One of the key benefits of using the short
message service (SMS) to market your product or brand is the fact that it’s an
instant dialogue between you and the consumer. You have their immediate
attention.
The growth of SMS Marketing services
around the world has been phenomenal in recent years, and nowhere more so than
in South Africa. In a country with 52 million people, over 80% of them use a
mobile, and only around five million use landline, it’s easy to see why SMS is
such an effective business tool there.
Research in South Africa shows that there’s a very high engagement rate, with
97% of people messaged having read their SMS within five minutes of it being
sent. All the statistics show that SMS Mobile Marketing
has overtaken many of the more traditional ways of advertising and reaching
potential consumers.
South Africa is now rated 3rd in the world for mobile marketing, with over 150
million SMS ads sent each month, and growing. Many businesses and organisations
there have recognised the importance of having a SMS or mobile marketing
strategy to advertise their products and services.
In the UK, with a population of 61.6 million, we own on average 1.8 mobile
phones per person. The potential for the growth in SMS marketing in the UK is
still huge, and more and more businesses are making it a key part of their
advertising strategy.
So why is this kind of marketing so effective? It builds an instant
relationship with the consumer who can respond to a call to action within
minutes. Consumers can also forward messages to their friends or colleagues,
spreading the word. It’s inexpensive and it means businesses can build
databases for future marketing or campaigns.
Virtually any business or service can implement text messaging as a powerful
way to connect with consumers and potential customers. If you own a restaurant,
you can let people know about any special deals you have running. The same
applies if you’re a florist, a hairdresser or furniture store.
SMS
Marketing is a great business tool for estate agents who can tell
potential buyers about properties that have come on the market. Dentist and GP
surgeries find it a useful way of reminding patients of appointments, which
helps them to run their practices more efficiently.
For every 100 people in the UK, there are 122 mobile phones. That alone makes a compelling case for SMS Marketing.
