your phone number to enter and win exciting prizes.
3. Early access: Be the first to know about our new arrivals! Sign up for early access by texting EARLY to [Your Store’s Dedicated Number] and get VIP sneak peeks.
Conclusion
Txtcart is exceptionally easy to start, featuring a simple setup process. TxtCart helps businesses with customer segmentation as it provides behavioral data like past interactions, previous purchases, spending power, and more for creating personalized campaigns. TxtCart also gives you an easy-to-use reporting dashboard.
TxtCart helped CROSSNET in increasing AOV and reducing cart abandonment through two-way conversational SMS. TxtCart helped in achieving $453,185 in SMS-attributed revenue, a 17.6x ROI, and a 10% increase in subscriber lifetime value, with over 2,400 orders recovered.
Want to know more? Reach out to our team of experts.
