January 10, 2025 - 6 min read

Send surveys by SMS

Introduction

Surveys via SMS are a powerful tool for conducting surveys and collecting votes or feedback from your customers or employees with unrivalled efficiency and speed. With over 95% open rates and up to 40% response rates, these messages outperform traditional methods, enabling instant, confidential feedback for surveys or customer satisfaction assessment. Unlike e-mail, which is often ignored or turned into spam, SMS messages guarantee easy reading and instant interaction, whether it's a link sent via mobile message or the use of text messages to send questions to respondents.

Discover the benefits, options, parameters, creation and follow-up of surveys via SMS to optimize participation rates and the reliability of the data collected, while improving the customer experience.

The advantages of SMS

Fast, easy access

SMS messages are read within 4 minutes of being received on the customer's phone in 95% of cases. This instantaneous aspect enables real-time information gathering, which is essential for a company that needs to survey an up-to-date database quickly. The ease with which participants can access the vote and complete surveys via SMS, either by clicking on a link or by replying directly to the message, increases the participation rate and the quality of the customer experience.

High response rate

This is the major advantage of SMS surveys: the opening rate of SMS (98%), ensuring almost guaranteed visibility. This high open rate translates into a very significant customer response rate (often around 45%), far superior to that of e-mail or other more traditional survey methods. This efficiency favors the acquisition of a large number of quality responses. And the uniqueness of the telephone number improves the reliability of the data collected and the results obtained.

Accessibility on various mobile devices

The high accessibility of SMS surveys, available without an app and compatible with all cell phone models, eliminates technological barriers and makes it possible to reach a vast audience. Whether your target audience is a student, professional or senior citizen, SMS is an effective way of gathering opinions, information and feedback.

GOING FURTHER

SMS or email? The ultimate comparison

How to create your survey: SMS

1- Define the survey objective

The first essential step before launching your survey at SMS is to clearly define its purpose. Whether the aim is to assess customer satisfaction, collect opinions on a product or service, or conduct an analysis of your audience's expectations and preferences, a precise definition of this objective will enable you to formulate appropriate questions and interpret the responses effectively.

Identifying this objective also helps to select the target audience and adapt the message to optimize the participation rate, analysis and customer experience.

2- Designing effective questions

No survey is complete without questions. For questions to encourage people to vote, they need to be simple, brief and to the point, to avoid ambiguity and ensure that respondents understand them. Opt for closed questions (yes/no, multiple choice) for simplified data analysis, or open questions for more in-depth feedback.

Limit the number of questions as much as possible to keep participants' interest and prevent the lassitude that can result from an excessively long questionnaire.

3- Choosing the right SMS management platform

The success of your SMS survey also depends on the choice of method, tools and platform for sending SMS. It's essential to choose a tool that offers functionalities adapted to your company, such as contact import, personalization, mass mailing of SMS, the possibility for respondents to reply to messages, and response analysis.

smsmode^© allows you, for example, to design and distribute your surveys and benefit from automation features to facilitate sending and follow-up. Our platform integrates with your existing systems through API Yes plugins SMSto become one with your CRM or ERP tool, for simple, total data management.

smsmode^©

4- SMS campaign configuration

This is where the technical part begins.

Prepare your contact list
Make sure you have recipients' consent to send them SMS. Import your contact database in XLS or CSV format onto our SMS platform. Depending on your objectives, you can include all your contacts or target a specific segment.

Check contact list
Check that phone numbers are valid and eliminate duplicates in your database to prevent multiple mailings and maximize the effectiveness of your campaign. With smsmode^©this operation is performed automatically.

Scheduling your dispatch
Scheduling your SMS dispatch is also essential. You have the freedom to send messages immediately or to schedule a specific date and time for optimum impact, in line with your recipients' habits.

5- Sending the survey and managing responses

There are several techniques, with varying degrees of integration, for carrying out a survey via SMS. The choice depends on your preferences and technical environment.

External method

This is the technique that comes first. Once your campaign is ready, you distribute your SMS with the survey link inside. This is called a Rich SMS. Several platforms, free, freemium or paid, allow you to edit a survey. Make sure that the survey (web) page is responsive, so that respondents can fill in the survey without difficulty.

Some online survey tools :

SMS response method

Making it easier to answer increases the participation rate, so why not carry out the entire survey via SMS ? smsmode^© enables recipients to respond directly via SMS , making it easier to collect feedback and boosting participation.

By using keywords or short codes for your SMS responsesyou make the process intuitive and fast for users, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of participation. Analyzing responses is easy from our platform, where you can export the messages received to give you a clear and intuitive overview of the results. You can also set up an API call to filter votes from your URL callback destination.

Time2chat method (virtual number)

The use of a virtual send and receive number (Time2chat) works in a similar way to SMS . The number allows you to receive responses in real time and to segment reactions systematically to centralize responses, making it easier to interact with your audience and organize data.

What's more, a virtual number can be used to personalize automatic responses, sending out personalized confirmations or thank-yous, which can boost engagement and satisfaction among participants.

To set this up, you need access to a virtual number management platform (such as smsmode^© 😉) and a stable API connection to integrate the service with your existing systems and aggregate the responses to your survey. You'll need to set up your API call with a differentiating ID to be able to aggregate the responses brought up by the URL callback.

TO FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about Time2Chat

Features, benefits, uses and pricing.

6- Analyze results

Once you've sent the message to your contact list via the chosen method, it's time to collect and analyze the responses. Responses should be automatically collected by the platform, so all you have to do is analyze them to finalize your survey and draw conclusions.

7- Follow and thank

Send a thank-you message to participants. Share any results or planned actions based on responses.

A few more tips

Write a clear invitation message

Include the purpose of the survey, instructions on how to complete it, and an estimate of the time required.

Example:

36037

Hello, take part in our quick survey by answering this question: Are you satisfied with our service? Answer YES or NO.

Optimize your timing

Send SMS at a time when recipients are likely to be reading it. Use your own experience or best practices in your sector as a guide.

Test before sending

Test the survey with a small group to detect any problems.

Don't share participants' personal information without their consent and ensure that the survey and each partner comply with the RGPD.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 keys to effective, profitable SMS campaigns.

Conclusion

As we've seen, conducting an SMS survey is an effective way of gathering opinions quickly. With an impressive open rate and response rate, SMS is a great way to gather data. The ease and speed of access to SMS surveys, coupled with the compatibility of this channel, makes it perfectly suited to reaching a wide audience.

All that's left to do is choose a trusted SMS management platform and create your own surveys to benefit from a new, fast and efficient way of collecting opinions and gaining valuable insights. It's up to you!

