You’ve probably heard that it costs more to find new small business customers than it does to maintain current ones.
The key to maintaining your current customers is by building loyalty through continual interaction.
With today’s technology, this is a much easier task than in the past.
At the same time, it is not as intrusive as past methods.
Know How to Use Text Messages
While many small businesses know about using text messaging in marketing, they may not know how to do it effectively.
Text messages are designed for the current customer more than potential customers because the person must consent to receiving messages from you.
While anyone can sign up for a promotion or join an email list, the nature of text messages lend themselves to interactions with established customers.
The article, “How to Build Customer Loyalty at Your Pub with Text Marketing”, offers several different ideas on using text messages in your marketing campaign. While it is aimed at pubs, these ideas will work for many kinds of small businesses.
Have the Personal Touch
One of the first suggestions is to offer personalized deals through text messages.
This is obvious for small businesses that offer products for sale, but it can be adapted for companies that provide services.
For example, a hair salon could text a promotional code for a discount on manicures when you get a haircut. A computer repair company could offer a free audit to loyal customers.
Restaurants are experts at this method.
They will send texts offering a free burger, dessert or drink to those who sign up to receive these messages.
While you can offer them in conjunction with a purchase, you will establish more loyalty by just offering a free item as a “thank you” for your small business.
Keep It Simple
Don’t try to be too elaborate with your offers and text messages.
You are limited to a certain number of characters and your message will lose some of its appeal if you have to break it up into multiple messages.
People often read their messages on the go, so make your message simple and easy to read.
Include only one focus per message and let people know in simple terms what you want them to do. You can also include a link to a page that will give more information, but the most effective messages often provide the most essential information within the text.
Track Results
It is easy to track the results when you use text marketing.
Find out who is using the promotional offers or responding to the messages. This allows you to further develop your marketing campaign to increase your results.
You will discover which promotions appeal more and what demographics of your customers provide the most response.
Use this information not just for future text messages but in other marketing campaigns.
Text message marketing is one of the easiest ways to interact with your customers and to build customer loyalty. Learn how to use it to your advantage.
About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including finance and running a small business.