Getting noticed using Text Marketing in a Retail store is easy. Text messaging is something that everybody does anyway nowadays - therefore it has such a high success rate. Text messaging is a really basic form of communication, all generations are capable of sending and receiving text messages, a high-tech Smartphone isn’t required. The way it works in a retail environment, is the store can encourage shoppers to text-in, usually for an instant promotion or discount. From here, the store captures the buyer’s cell phone number in their database – and now the store can send messages about sales, discounts, or mobile coupons. Making shoppers happy keeps the store happy.
Here are a few tips about how NOT to be ignored using Text Message Marketing:
1. Offer something valuable from the start. “Text JEAN to 96000 for half-off your pair!” Good deal right? People won’t be able to resist such a discount.
2. Let customers know the plan. When people text-in, inform them that they will be receiving future promotional messages. I’m sure they will be happy about it!
3. Use traditional marketing techniques too. People are used to looking at posters or signs for prices and markdowns. Throw in a text instruction for a further discount.
4. Don’t be afraid of freebies. It’s psychological – no one can resist a free item. Offer this in lieu of a discount: “Buy one – get one! Text SOCKS to 96000”
5. Don’t overdo it. Don’t text people too often, or they will get annoyed and ignore your effort. Space it right, so that buyers look forward to your next sale or deal.
6. Use a survey. Ask shoppers what they buy the most. “Text 1 for plants, 2 for furniture, 3 for textiles, or 4 for housewares.” Narrow down your buyers.
7. Create lists. After you receive your survey answers, separate your shoppers into lists – now you can send more specifically directed messages.
8. Play a game. Use a text-to-win campaign! Encourage shoppers to text-in for a contest, and then randomly choose a winner for a shopping spree or promotion!
9. Use an expiration date. This works effectively, give people a sense of urgency. “This weekend only” or “Redeem by 9-25” or “Sale from 4-6pm Saturday”
10. Use 2-way texting. This is the best tip to ensure you aren’t ignored! This works amazingly well, people respond favorably with this interactive feature of text. The way this one works is once someone texts-in for the first time, generate an auto response asking for a reply with their name. Once they do, you can set up your database with an auto-fill – so now you can be on a first name basis with all your customers. “Bill, tools are 40% off all weekend at The Tool Shack!”
Text Marketing is a great way to establish a personal connection with your Retail customers.
Here are a few tips about how NOT to be ignored using Text Message Marketing:
1. Offer something valuable from the start. “Text JEAN to 96000 for half-off your pair!” Good deal right? People won’t be able to resist such a discount.
2. Let customers know the plan. When people text-in, inform them that they will be receiving future promotional messages. I’m sure they will be happy about it!
3. Use traditional marketing techniques too. People are used to looking at posters or signs for prices and markdowns. Throw in a text instruction for a further discount.
4. Don’t be afraid of freebies. It’s psychological – no one can resist a free item. Offer this in lieu of a discount: “Buy one – get one! Text SOCKS to 96000”
5. Don’t overdo it. Don’t text people too often, or they will get annoyed and ignore your effort. Space it right, so that buyers look forward to your next sale or deal.
6. Use a survey. Ask shoppers what they buy the most. “Text 1 for plants, 2 for furniture, 3 for textiles, or 4 for housewares.” Narrow down your buyers.
7. Create lists. After you receive your survey answers, separate your shoppers into lists – now you can send more specifically directed messages.
8. Play a game. Use a text-to-win campaign! Encourage shoppers to text-in for a contest, and then randomly choose a winner for a shopping spree or promotion!
9. Use an expiration date. This works effectively, give people a sense of urgency. “This weekend only” or “Redeem by 9-25” or “Sale from 4-6pm Saturday”
10. Use 2-way texting. This is the best tip to ensure you aren’t ignored! This works amazingly well, people respond favorably with this interactive feature of text. The way this one works is once someone texts-in for the first time, generate an auto response asking for a reply with their name. Once they do, you can set up your database with an auto-fill – so now you can be on a first name basis with all your customers. “Bill, tools are 40% off all weekend at The Tool Shack!”
Text Marketing is a great way to establish a personal connection with your Retail customers.
