SMS marketing is one of the most powerful mobile marketing strategies available. It is used by many major companies like Coca-Cola and JC Penney. With more and more people owning smartphones today, SMS marketing has a bright future. However, there are a few things you should know before diving into a simple SMS messaging strategy, and we are going to reveal them to you.

1) SMS is the most direct link to your customers

Text message marketing via the web is the fastest way to communicate with a customer. In fact, over 90% of messages are read within 3 minutes. There is no faster channel than this.

2) Text message marketing is not just about SMS

Entrepreneurs often rule out text messaging from their marketing strategy because they feel it is too limited. It is true that an SMS has a character limit. However, a rich SMS can direct your recipients to your website where the information can be more detailed. Furthermore, this technology also allows you tosend MMS which include images, videos, and sound.

3) Broaden your horizons with keywords and short codes

It is very easy to engage with your prospects online. The foundations of SMS marketing rely on keywords and short codes. You are surely familiar with the concept used in TV shows like American Idol, where viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite singer via text. Well, this principle is based on keywords and short codes, for example, "Text Stephane to 61516." This same principle is used during televised sporting events to win prizes. You can use this system for your own business through text message marketing.

4) Your call to action must be clear

Now that you understand the value of keywords and short codes, it is time to integrate them into your communication to encourage your contacts to take action. However, there are certain steps to take to ensure your call to action is clear:

• Your incentive must be attractive to convert viewers into subscribers
• Do not put the keyword in parentheses in your message
• Use clear language so that your communication is easily understood
• This action is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up your marketing plan. You need to capture metadata, add new subscribers to a list, or encourage subscribers to share information with their friends

5) Build your database without necessarily spending money

While financial incentives are great for converting prospects, they aren't mandatory. Not every business can afford to offer discounts, but you can still attract subscribers by offering member perks, online engagement, reminders, and personalized SMS.

6) Receiving membership options in France

Many restaurants offer promotional services to their subscribers via SMS by asking for their date of birth. This allows them to send special offers on birthdays or other significant days. They also collect email addresses to build their database and offer membership options through a web service.

7) Send recurring messages

You can send occasional SMS to announce promotions, contests, or useful information. Recurring messages help maintain a connection with your subscribers and drive new sign-ups. You can also organize sweepstakes with prize drawings.

8) Write short, clear, and concise messages

You need to make the most of the 160 characters available in mobile messages. Your business should be easily identifiable, the offer must be understandable, and the instructions should be clear.

9) Send MMS as well

A message sent to a customer's mobile doesn't have to be just text. You can also send MMS containing photos or videos to promote your products. The MMS service allows you to innovate in mobile marketing and communicate in a different way.

10) Using email marketing correctly

Some companies lose credibility by flooding their customers' mobile phones with too many SMS. This is a poor strategy that muddies your brand's communication. It is best to adopt a reasonable frequency—no more than 5 or 6 messages per month—to avoid spamming your contacts.