How Do Businesses and Organizations Use Mass Text Messaging
If you're always looking for new ways to leverage technology for business purposes, now is the time to learn about mass text messaging. Also known as bulk SMS or text message marketing, this is one of the most efficient ways to reach your target market.
What Is A Mass Text Message?
A mass text message is an SMS message that is sent to multiple people simultaneously. If you have ever sent a text message to a friend or loved one, you already know how the process works. The only difference is that a group or mass text marketing service will allow you to send one message to hundreds or thousands of people simultaneously.
How Do Businesses Use Mass Text Messaging?
Business of all sizes use SMS marketing to send past, current and future customers business updates, promotions and other information. Since messages typically cost less than a nickel each, text marketing is one of the most affordable marketing options available today. Some businesses may also use a bulk SMS service for internal communications.
How Do Churches Use Group Text Messaging?
Churches may not sell products or services, but they do need to reach large numbers of people in the most affordable and efficient manner possible. Modern churches may send mass text messages to keep their congregations well informed of service times, upcoming events, special opportunities and new members. They may even organize mission trips and other large projects through group text messaging.
How Do Organizations And Charities Use Mass Text Messaging?
Business of all sizes use SMS marketing to send past, current and future customers business updates, promotions and other information. Since messages typically cost less than a nickel each, text marketing is one of the most affordable marketing options available today. Some businesses may also use a bulk SMS service for internal communications.
Are SMS Marketing Services Limited To Use On A Cellphone?
EZ Texting allows you to send mass text messages from a computer. Our system also allows mass text messaging from iPhones and Android devices. You can use any mobile device with internet access as your personal mass text messaging system. Messages are sent from our platform and are assigned a short code, so a personal cellphone number is not needed.
What Are Short Codes, And Why Do You Need One To Send Bulk SMS Messages?
A short code works much like a phone number, but it's shorter. Each code is a short string of numbers used to connect you to each member of your contact list.
When you send a personal text from your own cellphone, your cellphone number is displayed as the sender of the message
- When you use a mass text app or bulk SMS service, your recipients see your short code as the sender.
When you promote your text marketing service, you ask subscribers to text a specific keyword to your short code.
- They will then type that short code into a text message to opt into your SMS messages.
Each time a new person subscribes to your SMS text marketing short code, they're added to your contact list for that code.
When sending a mass text, you designate the short code from which you want to send the message. Every person on the list for that code will receive the text blast.
You can establish multiple lists by assigning a new short code to each one. That allows you to send different messages to each group for more precise communications.
Can A Text Blast Include Images, Video And Other Forms Of Media?
An advanced text messaging marketing service will allow you to include images and video in your group text messages. That's a great way to entertain your audience without sending repeat messages with the same information over and over. You still don't want to go overboard with the messages, but multimedia text messages are a rewarding way to interact with your group.
Text Messages Vs Multimedia Messages - Which Is Better For A Business?
Multimedia texting allows you to include images, video clips and audio files rather than plain text.
From humorous memes to pictures of recent events and educational videos, there are many ways to promote your business through a mass MMS service.
- Every business must find their own way to make the most of this advanced marketing option.
Most businesses use standard text messages plus multimedia files in their marketing campaigns. Each company should consider the interests and needs of their target audience.
- It's also important to choose the right format for each message delivered.
It's often faster to send out an image or video than to type out a short text. You don't have to worry about clarity of the message, grammar or other issues.
Most people enjoy receiving mixed media in a text message. You may receive more message opens and prompt responses if you're known for sending mixed media that your audience values.
If you really want to score points with your audience, create your own video clips and images. Anyone can pull stock images from the internet and text them out to hundreds or thousands of people.
When you take the time to create unique content in various formats, you will show your expertise in your field.
- That builds trust with your audience and increases that chance that people receiving your text messages will click through to your website or visit your store if they're local.
How Do Subscribers Know Who A Group Message Is From When Short Codes Are Used?
