The Foolproof Guide to SMS Sales

SMS sales are expected to continue to grow rapidly.

The ease of use and popularity of  business text messaging has made it an ideal platform for sales, especially among younger consumers.

This type of texting has grown exponentially in recent years as more and more businesses realize the potential of this marketing channel.

Texts have extremely high open rates, making them an ideal way to reach potential customers in a timely manner.

The vast majority of consumers now have a smartphone, which has made it even easier for businesses to reach their target market through texting.

They’re also cost-effective, which has made them even more attractive to businesses.

There are no signs of the SMS for sales boom slowing down any time soon.

Businesses that are not already using this marketing channel are missing out on a massive opportunity.

What is SMS Sales?

SMS sales is a form of mobile marketing where businesses send targeted offers, product updates, and sales messages directly to customers via text.

The goal is to drive purchases and increase customer engagement.

SMS sales can be an effective way to reach potential and current customers, as nearly everyone has a cell phone these days.

Text messages are also generally read within a few minutes of being received, making them a good way to send time-sensitive offers.

To start doing this, you need to sign up for an SMS service, which will provide them with a web-based platform for sending and managing messages.

They will also need to get permission from customers to send them texts, which can be done through an opt-in form on a website or through a keyword campaign.

Once customers have opted in, businesses can start sending them messages.

However, businesses need to make sure they are not spamming customers with too many messages, as this can quickly lead to opt-outs.

It is also important to make sure the messages are relevant and useful to customers, as otherwise, they will quickly tune out.

Why Do Businesses Use SMS for Selling

There are many reasons businesses may use texts to sell their products or services.

Some reasons include the following:

1. It is a convenient way to reach potential customers.
2. It is a quick way to send a message to the masses.
3. It is a way to connect with customers on a personal level.
4. It is a way to generate leads and track results.
5. It is an effective way to promote special offers and coupons.

A business that relies on SMS for communication can benefit from a wholesale SMS solution.

This type of solution typically provides a lower cost per text than what would be paid for individual messages.

In addition, a business can often customize a wholesale SMS solution to better suit its needs.

For example, a business might opt for a bulk SMS solution that sends messages to a large number of people at once.

And if you need help understanding what kind of text to send, Dexatel has a guide for every sales message example for every funnel stage.

Why Are Sales Text Messages Better than Cold Calls

Sales text messages are better than cold calls for several reasons.

Cold calls are often considered intrusive and a nuisance, whereas these messages are generally considered to be more convenient and less intrusive.

Another advantage is that the former is more likely to be read and responded to.

This is because people are generally more likely to read and respond to a text message than they are to a cold call.

Finally, sales SMS messages can be personalized and customized in a way that cold calls cannot.

This means that they can be more effective in terms of converting leads into customers.

Benefits of Texts for Sales and Marketing

The rise of these messages has been meteoric, and there are several reasons for this.

They are growing rapidly because they offer businesses a personal, immediate, convenient, affordable, and measurable way to reach and connect with customers.

1. Personal

SMS is a way to reach out and connect with customers on a one-to-one basis, which is the most effective way to sell.

2. Immediate

Customers can receive and respond to messages in real time, which is crucial for sales.

3. Convenient

Customers can reply to messages anytime, anywhere, which makes it a perfect tool.

4. Affordable

Businesses can reach a large number of potential customers with messages for a relatively low cost.

5. Measurable

Businesses can track the effects of their SMS marketing campaigns with detailed analytics, which is essential for success.

Disadvantages of SMS Selling

Sadly, not everything is peaches and roses when it comes to SMS sales.

There are a few disadvantages to using this technique that you have to be aware of.

1. Consent

Consent is necessary before delivering campaigns because it's against the law to send messages to phone numbers that haven't given you permission.

If you have leads that you have never even spoken to before, it could be harder to do this than if you had prospects with whom you already have a connection.

Permission to send messages is a smart move when gathering subscribers for lead creation.

2. Restrictions

There is a limit to how much you can express in a text message.

While texting is excellent for back-and-forth quick chats, email marketing is better for delivering the finer details.

Sales Texting Best Practices

Ask for Permission

If you don't have express permission from the recipient to send them text messages, you are essentially spamming them.

It's important to always get explicit permission before sending someone an SMS; otherwise, you risk angering or frustrating them.

To do this, you must first create an SMS marketing campaign.

A campaign is any marketing effort that entices customers to text a certain code or phrase to a company in exchange for a reward or advantage.

Then, make sure to offer a box for opting in.

Give customers the option to get text messages from your business when they make a purchase on your website.

When people sign up for your list, just be honest about the topics you'll text them about.

Use an SMS Tool

This is an important tool for businesses because it allows sales teams to stay in constant communication with potential customers.

By using a marketing software, businesses can send text messages to potential customers at any time and from any location.

This makes it easy for teams to stay in touch with their prospects and maintain a high level of communication.

These tools provide businesses with the ability to track the performance of their teams.

This data can be used to improve strategies and make sure that the team is meeting goals.

Use Dexatel to automate your text messages, categorize your audience, and use a variety of templates to ease the process.

Keep Your Messages Short And Sweet

SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, so it’s important to get your point across quickly and clearly.

Brevity is key when crafting your message.

Personalize Your Texts

Personalization can go a long way in SMS for sales.

Add the recipient’s first name or reference a recent interaction to make your message feel more personal.

Not only will it help you convert leads, but it'll also enhance customer service.

Use Strong Calls to Action

Your message should always include a strong call to action that prompts the recipient to take the next step.

Whether it’s “buy now” or “learn more,” make sure your call to action is clear and concise.

Timing is Everything

The timing of your message is important. You don’t want to send a message too early or too late.

Find the right balance for your audience and your business.

A/B Test Your Messages

A/B testing allows you to test different versions of your message to see which one performs better.

Try different content, calls to action, or timings to find what works best for your business.