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

January 09, 2025 - 3 min read

Infographic: 2020 trends in A2P SMS

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

To produce this infographic on 2020 trends in SMS A2P, we analyzed over 83 million SMS distributed by 1299 brands and companies via its solution over the period from October 15, 2019 to January 14, 2020. The results of this study highlight the trends in SMS A2P, in other words, the use of SMS by brands and companies in 2020.

Key finding: SMS notification is set to dethrone SMS advertising...

Nearly 49% of SMS sent are notification SMS

The growth and dynamism of SMS notification is based on the service potential of SMS. In fact, historically dedicated to marketing, A2P SMS is increasingly becoming a channel of choice for companies to send notifications to their customers(appointment reminders, booking or purchase confirmations, automatic alerts, security codes, etc.). Whereas in 2017, the pro rata was 39% SMS notification for 61% SMS marketing (AFMM figures), today it's around 49% for 51%.

0 marketing SMS sent on Sundays

To protect consumers from excessive advertising pressure, SMS marketing is strictly regulated. It is prohibited on Sundays, public holidays and every day between 8pm and 8am.

Nearly 62% of SMS messages contain between 121 & 160 characters

The majority of messages sent by companies are short messages, because the 160-sign limit, beyond which a SMS is considered long, encourages the drafting of punchier messages.

9 out of 10 SMS are sent via a personalized sender

Sender ID personalization enables brands to be immediately identified by message recipients. This enhanced recognition increases visibility and establishes an immediate bond of trust with their customers and prospects.

Over 95% of SMS sent are delivered

In other words, more than 95% of messages sent by SMS reach their final target and are read immediately (the average opening time of a SMS is only 1 to 4 minutes - MMAF figures). This level of deliverability is unrivalled by other communication channels. This makes SMS A2P an ideal distribution channel, particularly suited to real-time communications.

0.13% unsubscribed

The low unsubscribe rate observed on SMS A2P campaigns reflects the quality of the targeting carried out on this lever. STOP SMS is historically a simple, reliable and functional means of unsubscribing. People who don't want to receive advertising messages can use it to exercise their right to object simply, free of charge and at any time. One might therefore expect a higher opt-out rate. However, sending SMS has a not inconsiderable cost, so brands that use it generally clean their databases of opt-outs and expired numbers after each mailing to considerably reduce unsolicited messages.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

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January 09, 2025 - 3 min read

Delivery applications and SMS

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

Meal delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo have revolutionized the way we order and consume. Among the communication tools used by these platforms, the SMS pro plays a strategic role. This message is often underestimated in its impact on the user experience, but by informing customers of the status of their order, confirming delivery times or sharing personalized promotions, the SMS is an essential vector of customer satisfaction. The digital revolution in this sector is driven by the use of smartphones, but it's good old SMS that's doing the job.

Let's find out how these short, simple, yet powerful messages help to streamline the delivery process and strengthen user/customer loyalty.

The rise of "food delivery" players

Between 2019 and 2023, e-commerce in the food sector grew by almost 89% (NielsenIQ). This new mode of consumption has truly become part of our eating habits. Whether alone at home, with friends in the evening or at the office between lunch and dinner, the speed and quality of this service has not taken long to win over its customers.

Among the players in the sector, we find first of all the aggregators, which appeared almost 20 years ago, managing online order-taking, transfer to partner restaurants and delivery (JustEat, UberEats, deliveroo...). Then there are the pureplayers (Frichti, Foodchéri...), in other words those who prepare their own dishes and deliver them to the customer, followed by the major chains who deliver their own products (sushi shop, Domino's Pizza...).

All players in the delivery market have 2 things in common: food, of course, but also the sending of SMS. Let's find out how they use these messages.

What are the communication strategies for delivery?

SMS/Push notification

Notification by SMSpush notification lets you inform, warn and remind. It's a highly effective organizational and loyalty-building tool that you can quickly program via our API SMS or one of our plugins SMS for CRM.

Authentication by SMS

Validating a user's identity by SMS OTP is a widespread practice in e-commerce, particularly among food delivery operators. This message ensures the validity of the number, associates the number with an identified physical person, and extends the user experience on the smartphone used to place the order.

DELIVEROO

Outside the application or in addition to push notifications, customers are informed by SMS of the progress of their order and their delivery driver:

A highly satisfying customer experience. Customers are kept up to date with every stage of their delivery by message, making for a stress-free experience.

JUST EAT

For added security, each order is validated by SMS . However, between this order and its arrival at the customer's premises, "no news, good news" - in other words, no SMS is sent.

A minimalist multi-channel customer experience, but one in which SMS is nonetheless present.

UBER EATS

Uber already manages its cab fleet well, so it seems only natural that Uber eats should offer a more than satisfactory food delivery experience to its customers.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 keys to effective, profitable SMS campaigns.

SMS marketing

SMS marketing is long-term, designed to attract customers' attention, encourage them to place orders, and reinforce their commitment to the application via various "highlights" and "special offers" notifications. Unlike notifications and SMS OTP, SMS marketing can be integrated into your communications without any special technical knowledge or automation.

Examples:

Limited-time promotion

[SenderID]

Fancy a feast tonight? 🍔 Get 20% off your order with code SAVORY20. Offer valid until midnight!

User reactivation

[SenderID]

Long time no see!
Come back and get €10 off your next order with the code WELCOME10. We'll be waiting for you!

Launch of a new restaurant

[SenderID]

New to discover! 🍣 Restaurant [Restaurant Name] is now on UberEats. Order today and receive €5 off with code NEWFLAVOR.

Incentive to order for a sporting event

[SenderID]

The match starts soon! 🏀 Order now and receive 2 free drinks with your meal. Use code GAMETIME at checkout.

Encouraging grouped orders

[SenderID]

Get your friends together for a pizza party! 🍕 Save 25% on orders over €50. Use code PIZZANIGHT.

Loyalty

[SenderID]

Thank you for your loyalty! 🎁 As a thank you, here's 10% off your next order. Use code THANKYOU10.

These SMS are designed to attract users' attention, encourage them to place an order, and reinforce their commitment to your application.

NEED MORE EXAMPLES?

All our examples of promotion, sale, private sale, welcome messages...

Why choose smsmode^© for your SMS mailing strategy?

Most of our customers come from the start-up world. This commercial orientation reflects our vision: to support our customers right from the start in using mobile messaging solutions that are agile, scalable and adapted to their needs.

Our teams put their expertise to work for your success, helping you to establish your mobile strategies for your SMS marketing campaigns and for your notification/reminder communications for appointments, order confirmations, etc..,

smsmode^© for many years players in the FoodTech sector who continue to forge our expertise and know-how every day. These close relationships enable us to know which solutions are best suited to each need (online platform, SMS plugins, APIs), and which ones are best suited to your needs. the keys to implementing an effective strategy.