Your subscribers may eventually learn your short code, but you can help them out by including the name of your business, church or organization in each message. The messages are short, so you may use an abbreviated form of your name that is still easily recognizable.
Can You Use Emojis When Sending Mass Texts From the EZ Texting Platform?
Emojis are not available when sending mass messages to a contact list from the EZ Texting platform. You can, however, use animated GIFs or images via an MMS message
Some businesses and organizations find that emojis aren't in line with their brand's image.
- You must know your business and the nature of the message you're sending to determine whether or not to include an emoji or two.
You have 160 characters to get your point across. Emojis may or may not help.
What Are Drip Campaigns, And Can You Launch Them From a Bulk SMS Service?
Drip campaigns allow you to send automated messages in response to actions taken by your opted-in subscribers.
- For example, you may write a welcome message that is sent to each person who opts into your SMS marketing list.
- You may create an upsell message that goes out to every person who makes a purchase from your website.
- You can also send out automated messages informing your customers that their orders have shipped.
Think of the water dripping from a leaky faucet. Each text message that you send in a drip campaign is a single drop of water.
- The only difference is that a dripped text campaign is more controlled.
You decide which dripped message goes to which subscriber and when it is sent. Each action that a subscriber takes will result them receiving a different message.
Each message in a drip campaign is designed to stimulate another action in a pre-determined system. Think of it as leading your customers through all stages of the buying process.
The ability to automate a drip campaign through a bulk SMS service saves you time. Automation also ensures timely delivery of every message in the campaign.
How Do You Learn to Write Effective Bulk SMS Messages For s Specific Industry?
Most SMS marketing services are easier to use than beginners expect. The biggest problem that you may encounter is learning how to create a text blast with just the right words. That's why it's important to select a text marketing service that offers message templates. Here are some tips to help your business understand templates:
A template is a sample message that automatically displays in your text message writing field. You can modify the text so that it fits your business, church or organization better.
Templates are designed to give you a good working example of the language best used when mass messaging.
- With time, you will gain experience and confidence. At that time, you may not need to follow a template.
- In a way, templates are like training wheels
When sending a mass text, you're representing your brand. You should use the tone and voice that best corresponds to the image that you're trying to create or maintain.
- You do that by modifying each template to your voice.
If you know your unique selling proposition and you understand your target market, you can use that knowledge to create messages that are relatable and intriguing to your recipients.
Do SMS Marketing Services Require Consumers to Give Consent Prior to Receiving Marketing Messages?
5 Compliance Tips from the CTIA
- No Unsolicited Messages
- Use Proper Opt-In Methods
- Explain You Recurring Text Program
- Allow Customers to Opt-Out Easily
- Your Content Must Be Appropriate
Consent is built into the mass text messaging system.
Once you sign up with EZ Texting and receive your short code, your subscribers must agree to receive your mass messages.
- They do this by sending a keyword to your short code.
- They agree to receive your messages and are always one texted keyword away from opting out.
Using a mass text messaging system with an opt-in feature puts all control in the hands of the consumer.
- That ensures your list only contains people with an active interest in your business, church or organization.
It's illegal to send unauthorized text messages to a cellphone.
While SMS marketing services offer automatic opt-in and opt-out features, it's your responsibility to make sure that your text marketing practices comply with the law
Stay informed on the legalities of mass advertisement because new laws are likely to come into play in the future
- This is still a relatively new marketing option.
5 Compliance Tips from the CTIA
- No Unsolicited Messages
- Use Proper Opt-In Methods
- Explain You Recurring Text Program
- Allow Customers to Opt-Out Easily
- Your Content Must Be Appropriate
Consent is built into the mass text messaging system.
Once you sign up with EZ Texting and receive your short code, your subscribers must agree to receive your mass messages.
- They do this by sending a keyword to your short code.
- They agree to receive your messages and are always one texted keyword away from opting out.
