10 Industries Using Text Message Marketing for Business Growth

[This article was written by Michael Zhou.]

Businesses tout the value of social media and email marketing. However, many marketers are overlooking the value of text marketing. But why use SMS marketing? In short, because using text marketing to build your brand is direct, simple, easy, instant, low cost, and scalable. That’s why these following 10 industries are leverage the power of text for more growth and opportunity:

1 – Retail

Retail needs to be more effective than ever with their marketing thanks to rise of ecommerce that has lower costs and worldwide access. One way they are combating this is using text marketing to promote their discounts, special items, and new releases. In addition, they are using it for faster response time to shipping inquiries and customer service issues.

2 – Real Estate

Real estate agents are often running from a showing, to the office, to a closing, back to the office, etc. They hardly have time to sit down and write a full email to their clients on a regular basis. This is where the power of texting comes in. Realtors can now update their customers instantly via text. If they see a new house being listed that fits their buyers’ needs, they can increase their chance of closing the deal by being the first one to contact them.

3 – Banking

Banks are using texts to update their customers on account balances, special credit and debit card offers, and even scheduled holidays. This keeps customers in the loop and avoids frustration from miscommunication on their account status or branch hours. After all, it only take one disgruntled customer to get negative social media attention these days.

4 – Car Sales

Car sales is one of the most competitive industries. If you don’t get to your customer first, then you’re less likely to get the sale. Being able to follow up with customer via text or send them a special offer, good for only a few days, is a great way to increase engagement and increase urgency.

5 – Bars and Restaurants

Because texting is seen as a more informal medium, it works very well for bars and restaurants. Bars are now sending customers texts right after work to entice them to join in on the fun for a special happy hour discount.

6 – Salons and Spas

Instead of waiting around for customers to walk in or find a Groupon, salons and other luxury services are utilizing text marketing campaigns to send special coupons right to their customers’ phones. Whether it’s a two-for-one massage special or a limited-time cucumber mask promotion, the sky is the limit when marketing via text for spas and salons.

7 – Home Services

Many home service business, such as lawn care, roofing, and home security, utilize online websites to act as lead generation machines. In addition to this, they send their canvassers to knock on doors and drum up interest in their services. Now, when they collect phone numbers, they don’t need to worry about closing the deal the first time. They can follow up later at their leisure.

8 – Events

Running an event is hard enough. This is compounded when you have to worry about sending texts out to your list at the exact right time, based on the event. With special text message marketing software, this becomes a breeze. Simply write up the text and schedule it ahead of time to save the headache. Some text message marketing examples for this industry might include: “Order your tickets online at example.com today by 3pm to save 20%!” or “Text SEASON50 to learn about our season ticket special!”

9 – Digital Marketing

Digital marketing usually refers to social media and email marketing. However, when combined with text, it can be even more powerful. Digital marketers are now looking to get as many points of contact as possible. Getting an online customer’s digits can be hugely beneficial, especially for running surveys. Unlike email, running a survey via texting gets an impressive 31% response rate.

10 – Roadside Assistance

If you’ve ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire or other car issue, you know how stressful it can be. That’s why roadside services understand the power of being mobile friendly. They are now using texting to alert their customers as to their ETA and even the driver’s description or license plate so they can be on the look-out for help and get on the road faster.

Companies all over the world are adopting their own SMS marketing strategy every day. If you want to get an edge on your competition, then you should consider the text marketing benefits that are most relevant to your brand. Then, don’t hesitate to create a plan and start texting your customer list for greater results and profits today.

Author Bio:

Michael Zhou is a Senior VP of Business Intelligence Development, he has assisted the Fortune 1000 company with expertise in the web as a whole, including ground-zero marketing efforts that benefit both consumer and vendor. He is a thinker, communicator, marketer, competitor, people person, and all-around busy bee. A relentless networker with several years of real world experience and two college degrees under his belt. He is also contributor on Esprittoday.