Find out how we can help you grow.

Conclusion

The integration of SMS by food delivery apps represents a doubly beneficial strategy. As we demonstrated above when we looked at the customer journey offered by Deliveroo and Uber Eats, push notifications via SMS enhance the user experience by providing instant, universal updates that reinforce customer trust and satisfaction. SMS marketing, meanwhile, establishes a direct link with users by offering targeted promotions, special offers and reminders that can boost engagement and encourage loyalty.

For these tools to remain effective, it's important to use them in a balanced and strategic way. An overload of messages can lead to user fatigue and disengagement. Precise segmentation and personalization are therefore essential to maximize impact while respecting the user experience. When judiciously combined, SMS push notifications and SMS marketing become powerful levers for this type of application, promoting both customer satisfaction and commercial growth.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

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We look forward to hearing from you.

January 09, 2025 - 3 min read

SMS A2P trends in 2021 infographic

Romain Didelot

Introduction

Each French person receives an average of 10 SMS A2P (Application To Person) per month. These messages sent by companies to their customers are a key element in strategies to digitalize customer relations. The health crisis has accelerated the digital shift in companies. How has the use of SMS communication been affected? To answer this question, our services analyzed more than 170 million SMS messages sent via our mobile messaging routing platform between December 1 and December 31.^er September 2020 and January 31, 2021.

We offer you our study on the use of SMS A2P by companies in 2021.

See also the infographic below, summarising the main points of our study.

The full study is available here

Computer graphics

A crisis that disrupts habits

In 2021, the health crisis has suddenly accelerated the digitalization of companies. How to communicate? SMS, a direct and immediate means of establishing contact, has made the daily lives of many French people easier, not least the Government, since it played an essential role in the fight against COVID. French med-tech players are more than ever in demand, demonstrating theeffectiveness of SMS in crisis situations.

With outlets closed and the population confined, businesses were gearing up for an unprecedentedly difficult period (Black Fridaywinter sales, etc.). Stripped of their highlights, they had to find a solution.

SMS, the ideal tool for digitalizing retail outlets

Faced with the imperative of physical distance, the digitization of retail outlets has intensified. To counter the closure of physical outlets, it was necessary to find analternative that would maintain contact with customers.

The SMS and MMS became the ideal tool. Easy-to-implement campaigns via our platform, very attractive costs, high open rates compared to other means of communication... Many have taken the plunge. Why shouldn't you?

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

SMS PUSH NOTIFICATION

COMPARATIVE
SMS or push notification? A comparison to help you choose

- PDF AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH -

Push or SMS notifications: which instant messaging system is best? Which performance? What are the specific features of each?

In this guide, discover the ultimate comparison of "SMS versus push notifications"?

Download the comparison

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

SMS MAIL

COMPARATIVE
SMS or email? The ultimate comparison

- PDF AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH -

SMS or email campaign? These two direct marketing channels can be used to win over new customers or relaunch an existing contact base. But which channel is more effective? Which will give you the best engagement with your target audience?

smsmode^© reveals the secrets of these two tools and the comparison between SMS and email.

Download the comparison

A marketing strategy always involves sending messages. Whether you use email only, SMS or both channels, you need to ask yourself these questions: which campaigns are best suited to my communication? Will switching to SMS improve engagement? Are my email campaigns getting the open rate they deserve? How are other companies in my sector doing? Etc. etc. 🤪.

All these questions are on the minds of marketing managers in every company. Everyone wants to send their customers the right content, the right text, at the right time, with the right type of message. While there's no magic formula, it's certain that the KPIs of SMS and emailmessages are a great help in fine-tuning your marketing strategy and determining the communication to adopt, the campaigns to send or even the email message best suited to your customers. That's what our SMS vs email comparison is all about 🙂 . Find out whether email or SMS is ideal for your communications, thanks to the trends observed by companies in their marketing messages.

Open rate

95% for SMS versus 20% for email

SMS is the channel of engagement. With an open rate of 95%, it far outstrips emailing (which, moreover, only enjoys a read rate of around 15%). Emails often go unnoticed and get lost in the mailbox, among the mass of emails (144 on average for an employee) received by your customers every day. 60% of the population claim to spend at least 2 hours a day on their phone: SMS benefits from this mobile presence of the public.

Reading times

4 minutes for SMS versus 90 minutes for email

90% of SMS messages are read within 4 minutes of being sent, whereas email has a response time of 90 minutes (when there is a reply). Only SMS guarantees immediate communication and instantaneous response from your recipient. Unlike e-mail, SMS ensures that your customers and contacts will be aware of your message very quickly.

Mobility

91% for SMS versus 72% for email

91% of people always have their mobile within reach, wherever they are and whatever the time of day. The chance of receiving SMS is therefore greater. For emailing, the experience is different. E-mail is more often consulted from a computer. 35% of emails are first opened on a computer and 59% on smartphones (source: mindbaz - 2020). SMS is the mobile channel with the best reach on phones, as it requires no Internet connection, no tools and no application download. Notification is important, when receiving an email rarely provokes more than a banner on a locked screen. So, for critical service or unmissable marketing communications, it's best to opt for SMS rather than email.

SPAM

0% for SMS versus 80% for email

8 out of 10 emails land directly in the "spam" or "junk" folder of the electronic mailbox. This is not the case for SMS , where this option simply didn't exist until 2017. Since then, the rate of SMS classified as SPAM has been stable at 10% (source: findstack). The simplicity of SMS technology (a simple text message with no formatting and limited to 160 characters) is also its strength compared to emails: a punchy, readable and easily memorable message in which it's less obvious to propose "spammy" content.

Need more info?

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December 03, 2024 - 7 min read

SMS Automation: Boost your workflows and customer engagement

Romain Didelot

Introduction

An automation strategy meets the No. 1 challenge for many companies: capturing consumers' attention. Whether it's marketing automation or customer relationship workflows, an automation strategy enables you to reach your customers instantly at the most opportune moment, after an action on their part or when they're waiting for an event.

And SMS, as the #1 channel for customer engagement, is a must for automation. Are you looking for a solution or software that enables you to adopt an integrated, automated approach to customer relations? A platform, API or plugin to combine push notification, SMS and email channels within a marketing automation strategy?

smsmode^© explains everything you need to know about integrating SMS into an automation strategy, the different testing and dispatch tools available to you, and the best practices you need to know to make your automated campaigns a success.

Definition of SMS automation

SMS automation, also known as SMS automation, refers to the automatic sending of text messages to targeted individuals or groups with limited human intervention. This text message, written and programmed in advance, is sent by a platform at a strategic moment to establish timely, personalized communication with the company's customers.

