Messages (SMS messages) are an essential aspect of your communication channels. Despite being a legacy service, the Short Message Service (SMS) remains a popular way to communicate using your mobile device.
Mastering the art of SMS message writing is also one of the best marketing tools for your business. Knowing how it works and how to write effective messages allows you to communicate with your customers and open up a new marketing channel.
What is SMS?
SMS, known as the Short Message Service, is what we know as text messaging. Most cell phone providers cap messages at 160 characters, but others actually cap it at 153 characters, with longer messages being split. All mobile networks enable you to send and receive messages, regardless of whether your intended recipient uses the same mobile network.
The first ever SMS message was sent using a personal computer in 1992. Still, the medium didn’t become widespread until Nokia introduced the first QWERTY cell phone keyboard in 1997 and enabled communication between networks in 1999. ## How Does SMS Messaging Work?
SMS messaging is responsible for carrying text messages (SMS messages) over mobile networks using the same infrastructure as voice calls. In a nutshell, when you send a message, it goes to the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) for your mobile network. The SMSC then routes your message to another network's SMSC, which notifies your recipient that they've got a message.
All this happens in mere seconds. SMS is a reliable communication channel because the control channels used for sending and receiving SMS messages differ from those used for voice and data.
MMS Messages – SMS Messages: What’s the Difference?
SMS and MMS messages are different types of message, but they're actually forms of text messaging. The only difference is that Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages can accommodate other types of content beyond text.
The primary difference is that you can send a greater range of content via MMS. However, sending an MMS may incur additional charges because they aren’t included as standard in all cell phone plans.
Some of the content you can send via MMS includes:
- Photos
- Videos
- Audio
However, with the commonity of WiFi and data plans these days, MMS has dropped in popularity because it’s much easier and cheaper to use alternate Internet-based communication apps or social media apps.
Why SMS Messaging Matters for Businesses
SMS messaging has been utilized by businesses to communicate with their customers. Several advantages exist to using this marketing channel for businesses looking to maximize their growth.
Customer Engagement
Most people carry their phones perpetually, enabling businesses to get an instant line to their customers. Getting approved to send a message directly into someone's pocket is about as personalized as a relationship between a business and a customer can get.
Cost-Effective
SMS messaging is a cheap way of getting through to customers. With specialized business plans, companies can communicate with customers in a way that’s far cheaper than phone calls or direct mail.
Increase Sales
SMS messaging lets you send everything from promotional messages, discounts, and offers from your loyalty program. It enables you to boost sales by delivering these messages at the right time and making them personal to the receiver.
Improve Customer Service
Enhance customer service by providing helpful messages via SMS. Examples of useful messages include appointment reminders, customer order updates, and time-limited promotions.
How to Write Effective SMS Messages
Writing effective SMS messages requires the same attention to detail as communicating over any other channel. That means personalizing your messaging and conducting extensive A/B testing.
Follow these tips for writing effective SMS messages:
- Implement one-to-one personalization by using the data you've got on every customer.
- Use your space wisely by leading with your value proposition.
- Get straight to the point by making every character count.
- Encourage your customers to act by throwing out time-limited offers relevant to them.
- Make your message visually appealing.
- Encourage customers to reply to create a two-way conversation.
- Leave with a clear call to action.
Remember that every country has clear rules regarding SMS messaging for marketing purposes. In particular, there’s the issue of consent and how often you can contact customers. Read up on the compliance regulations in your location to avoid hefty fines.