Using a mass text messaging system with an opt-in feature puts all control in the hands of the consumer.
- That ensures your list only contains people with an active interest in your business, church or organization.
It's illegal to send unauthorized text messages to a cellphone.
While SMS marketing services offer automatic opt-in and opt-out features, it's your responsibility to make sure that your text marketing practices comply with the law
Stay informed on the legalities of mass advertisement because new laws are likely to come into play in the future
- This is still a relatively new marketing option.
Can You Send Emergency Alerts Through a Paid Or Free Mass Texting App?
Sending a mass text is one of the fastest ways to reach a group of people instantly. While a free mass texting app may have limitations on the number of mass messages that you can send, EZ Texting makes sending mass texts to hundreds or thousands of people easy and affordable. Here are some tips to turn your text messaging platform into an alert system:
You can alert groups of all sizes to incoming bad weather, business or school closings, meeting or service cancellations, medical emergencies, and safety risks.
It's best to create an account with the service in advance. That allows you to quickly create and send mass messages when the need arises.
- If your list is already uploaded to the bulk SMS service, it could take you only a few minutes to put a group on alert.
It takes five minutes or less to create an account at EZ Texting and upload your list so that you're always prepared.
- Others may have a toll-free number that allows you to reach a live person during select hours or around the clock.
- Researching the assistance available is one of the first steps to selecting a bulk SMS service
Emergency situations rarely come with a warning, so now is the time to join our platform and start building your emergency contact list.
- Make sure to keep that list updated so that everyone connected to your business, church or organization will receive your mass messages.
Are Open Rates Higher For Mass Text Messaging Than Email Marketing?
One study showed that text messages sent from the EZ Texting SMS marketing service were opened approximately 94 percent of the time. Compare that to research that has shown an open rate around 20 percent for email marketing. While there is never a guarantee that anyone will open, read and respond to your mass messages, you're likely to experience a higher open rate than you would with many other marketing strategies.
What Happens If You Have Technical Issues With a Text Messaging Marketing Service?
Before you select a text message marketing service, determine the level of technical service included. Here are some tips that may make it easier to select a mass texting service:
The downside to selecting a free mass texting app is that you're not likely to receive a lot of personalized service if you aren't paying anything.
- It costs money to maintain a technical services department.
The best SMS marketing services are now providing timely technical assistance to customers at all service levels
Some text marketing services offer assistance only through an online messaging system or email.
- Others may have a toll-free number that allows you to reach a live person during select hours or around the clock.
- Researching the assistance available is one of the first steps to selecting a bulk SMS service
Any company can say that they have excellent customer service, but the experience of past customers is the best way to determine who is telling the truth.
Reading through customer reviews for EZ Texting reveals that we have a friendly, supportive and knowledgeable customer service team that is always willing to assist.
- Don't take our word for it. Read the reviews on our website, on social media and elsewhere online to see for yourself.
Is There a Free Mass Texting App Available Today?
Many small businesses, churches, and organizations have modest advertising budgets. It makes sense that you want to pay as little as possible for your text marketing service, but you're not likely to find a completely free service for long-term use. You may receive some free messages, but upgrade to a paid account before most services are fully accessible to your business or organization.
If you are ready to reach 95% more of your target audience, we offer the opportunity to try out the #1 business mobile marketing platform for free. Get your free trial started in minutes!
One of our friendly team members will answer any questions about using SMS text marketing, explain how to set up your online account, and guide you through getting started with sending out your first marketing text messages. If you encounter any difficulties, our team will always help you.
You do not need to provide your credit card, sign a contract, or commit to any long-term relationship between yourself and EZ Texting. Your free trial account will be ready to use as you wish (subject to our Terms of Service) within minutes of setting up your account.
When you call, don't forget to ask about our sign-up tools for your websites and social media channels. With these tools, your visitors and followers can opt-in to receive your SMS marketing texts, increasing your promotional reach further.