The benefits of SMS for companies

A platform SMS that integrates with an automation strategy can deliver numerous benefits, 3 of which clearly stand out:

Our commitment

SMS enjoys exceptional engagement, with an open rate of 98%. The direct nature of SMS encourages customers to pay more attention to a SMS than to an email or push notification, making the SMS channel an effective communication tool for both marketing and customer relations in the broadest sense.

Instantaneous

SMS is read quickly (within 4 minutes of receipt in 95% of cases). With it, companies can quickly transmit communications that are considered unmissable. It's ideal for announcing flash sales, reminding people of appointments or informing them of the status of an order.

Customization

Another major benefit of SMS automation. Thanks to customer data and variables that can be integrated into messages, it's possible to send customized content, tailored to customers, their preferences and their consumer behavior. From specific offers based on previous purchases, to personalized reminders and abandoned basket recalls, a wide range of ultra-personalized uses can be envisaged.

STUDY

SMS trends and key performances under the microscope

Find out more about our major study based on 745 million mailings SMS.

SMS VS email: who wins the KPI match?

As mentioned above, the open rate for SMS is 98%, well above the usual 20% for emails. But this isn't the only KPI where SMS comes out on top :

This is due to the nature of SMS. Most users receive an audible notification or a vibration when the message is received. What's more, it's only read on the cell phone, a device constantly in use by all consumers. On the other hand, emails can be drowned out in a saturated inbox or arrive as spam, diminishing their impact as soon as they are received.

GOING FURTHER

SMS or email.
The ultimate comparison for the right choice

The main use cases forSMS Automation

Marketing and promotions

Promotional campaigns are a frequent use case for automation. These messages can contain discount codes, announce new products, or inform about sales. They contribute to increasing sales throughout the year in a variety of ways:

Promotional campaigns: special offers, discounts or promo codes, sent to customer lists segmented according to interests and purchases.

Abandoned cart reminders A SMS reminder that can include a promo code to encourage customers to complete their purchases.

Product launches: automatically inform customers of new products or events.

Anniversary dates: a message at the right time, on the customer's birthday or account creation date, is not only a sales factor, but also a way of building loyalty.

Customer service

SMS is also used to optimize customer service based on previous customer interactions:

Order confirmation: Inform customers of the receipt and status of their orders.

Delivery tracking: Provide real-time updates on shipping and delivery.

Satisfaction surveys: Gathering feedback after an interaction or purchase.

Reservation confirmation

It's part of customer service, but deserves its own section for its usefulness. Sending an immediate confirmation by SMS after a reservation or order is a highly effective practice (4X fewer missed appointments when reminders are set up) whose power is multiplied tenfold when automated.

These confirmation messages can detail the date and time of the reservation, an order number, or instructions for rescheduling an appointment.

Automatic reminders Automatic reminders: automatically notify patients or customers of upcoming appointments (health, beauty, services).

Confirmation or cancellation: Offer the possibility of confirming or rescheduling an appointment via a link or a simple SMS.

Queue management: Send alerts when it's a customer's turn.

Re-engaging inactive customers

Reviving your inactive customers is essential to keeping your database engaged. Send personalized messages that remind customers of previous interactions, offer incentives to encourage new purchases, or provide relevant content to effectively reactivate them. Here are a few case studies:

Revival of expired subscriptions or services: relevant for SaaS, clubs or online services

Restart after a specific period of inactivity: define a period of inactivity in a workflow and restart with simple, clear content.

Personalized suggestions: send recommendations based on purchase or browsing history.

Reminder of loyalty points or accumulated benefits: encourage customers to return by reminding them of the benefits they could lose.

Many sectors can benefit from SMS automation

As you may have read, the vast majority of automation use cases are marketing-oriented, and seem to be calibrated for e-commerce (often referred to as Marketing Automation). But in truth, all industries with a need to notify their customers can benefit from the implementation of SMS automated. Here's a non-exhaustive list.

GOING FURTHER

SMS plugins for CRM: the key to automation

Integrate and automate SMS from your CRM. Benefit from centralized access to customer data, synchronize information and automatically trigger the sending of messages from your workflows.

Human resources

Recruitment : Transmit targeted offers, inform candidates of the status of their application or schedule interviews.

Internal communication Disseminate important or urgent information to employees.

Training : Remind people of session dates or share resources.

Education sector

Notifications to students and parents: Send exam reminders, report card access links, late payment alerts or information on school events.

Absence follow-up: Inform parents of their children's absences.

Finance and administration

Payment reminders: Notify customers of due dates or late payments.

Identity verification: Use authentication codes (2FA) to secure connections or transactions.

Events

Invitations and confirmations: Send reminders to registered event participants.

Real-time updates: Inform participants of any changes, unforeseen events or delays.

Logistics and Safety

Critical alerts Warning of incidents, natural disasters or organizational emergencies.

Safety messages: Broadcast safety tips or instructions, confirm status updates.

Best practices for SMS automation

Compliance with regulations (opt-in and unsubscribe options)

It is imperative to obtain clear, formal consent from customers before any communication. This ensures compliance with legislation and confirms that your audience is engaged and consenting. Customers should be able to opt out of SMS campaigns by sending responses such as "STOP" or "Unsubscribe". This respect for your customers' preferences plays a key role in preserving their trust and minimizing complaints.

What's more, this topic is crucial, as message automation often involves processing and storing large quantities of customer data. Companies therefore need to put in place robust measures to protect this sensitive information against cyber-attacks, data leaks and unauthorized access.

It's best to make sure your partner has mastered these few points:

Data security is a major issue for companies using automation SMS, as a breach could have serious consequences for customer confidence and the company's reputation.

Contact segmentation

Contact segmentation lets you divide customers into segments based on defined criteria such as purchasing habits, preferences, or previous interactions. This approach makes messages more personalized and relevant, enabling you to improve customer engagement and conversion rates right from the start.

The right frequency

Determining the right marketing pressure is essential to avoid recipient fatigue and keep customers engaged. Find the right balance to be present in your customers' minds without overwhelming them. A rhythm of around one message a week is generally a good compromise, but your own rhythm may vary according to your industry and your customers' preferences.

Personalized content

9 out of 10 consumers say that personalization influences their purchases (source: BDC.ca). So it's quite clear that you'll benefit from playing this card. Personalizing your messages obviously involves the use of variables in your SMS ($first name, $last name, $product...), but also by segmenting your audience through workflows according to their interests, demographic characteristics and purchasing behaviors to adjust your messages accordingly.

Choosing the right time to send

Automated triggers and workflows form the basis of automation. They enable messages to be programmed according to specific events, such as registrations, purchases, cart abandonments or visits to the website.

