SMS Marketing

5 Creative Ways to Use SMS Marketing to Engage Your Customers

July 31, 2023

Written By

The Via Team

When it comes to SMS, you need to get creative in order to reach customers and drive results. SMS isn’t just about selling your customers a particular product, it is also keeping them engaged enough to stay opt-in to your messages. This means that creating relevant, timely content is key. Here, below we will dive into 5 creative ways you can use SMS to engage with your customers and boost conversion rates.

Let’s get started!

#1 Personalized Offers and Discounts

One of the most effective ways to engage customers through SMS marketing is by sending personalized offers and discounts. Instead of sending generic promotions to a mass audience, tailor your messages based on customer preferences, purchase history, or location. By using customer data and segmentation, you can ensure that your offers resonate with each individual recipient, increasing the chances of conversion. Personalized messages make customers feel valued and appreciated, fostering a sense of loyalty towards your brand.

Here are some examples of how to use this in action:

  •  A  fashion retailer can send a special discount code for a product category a customer has shown interest in.
  • A restaurant can offer a complimentary dessert on the customer's birthday. The key is to use SMS marketing as a platform for exclusive, personalized rewards that make customers feel like they are part of an exclusive club.

#2 Interactive Contests and Polls

SMS marketing offers a versatile platform for running interactive contests and polls that engage customers in a two-way communication process. By inviting customers to participate in polls or contests, you not only capture their attention but also gain valuable insights into their preferences and opinions.

For example, a company can conduct a "text-to-vote" campaign where customers can vote for their favorite product, flavor, or feature. This not only encourages engagement but also provides valuable feedback for future improvements. Additionally, running SMS-based contests with exciting prizes can create a buzz around your brand and attract new customers as well.

#3 Exclusive Sneak Peeks and Previews

Everyone loves feeling like an insider, and SMS marketing can be the perfect channel to provide exclusive sneak peeks and previews to your loyal customers. Offering early access to upcoming product launches, sales, or events builds anticipation and excitement, making customers eager to know more about what your brand has to offer.

For instance, an online bookstore can send a text message to its customers, giving them a first look at an upcoming book release along with a link to pre-order before the general public. This not only rewards loyal customers but also encourages them to act quickly, driving sales and conversions.

#4 Customer Surveys and Feedback

SMS marketing can be a valuable tool for collecting customer feedback and conducting surveys. Instead of bombarding customers with lengthy surveys, use SMS to send short and concise questions that are easy to answer on-the-go. This approach increases the likelihood of receiving responses and valuable insights from your customers.

Businesses can use SMS surveys to gather feedback on recent purchases, customer service experiences, or suggestions for improvement. Customers appreciate when their opinions are heard, and this proactive approach to feedback shows that your brand cares about their satisfaction and is committed to continuous improvement.

#5 Appointment Reminders and Notifications

If your business operates on appointments or bookings, SMS marketing can be a powerful way to engage customers and reduce no-shows. Sending appointment reminders and notifications helps customers stay organized and provides a convenient way to reschedule if necessary.

For example, a salon can send a text message reminder to its customers a day before their scheduled appointment, giving them the option to confirm or reschedule. This not only ensures a smoother operation for the business but also enhances customer experience and reduces the chances of missed appointments.

What Via Can Help You Do

At Via, we pride ourselves in manually diving into SMS reporting to uncover valuable insights about your customers. This makes it easy to tailor your customers shopping experience. If you are looking to take your SMS strategy to the next level, we are here to help. Schedule a demo to get started today!

Connect with your customers today.

Try using Via with our free demo today!
Request a Demo