Text Marketing Campaigns that Build Customer Loyalty Part 2

Mobile marketing is exploding. In my last blog post, I wrote about the fact that Text Messaging Campaigns are becoming one of the most powerful, efficient, cost effective marketing tools we have today to build customer loyalty and relationships. I will share some specific examples of how text messaging campaigns have helped companies build customer loyalty and retention and also share tips to help you avoid the pitfalls of text messaging. Let’s begin by looking at three different companies who have successfully utilized this marketing tool.

Couch Tomato Café, a family style restaurant, used text messaging to send out a special 7-day offer just for text subscribers. They tracked the response for this campaign and estimated that they received 70 extra orders which increased sales by $1,050.

Viking Cooking School began a text message marketing program to keep in contact with students, instructors and staff. They use this service to help keep classes filled. One recent text message to students allowed them to fill open class spots. The cost to them was less than $15 dollars and resulted in an additional $632 in revenue.

UAS Properties develops and renovates affordable housing. They use text messaging to manage and collect rent for about 800 units. UAS sends text messages to alert each household that is behind in rent payments and includes a number to call for the subscriber to make an automatic payment. Read the full story for these three examples on Eztexting.com.

As exciting as text message marketing sounds, we need to respect the subscribers who opt into the service. Here are some of the pitfalls facing business owners in using this mobile marketing tool.

1. Sending too many messages to customers causing them to opt out. I was working with a restaurant client who wanted to send a text 4 days out of the week to their list. Big mistake. Too much noise and subscribers will opt out left and right. Let your customers know how often they will receive messages from you and stick to it.

2. Using text message for general announcements. The messages should be a novelty. Your customers want to know that they are a select group and that they will receive special offers that others won’t. Use Facebook and email for general announcements and keep your text message campaign to drive business.

3. Not getting opt-in approval to text message your customers. Just as with email marketing, anti-spam rules require us to get subscriber opt-in. The last thing you want to do is take your database of customer cell phone numbers and blast out a message. Instead, send them an email, post a signup widget on your website, or provide this information at your place of business and invite them to join your text message service. As important as an opt-in, make sure that you have an opt-out message with each text you send. It lets customers know that if they don’t find the service valuable, it is easy to opt-out. Don’t worry. There are more customers on the horizon.

Mobile marketing can help even the smallest business owner communicate more effectively, drive sales, and develop customer loyalty and retention. Don’t wait to get started because the early adopters will win over their competition. Contact me today at (480) 694-6940 if you are interested in customizing a text message campaign for your business.

If you like this post, simply click on the Like Button below and share it with friends!

More from Captivated Customers

• Text Marketing Campaigns that Build Customer Loyalty
• Top 10 Customer Service Tips for 2010
• The Loyalty Lady Drives Customer Retention

Captivated Customers Recommends

• 10 Tips for Building Your Internet Marketing Business  (Anthony Kirlew)
• Ten for 10 in 2010 – Blog Marketing  (Danny Brown)
• Why Loyalty and Mobile Marketing is the Future for Retail  (Danny Brown)

Ask Captivated Customers To Recommend Your Posts

Print PDF