Choosing the right time to send SMS is therefore essential for optimizing open and response rates. Plan your SMS campaigns in advance and coordinate them with your other marketing channels, such as email and social networks, for a coherent and effective communication strategy.

A/B tests

There can be no automation without data. That's why it's essential to go through an A/B testing stage when setting up your automations. It's a powerful strategy for optimizing SMS campaigns and increasing their effectiveness.

Testing allows you to experiment with different elements, such as message content, timing, and calls to action (CTAs)... to discover which options are most effective for your target audience. You could, for example, compare the effectiveness of short messages with slightly longer ones, or test several CTAs to see which generates the most engagement.

By implementing these tests, you gain precise information on your customers' preferences and behavior. This enables you to fine-tune your marketing strategies and improve their performance.

Performance analysis and reporting

This is the final stage of every campaign, indeed of every project: analyzing data, tracking performance, to evaluate the effectiveness of automation campaigns SMS. Open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, ROI, A/B test results... all this data helps companies track the effectiveness of their campaigns, identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly. All you have to do is keep what works and iterate 🙂.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 keys to effective, profitable SMS campaigns.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

COMPARATIVE
Time2Chat vs SMS, RCS, WhatsApp. Which one to choose?

- PDF AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH -

Discover our comprehensive comparison of Time2Chat, SMS, RCS and WhatsApp features. Compare the strengths of each mobile channel at a glance to find the one that's perfect for your needs.

Download the comparison

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

The SMS template to simplify your your campaigns

If you regularly send the same message to your customers, you can use your customer area to edit your own SMS templates, predefining the message. When you send out your various campaigns, you can now fill in the message with a single click!

The " SMStemplate" function to simplify the writing of regular messages

Create as many SMS templates as you like

Simply manage, modify or delete your message templates at any time, with a single click. When creating your SMS campaign, simply choose the predefined SMS template from the drop-down menu in the "template" field.

The SMS templates are suitable for all types of SMS (SMS ProUnicode SMS or Voice SMS ). You can also consult our list of SMS examples for inspiration.

Managing SMS models on your account

How do I access my SMS templates?

First, go to My templates ( 1).

In the summary table, you'll find all the templates you've already created. From this page, you can create, modify or delete your templates.

How do I create a new SMS template?

Click on the Create template button (2). On the new page that appears, simply fill in the various fields (3): the template name (title), the sender chosen for this type of message and finally the text; then validate by clicking on the Save button.

How do I modify an existing SMS template?

Click on the pencil button (4) from the template page to modify your template parameters.

How do I apply an SMS template when creating a new campaign?

When you create a new campaignRegardless of the type of SMS you choose, a drop-down menu to the right of the Sender field lets you select the SMS model(5).

Once the template has been selected, the message and sender fields are automatically filled in.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

The different offers and products smsmode^©

smsmode^© has developed over the years a complete range of products, offers, tools and mail pluginsto meet a wide range of customer needs for mobile messaging operations:

smsmode^© needs the contact information you provide to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy to find out more. You may also, for legitimate reasons, object to the processing of your personal data. To exercise this right, please send an e-mail to dpo(at)smsmode.com.

Available information

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Webhook SMS Klaviyo

Leverage the power of mobile messaging for your promotion, loyalty and retention strategies, directly integrated into your platform Klaviyo.

smsmode^© needs the contact information you provide to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy to find out more. You may also, for legitimate reasons, object to the processing of your personal data. Send an e-mail to dpo(atsmsmode.com to exercise these rights.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Installation tutorial: Hubspot SMS plugin

Integrate SMS messaging directly in your HubSpot CRMfor multi-channel communications with the smsmode plugin^©.

smsmode^© needs your contact details to contact you about our products and services. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy to find out more. You may also, for legitimate reasons, object to the processing of your personal data. Send an e-mail to dpo(atsmsmode.com to exercise these rights.

Boost your Hubspot workflows with SMS

See our guide to successful SMS integration with HubSpot.

Find out how to integrate the SMS sending platform step by step smsmode^© in HubSpotthe leading CRM for inbound marketing. This practical guide takes you through every step of the way to efficiently connect your smsmode account.^© and take full advantage of SMS functionality within your workflows. Diversify your communication channels, send personalized SMS - in bulk or individually - and optimize your marketing, sales and customer service strategies thanks to a plugin that's 100% integrated with HubSpot.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

SMS information through 9 action sheets

Discover the complete and exhaustive panorama of the potential of SMS used for informational purposes, in this white paper.

What are the use cases for informative SMS , and what tools and functionalities are available?

The mobile channel has the distinct advantage of being able to disseminate relevant information in an individualized, personalized and personal way, all in real time... which certainly positions the mobile as the #1 channel for customer relations! Customer follow-up, security, alerts or information, etc.; there are as many possible uses for relational communication as there are needs in terms of direct marketing.

This white paper contains 9 simple, clear and easy-to-apply action sheets, providing a comprehensive overview of the potential of SMS for informational purposes. The ideas and advice we share are the fruit of tried and tested experience, and can be easily and effectively integrated into your efforts to improve customer relations.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

4 marketing action sheets around SMS advertising

All the keys and tips for every application of SMS marketing.

What are the possibilities offered by SMS advertising and how can you integrate it into your communication plan?

Today, the cell phone is an essential link in the digital advertising chain, and one of the main channels through which a brand or company interacts with its customers. Although it must be used with care, the cell phone is nonetheless a highly effective promotional tool. And in this respect, SMS occupies a prime position; integrated into multi-channel and cross-channel strategies, it offers the advantage of high-potential campaigns.

This white paper contains 4 simple, clear and easy-to-apply action sheets, giving you all the keys and tips for each SMS marketing application. You'll then be able to adopt and adapt these SMS advertising possibilities to your communication and business sector, and ultimately improve the performance of your mobile communications.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

November 15, 2024 - 7 min read

Take advantage of SMS for your drive to web strategy

Romain Didelot

Introduction

A company simply can't exist online if it doesn't generate traffic to its website. It is therefore imperative for e-tailers to find traffic channels, especially during marketing events when classic channels (SEO, Social Ads, Google Ads...) are saturated. It's in this context that SMS, as a direct and personal communication tool, is effective (and often underestimated) for drive to web.

The advantage of SMS lies in its reach: exceptional open, click and conversion rates, with 95% of messages read within three minutes Next receipt. This speed guarantees a message that reaches the audience immediately, making SMS a powerful lever for increasing not only traffic, but also sales on your online store.

Follow our guide to integrating SMS into your drive-to-web strategy, maximizing the effectiveness of your campaigns and understanding the elements that will make your marketing efforts a success.

