Text messaging is one of the most prevalent forms of communication in today’s society. With over 10.9 billion mobile connections globally, adding text messaging into your business operations may no longer be an option, but a must.
With so many people using text messaging, it’s important that you don’t ignore this powerful tool for reaching out to customers and prospects.
How does VoIP SMS work?
Texting over VoIP is an important component of future corporate communications. Businesses can utilize text messaging as a communication and marketing medium if clients opt in and supply a mobile phone number. This is a more affordable and secure option than regular cell phone subscriptions and text messaging, plus it’s simple to set up too.
The majority of the time, VoIP texting functions are quite similar to VoIP calling. You must obtain a DID number that supports SMS and download an app or utilize an online self-service panel on any device that has access to the Internet. In this scenario, having a cell phone service will no longer be a necessity thanks to the Internet connection.
From the recipient’s perspective, they will not be able to tell that your business is not using a regular cell phone. Your staff may share VoIP numbers, allowing multiple people to send messages to consumers. Using such software for VoIP messaging also keeps personal and business communications separate.
VoIP SMS benefits
High open rates. Because most consumers spend a significant amount of time on their cellphones, text messaging has a remarkable 98% open rate. When an end user feels a buzz in their pocket or hears the tone go off on their phone, it means they have a text, a call or a notification, and it takes them just seconds to check it out. In fact, it has been shown that text messages are generally read within 3 minutes of being received.
Increased effectiveness. Using VoIP SMS gives your business the capacity to deliver information to your audience immediately, regardless of the industry you operate in. You may boost the productivity of your present business operations and remove manual duties by using SMS automation for appointment reservations, news, updates and two-way communications.
Direct delivery. If you want to ensure that a crucial message is actually received and viewed, you should strongly consider using SMS as a communication channel. You can be confident that the message will reach the intended recipient because most mobile phones do not have a spam filter, much less a spam box.
Faster engagement. Business SMS texting significantly boosts participation since it’s so personal. If done correctly, your customers will not hesitate to respond and send you a business SMS. Importantly, because it is so simple, quick, and handy to use this method of communication, they won’t consider it to be too difficult.
Business texting best practices
Ask for permission. Before sending marketing communications, you must have the users’ permission. Sending business text messages solely to opted-in contacts keeps you in line with the texting requirements of telecom watchdogs. Aside from these legal responsibilities, requesting permission ensures that you are messaging clients who want to receive your marketing and business messages.
Allow users to opt-out. No matter how successful your text message marketing strategy is, some subscribers will decide to stop receiving those messages. Because of this, you must always provide a method for your text messaging subscribers to unsubscribe. You may guarantee that you only contact those who want to hear from your business by including a message that reads, “Text STOP to unsubscribe.”
Be clear and concise. Capitalize on the fact that your users have demonstrated an interest in hearing from you. Sending SMS marketing messages? Be original, interesting and concise. Give them knowledge that genuinely matters or an offer they can’t refuse. You face the risk of opt-outs and a quickly declining contact list if you don’t find the correct balance. Remember that SMS messages have a limit of 160 characters and cannot contain images.
Disclose conditions. What happens once a consumer chooses to receive your SMS messages? It is important to inform the client what you plan to text them about. Transparency fosters trust, which increases opt-in rates.
Avoid links. Links, particularly link shorteners, should be avoided since they appear spammy. Many carriers will filter away messages with links and flag domains, so keep these elements to a minimum, especially when sending messages in bulk.
Conclusion
Text messaging is a powerful tool, and it’s important that you don’t let this communication opportunity go to waste! If you’re not using text messaging, you’re missing out on one of the most effective channels for connecting with your customers. This type of messaging is quick, convenient and easy to use – and it’s not going away. So don’t ignore it: put VoIP SMS to work for your business today!
