Whether you own a car dealership or a clothing boutique, taking advantage of the immediacy of SMS can help you boost traffic, strengthen existing customer relationships, foster new ones and improve your business overall. With an open rate of 98%, communicating with your audience via SMS allows your retail business to effectively connect with target consumers.
Here are five text ideas for businesses who want to increase revenue with their SMS marketing strategy.
1. Create a Loyalty Program
Text-based loyalty programs can help retail businesses cultivate and strengthen loyal customer relationships, driving revenue. After all, repeat customers typically lead to a stable source of income.
Consumers can join your business’s loyalty program when they opt into your SMS subscriber list. These programs work by incentivizing existing customers to make purchases and giving them a discount or other reward once they have reached specific predefined conditions. After they have been rewarded, they are also likely to spend more.
Here are some of the different ways that you can implement a reward-earning system:
- Once customers have made a specific number of purchases, they can text a keyword to receive a reward. For example, they could receive a gift with their next purchase.
- Once they have spent a specific dollar amount, you can send them an SMS with a discount code.
- Customers can earn points with each purchase. When they reach the necessary points, you can text them their reward.
You can also text your customers to update them on the status of their points or how much more they need to spend to earn a discount. Sending exclusive perks, such as VIP events or special sales, to thank customers for joining your SMS subscriber list and loyalty program is another way to make them feel special and valued.
2. Share Personalized Promotions
With rising living costs, people are becoming increasingly value-conscious. Almost 60% of American shoppers use digital coupons, and 65% of Australian consumers prioritize attractive prices or discounts when choosing a new brand. In general, offering promotions can help increase your business’s revenue.
While everyone loves a good deal, personalized offers can be a particularly memorable text idea as these are more tempting. Plus, tailored promotions can boost your open rates, with consumers being more likely to open messages that have been personalized to them.
To send highly targeted offers and show your customers that they are more than just a number, you first need to segment your subscriber list based on their interests and behavior, such as:
- The product they purchase the most.
- The offers they are most likely to take advantage of.
- Whether they are repeat buyers or have yet to make a purchase.
Based on your customer segments or other personal information, you can share the following relevant promotions:
- Birthday discounts.
- Specials on products that they purchase often.
- Discounts for their first purchase.
- Exclusive discounts for being VIP customers.
To take personalization to the next level, you can send automated messages based on various triggers. For example, if someone has just signed up to your SMS contact list, you can send them an automated text with a welcome discount.
3. Set up a Referral Program
As a form of word-of-mouth marketing, referrals can be a great way to expand your consumer base and grow your retail business. With referral programs, you can incentivize your customers to send their friends and family your way in exchange for a reward.
Whether you already have a program or need to set one up, you can seamlessly use SMS as part of the referral process. All you need is a link your patrons can share with those they want to refer to your business.
For example, you could text your shoppers a message that says: “Send this referral link to friends and family, and get 20% off your next purchase when they shop in-store!”
While giving your existing customers a discount or gift for referring others is another way to make them feel appreciated, you should also offer a reward to new customers—this way, there is something for everyone. Referral programs that reward both parties are often more successful.
4. Host a Giveaway
Another unique text idea is to host a giveaway, a contest where your customers participate to win a product from your business or another prize. Previously known as sweepstakes, giveaways are a common marketing tactic generally used on social media. Giveaways can be a powerful tool for boosting engagement.
“Text to Win” contests can be just as effective. Sending an SMS requires little time and effort, making this channel ideal for running a special contest. Once receiving a “Text to Win” message from your business, the receiver must respond to gain entry into the giveaway. By encouraging responses from your contact list, you can help boost customer engagement. In the long term, higher levels of engagement can result in more sales and increased loyalty.
Alternatively, you can also use giveaways to encourage specific actions. For example, you can send a message to customers encouraging them to attend an event or sign up for an account to enter the contest. Before kicking off, double-check the laws and regulations surrounding giveaways in your state or country.
Also, be cautious of using the following words that mobile carries typically flag as spam:
- Prize
- Click now
- Winner
- Please read
- Cash bonus
5. Send Surveys and Polls
Beyond using SMS to market your business’s products, you can also use the channel to better understand your customers. Surveys and polls are an excellent way for consumers to tell you how they feel about your company. With feedback, you can identify the areas where you are thriving and where there is room for improvement.
By acting on shopper insights, you can improve your customer experience, which can help drive revenue in return. Additionally, asking for your customers’ opinions shows that you care. Either ask questions directly in your texts or share links to external surveys. Offering a discount upon completion can help incentivize customers to participate.
Bring These Unique SMS Ideas to Life with Red Oxygen
When you want to generate more revenue, SMS messages can help you connect with your current customers and reach new ones. With Red Oxygen, your business can access a wide range of solutions that make sending texts simple.
We can help you implement one or all of these retail text ideas. With 2-way texting, you can get valuable customer responses to help you become a better business. Our personalization capabilities enable you to call receivers by name, making them more likely to read the messages you send. Plus, we offer guidance and 24/7 support to help you understand mobile carrier guidelines and other regulations.
To learn more about Red Oxygen, contact us today!