Drive to web & SMS

What is drive to web?

Drive to web is a marketing technique that exploits the reach of an acquisition channel to generate traffic to a website. It's a technique very similar to drive to store, the only difference being that in drive to store, traffic corresponds to the number of consumers attracted to a physical store, and not to the number of visits to the website.

If we take the example of drive-to-web by SMS, the strategy takes advantage of the ubiquity of cell phones, to offer companies an instant communication channel with consumers (the SMS 😉 ).

The benefits of SMS as a traffic-generating channel

SMS is an excellent channel for redirects to websites for many reasons:

High open rates: Often in excess of 95%, the open rate of SMS virtually guarantees a message read, whereas emails or push notifications plateau at around 30%.
Instant delivery: Messages are delivered in seconds, enabling real-time interaction ideal for time-limited offers or important announcements.
Personalized communication: Thanks to the use of variables, SMS enables a high degree of personalization, strengthening customer relations, commitment and loyalty.
High profitability: The low cost of SMS (with flexible formulas ranging from prepaid to subscription, depending on business needs) coupled with a very high conversion rate mean a record return on investment.

STUDY

SMS marketing's key performances under the microscope

Find out more about our major study based on 745 million mailings SMS.

7 best practices for a successful drive to web by SMS

As you can see, SMS has a lot to offer when it comes to digital acquisition. But how do you ensure that a campaign generates traffic?

We have compiled 7 points to check to make your campaign a success:

Target your audience by objective

This database of campaigns SMS also applies to drive-to-web campaigns. First, you'll need to clearly define your target profile. Loyal buyer? Online consumer? Follow-up lead? You decide.

Segment your database using these and other criteria such as geographic location, purchasing habits, length of inactivity, loyalty points... This approach allows you to personalize your mailings for each customer segment and optimize your ROI.

For example, send specific promotional messages to customers interested in certain categories of products or services, or spoil your loyal customers with exclusive offers.

Write powerful messages

Catchy text is essential to maximize the impact of the SMS campaign. It should be short (preferably within the 160-character limit), engaging and include a clear call to action.

Adopt a simple structure: company name, customer name, details of the offer or promotion, conditions, call to action (CTA) and STOP SMS.

Customize text with variables to include the customer's name or details of purchasing preferences.

Offer exclusive deals or incentives to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, motivating customers to visit your website.

See concrete examples below(section 4) 👇

Manage the timing and frequency of mailings

The aim is simple: avoid pestering customers and maximize efficiency.

Timing: send your SMS at times identified as strategic. Sales, Black Friday and private sales are the obvious highlights, but other one-off events can also be considered, such as anniversaries, product arrivals or new store openings.

Frequency : Dose your mailings to avoid appearing intrusive. Excessive repetition of marketing messages can be perceived as spam and lead to numerous unsubscribes. Your campaigns need to be received at the right time to maintain customer interest without saturating them.

Integrate SMS into a multi-channel (and automated) strategy

By synchronizing SMS with other channels such as email, push notifications or social networks, you can create a consistent user experience that ultimately increases engagement and conversions.

You can also consolidate user data and analyze the entire customer journey.

For example, a user who receives a SMS may be redirected to a conversion page and then receive a follow-up email, a cart abandonment email...

This enables us to multiply contact channels, better understand the customer journey and optimize all marketing actions to generate longer-lasting interactions and more frequent conversions.

Of course, the more you can automate this process, the more efficient you'll be. What's more, automation also enables you to segment audiences, personalize messages according to user behavior, and schedule messages to reach customers at the most opportune moment.

Optimize the mobile experience around the message

To maximize the effectiveness of a SMS drive to web campaign, it's essential that recipients land on a mobile-optimized page. The user experience must be fluid and immediate, as any friction risks losing the visitor's attention. A good mobile landing page creation tool enables you to quickly design attractive, simple pages adapted to small screens. These pages can include a clearly visible CTA, concise and relevant content, and reassurance elements (customer reviews, similar products, etc.).

What's more, some landing page designers (such as smsmode^© 😉) make it possible to customize URLs and measure the performance of each campaign. This facilitates click tracking and ongoing optimization by identifying the most engaging pages for users. These tools help reinforce the impact of the SMS campaign by aligning the mobile experience with the expectations of the target audience.

Measure the performance of your campaigns

Tracking the impact of your SMS campaigns is essential for knowing their return on investment and adjusting your strategies accordingly.

There's no "drive-to-web" without links, so you need to exploit their presence. You can use tracking tools (Google Analytics, Matomo, Plausible...) to analyze clicks on direct links to your website, or you can use link shortening services (like the smsmode^© 😉), which will allow you to optimize the length of your messages and track clicks directly from your SMS sending tool.

Measuring the impact of your SMS campaigns enables you to see which strategies are working best and make adjustments accordingly. Use the data collected, analyze open rates, click-through rates and conversion rates... you'll know your strengths and weaknesses, and be able to continually improve your results.

Comply with regulations and best practices

To ensure the legitimacy (and therefore the success) of your campaigns SMS, it is essential to comply with data protection regulations and follow good practice in SMS marketing.

Consent and Opt-in: Make sure you obtain your customers' consent to receive SMS by adopting a legitimate opt-in (online registrations, in-store registrations, keyword subscriptions...). This guarantees respect for preferences and ensures compliance with the RGPD and data and consumer protection laws.

Transparency and clarity: SMS messages must be clear and transparent. Avoid ambiguous or misleading terms, and make sure that customers can easily understand the content and purpose of the message.

Also include an unsubscribe option (STOP SMS) to allow customers to unsubscribe from the mailing list if necessary.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 keys to effective, profitable SMS campaigns.

Examples of messages optimized for drive to web

SMS direct marketing

[SenderID]

Web exclusive!
🎉 Take advantage of -20% on the whole store with the code WEB20.
Click here to access ➡️ [short link].
Offer valid for 24H !

SMS personalized invitation

[36037]

Hello [First name]!
A new product you might like is available!
Get a sneak preview here ➡️ [URL].
Let us surprise you! 🌟

SMS event

[Sender ID]

Today's the big day!
Join us now for our exclusive online launch.
Click here to access ➡️ [short link].
Early birds get special gifts 🎁.

SMS reactivation

My website

Long time no see, [First name]!

Save 15% on your next online purchase
here: [ URL].
We're delighted to see you again!

SMS with limited offer

[Sender ID]

End of season!
Last day to get 30% off your favorite items!
Click here ➡️ [short link].
Limited quantities, don't delay! 🕒

SMS competition

Store

🎁 Enter our competition and win a voucher!
Click here to play ➡️ [URL].
One winner a day, try your luck now! 🍀

NEED MORE EXAMPLES?

