How to Get People to Text In

When starting an SMS campaign, an important first step is to build an opted-in subscriber list by incentivizing potential customers or members to text in. to accomplish this, consumers must be motivated to send that initial text message that effectively opts them in to the SMS contact list. That incentive could be a product or service discount, a one-time coupon, a special offer, or access to exclusive information or privileges.

To increase the likelihood that potential customers will subscribe, considering how, when, where, and why to communicate with them is also essential. When the SMS text marketing campaign presents itself as an exclusive, limited-time opportunity, giving consumers access to something they wouldn't otherwise be able to have, customers are more eager to opt in. Remember, customers are skeptical about giving away permission to contact them, especially on their personal devices, so it’s important they understand exactly what special treatment they are receiving in return for such permission. It’s also important to make the opt-in process as fast and simple as possible.

What follows are some of the most effective strategies used to grow an opted-in subscriber list through SMS texting:

Social media: Facebook and Twitter are great opportunities for businesses to bolster their SMS text marketing efforts. Facebook's web widget, for example, helps build subscriber lists by allowing potential clients to opt in by texting the campaign keyword to a short code directly from their computers.

Web/Email: Email messages are another great way to communicate with current and potential customers about the opportunities a particular SMS campaign has to offer. Consumers who receive email newsletters, for instance, may jump at the chance to receive information directly on their phones in exchange for opting in…as long as the information is valued.

Newsletters: Include a blurb in the hard copy of the company's newsletter asking readers to text the campaign's keyword to a shortcode. Send them exclusive news or other important company or business information in exchange for opting in to the contact list.

Radio Commercials: Ask listeners to text the company's keyword to a short code for special discounts or more information. Radio stations themselves may also use text-to-shortcode strategies to make taking song requests a more streamlined process or to better run their listener contests. Regardless of what the call-to-action is, remember to keep it simple and memorable:

Text {KEYWORD} to {Short Code} for XYZ. For example, Text STUDY to 12345 for more information on how to earn your MBA at ABC University in half the time!

Other Sweepstakes/Contests: Offer customers a chance to win contests for increased customer loyalty by texting in. First, always consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with state and local laws when implementing contests. 

Signage: Signs inside stores – or at trade shows, lectures, or other special events – can be used to ask everyone who walks through the door to text keywords to shortcodes for information, brochures or special offers. Clothing stores, for instance, can create buzz around new arrivals through in-store signs asking customers to text in for special coupon codes.

Outdoors: Billboards containing a texting call-to-action allow for even greater brand exposure. Entice consumers by offering them exclusive information or a chance to win a contest when they text to opt in.

List-building is a process, and it takes time. However, it is well worth the investment. The more a business makes potential clients comfortable communicating via text, the more likely those same consumers are to convert and become loyal customers. Those customers will also be more responsive to future SMS marketing campaigns.