All our examples of promotion, sale, private sale, welcome messages...

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many advantages to integrating SMS into a drive-to-web strategy, but the key to success lies in accurately targeting the audience and creating high-impact messages. Ensure compliance with regulations, carefully manage the timing and frequency of mailings, and you'll have all the weapons you need to boost your web traffic, solidify your customer relationships and increase your sales. Now it's up to you!

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

DIGITAL AGENCY

Boost CRM performance with SMS automation

Download the use case

Novadial supports its customers in creating and optimizing multi-channel strategies, combining email and SMS to maximize the impact of their communications.

To effectively deploy these campaigns and workflows within their CRMs - Marigold Engage and Hubspot - their challenge was toidentify an intuitive, customizable, high-performance, reliable, RGPD-compliant and cost-effective SMS sending solution.

Click-through rate

20%

Satisfaction rate

75 à 90%

Novadial has opted for the SMS smsmode^© panel of plugins specific to Marigold Engage and Hubspot CRM, which offer :

Multi-channel campaigns

The SMS workflow is simplified and coordinated with other channels. Optimal management of multi-channel campaigns.

Inserting short links

This feature can be used to create interactive scenarios, such as appointment scheduling, online assistance requests, etc.

Easy to install and use

Intuitive and easy to install and use (even for beginners), this turnkey solution is based on drag-and-drop and no-code.

Find out in detail how Novadial offers CRM strategies for more direct, personalized and effective interactions.

Download the use case

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

November 07, 2024 - 5 min read

Personalize your SMS marketing campaigns

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

With an opening rate that defies all competition, SMS is a quick and easy way to win over your targets. But in today's busy world, companies need to grab attention quickly and make a lasting impression. By personalizing your campaigns SMScampaigns, you give your message the chance to be remembered. Let's find out together how mobile messaging can help you generate engagement with your recipients through tried-and-tested use cases.

With mobile messaging, you can reach your recipients anywhere, anytime. SMS , an indispensable tool for your emergency communication strategies. We explain why!

The need to personalize SMS marketing campaigns

Tailoring the content of your mailings is the sine qua non for engaging your target audience. By adapting it to the needs, preferences and behavior of each of your customers, you can create a more relevant and engaging experience. Tailoring is the key not only to increasing open and click rates, but also to reinforcing the relationship of trust built up with the company by creating a unique experience. A personalized SMS campaign is a strategic lever for achieving sales objectives while optimizing communication.

GOING FURTHER

High-performance marketing.
10 tips to maximize the impact of your campaigns SMS

In this guide, identify the contact points where SMS can optimize your advertising campaigns.

The advantages of customizing SMS

Tenfold commitment

By sending messages tailored to the expectations, behaviors and habits of each customer, companies create genuine interactions. A personalized SMS captures the attention of its recipient, and this targeting "effort" strengthens the emotional bond between the consumer and the brand, as the latter feels recognized. By precisely targeting the consumer, you engage in a loyalty-building process, deliver information perceived as more useful, and ultimately improve your conversion rate.

Strengthening customer relations

By offering tailor-made communication, brands show their users that they understand their needs, thereby building trust and loyalty. A personalized mailing not only maximizes immediate engagement, it also creates deeper, more lasting bonds with your customers, contributing to loyalty. The royal road to creating ambassadors!

How to personalize your SMS ?

The variable field (direct mail)

This is the basis of the personalized message. Include variables in your SMS ($variables at smsmode^©), which will be replaced by the recipient's name when the message is sent. Using the recipient's first name in the message creates a more intimate and engaging approach.

Database segmentation

Segment your contact base according to criteria such as purchasing habits, geographical location, or specific preferences. This enables you to send targeted offers that meet individual needs with precision and boost your ROI.

The personalized Sender ID

Customize the sender of your message. This technique allows you to display, for example, your brand name as the sender of the message, so that people can identify you directly. The recipient will then receive a text displaying the chosen name (company name, brand, etc.) instead of a standard mobile number or short code.

Dynamic information

Use information or events linked to your customer to trigger messages. This could be product recommendations based on previous sales, personalized reminders for special events (birthdays, limited promotions, etc.) or even follow-up messages after a shopping cart abandonment.

GOING FURTHER

Avoid mistakes.
The 17 points to check before sending your campaign SMS.

Examples of SMS

Language adapted to the tone and style of each customer group further enhances the effectiveness of personalized SMS . These examples of content have proved their worth in various sales strategies undertaken by our partner companies. It's up to you to adapt them and make them a strength of your communication.

First name + exclusive offer

[SenderID]

Hello [First name],
benefit from 20% off your next purchase at [Brand name].
Valid only for you until [Date].
Don't miss this exclusive offer!

Recommendations based on purchases

[SenderID]

Hello [First name],
we've selected items you might like
based on your last purchase from us.
Discover them here: [ URL].

Abandoned cart reminder

[SenderID]

Hi [First name],
your items are still waiting for you!
Complete your order and benefit from free delivery.
Click here to complete your purchase: [URL].

Anniversary promotion

[Company]

Happy birthday [First name]!
To celebrate this special day, we're offering you 30% off our entire range until [Date].
Treat yourself with your code: BDAY30.

Invitation to a local event

[Sender ID]

Hello [First name],
our store in [City] invites you to a VIP evening this [Date].
Come and discover our new products with a 15% discount on the whole store!
Confirm your attendance here : [URL].

Loyalty reward

[Sender ID]

Thank you [First name] for your loyalty!
You've earned a lot of points!
Receive a €10 discount on your next order.
Use your code: FIDELITE10.

TO FIND OUT MORE

All our examples of promotional messages, sales, private sales, welcome,...

Conclusion

In an increasingly competitive market, a strategy based on information gathering has become essential to offer a customer experience that sets you apart. Adapting message content to your target audience is a powerful lever in both marketing and customer relations. By personalizing messages, you capture attention. Whether through the use of variables, audience segmentation or personalization of your sender, you have a greater chance of increasing your conversion rate, as well as building long-term customer loyalty. It's up to you!

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

October 31, 2024 - 5 min read

Boost your prospecting with SMS

Elsa Paparone

Introduction

Capturing the attention of consumers is no easy task. And when those consumers are sales or marketing professionals, the task becomes even more complicated. When prospecting, you need to choose your communication medium wisely to stand out from the crowd and have a chance of pushing your offer.

With figures that put the competition to shame, SMS is the most popular marketing communications tool for professionals. Let's find out how SMS marketing can help you achieve your business development objectives, and what rules you'll need to follow to stay on track with this marketing solution.

Why choose SMS as a sales prospecting tool?

SUCCESS STORY

How did Meilleurstaux increase its sales with SMS ?

Campaign performance SMS

Its opening rate is 98%, its response rate 45% and its conversion rate 29% on average; SMS is the KPI champion. The proximity it creates with the user (it's physically in his pocket) also gives it other advantages over other communication channels such as professional e-mail, telephone calls (increasingly filtered with the rise in spam) and even professional social networks (notably LinkedIn).

Your email campaign, while less expensive, will only have a 20% to 30% chance of being read by your customers. 40% of recipients say they have more than 50 unread e-mails in their inbox, while 35% admit to deleting them simply on the basis of their subject line. With SMS, you can multiply the impact of your campaigns by a factor of 3.

It's also worth noting that an e-mail can remain unopened in a mailbox for hours or even days (if not forever). An SMS is read within 4 minutes Next receipt in 95% of cases.

When it comes to social networks, LinkedIn is the essential platform for B2B sales prospecting. Your sales reps are probably already using it, so ask them about the ratio of initiated requests to responses. It probably won't be extraordinary. InMails are relatively intrusive, and automation can also damage your brand image. Who hasn't received mass InMails, completely unsuited to their needs?

SMS is proving to be the most effective and ultimately least intrusive means of communication, but not only that, it's also cost-effective. Remember the KPIs of SMS professionals mentioned above. With a message costing around 4 cents and a record return on investment, campaigns are highly profitable.

STUDY

SMS marketing trends and key performances under the microscope

Find out more about our major study based on 745 million mailings SMS.

Accessibility

The short message is the most affordable solution on the market, which is a major factor in its worldwide popularity. The cost of a SMS campaign is particularly competitive, enabling you to maximize your visibility without increasing your budget. As such, anyone can receive a message with a simple telephone package, and mailing rates for professionals are very affordable. This accessibility makes it a preferred solution for users with limited financial means or living in areas where Internet access is restricted, reinforcing its role as an essential communication medium for a company.

Universality

Thanks to its simplicity and compatibility with almost any type of phone, SMS transcends geographical and technological barriers. Unlike other forms of messaging that require an Internet connection or third-party applications, it relies on cellular networks, accessible even in the most remote areas. This makes it a broad-spectrum communication tool, regardless of the technological level or device used. This universality has enabled SMS to remain relevant, even in the age of smartphones and instant messaging applications, thanks to its unrivalled accessibility and reliability.

What's more, these days 99% of the population owns a telephone. Whether you're looking for access to all the features a cell phone has to offer (social networking, for example), or to the most basic of them all, making a phone call. By opting for SMS as a prospecting solution, your information won't go unnoticed.

How to set up my SMS prospecting campaign

To set up an effective SMS marketing campaign, especially when prospecting, it's essential to follow a few key steps and respect a few best practices. Follow our guide to optimize the sale of your offers like a marketing pro!

Define your goals

First, define your objectives. Do you want to promote a new product or service? Directly increase your sales? Improve customer relations? Present your offers in greater detail? These elements will enable you to define the themes you will explore and the content you will produce. Your objectives are the foundation of your strategy, so make sure they're solid!

Optimizing your database

Improving the quality of your contact database and the data collected on your customers will maximize your campaign's chances of success. In marketing, quality prevails over quantity, and when it comes to prospecting for a sale, this is even truer. Make sure that your prospects' or customers' consent has been obtained beforehand, and keep proof of this in case of a request (no one is safe from a request from the CNIL). You can segment this customer base according to relevant criteria such as job title, location, purchase history, etc., to personalize messages.

Creating attractive content

Then write the content best suited to each customer/prospect. This strategy of personalizing SMS , already initiated by the segmentation carried out on the database, is sure to arouse your customers' interest. Don't hesitate to include a call to action in your messages.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 keys to effective, profitable SMS campaigns.

Choosing a mobile messaging platform

Use a specialized platform for sending mass SMS campaigns, which not only allows you to personalize your mailings, but also to track campaign performance (reception rates, response rates, etc.). If you ever need one, we know someone 😉.

Use cases

You can use SMS marketing or notification in many situations: canvassing, promoting or launching a product or solution, inviting your loyal customers to a specific event, after-sales service and other key moments. We'd like to share with you some examples of tried-and-tested best practice.

GOING FURTHER

How to prospect successfully with our SMS

Discover SMS to get inspired right from your first messages.

Prospecting triggered by information gathering

[Company]

Hello [Name], thank you for downloading our white paper. I'm [Name] from [Company].

I'd like to know more about your needs. Do you have time to discuss them?

STOP at 3612.

Promotion of a special offer

Electronics sales

📱💥 Dear customer, [Store name] is offering -15% on the entire range of smartphones until [Date], with every purchase, a shell is free!
➡️ Take advantage of it quickly here: [Link].
STOP at 3612.

Launching a new product

Fashion company

👗✨ New in your dressing room!
Discover our spring-summer collection, available today at [Store name].
Get -20% off your first order with code: [CODE]
👉 [Link]. STOP to unsubscribe.

Invitation to an event

Real Estate Agency

🏠 Dreaming of becoming a homeowner?
Would you like to offer a property for rent?
The[Name] agency invites you to our open day on [Date].
Our agents are waiting for you.
Register here: [Link]. STOP to unsubscribe.

Call for service discovery

Consulting firm

📈 Boost your business with our tailor-made solutions!
Cabinet [Name] offers you a free audit to improve your security. Contact our experts today:
[Number]. STOP to unsubscribe.

End of season offer

Sports store

🏃‍♂️⛷️ End-of-season clearance sale at [Store name]!
Up to 50% off a selection of sportswear and equipment.
No more excuses!
Take advantage now: [Link]. STOP to unsubscribe.

Reservation or appointment reminder

Beauty salon

💅 Ready to be pampered?
Your appointment at [Salon Name] is fast approaching!
Remember to confirm by replying to this SMS or by calling [Number].
STOP to unsubscribe.

A few rules to follow

There are many advantages to implementing a mobile messaging strategy, but you need to be careful how you use it. Here's how.

Free, specific, informed and unambiguous consent

As with email, it is possible to canvass by SMS, however, the recipients of your communications must have given their consent before being canvassed.

This consent must be free, specific, informed and unambiguous.

Exceptions

There are two exceptions to this principle:

This is based on the organization'slegitimate interests. When a person's telephone number is collected, he or she must be informed of the use that will be made of it, and be able to object to this use simply and free of charge.

Mandatory information

In practice, each of your SMS messages will have to contain your identity in order to identify you to your prospects, and then once again offer a simple way to opt out of receiving further solicitations (e.g. with an unsubscribe link at the end of the message, or a "STOP" message).

These are the rules laid down by the General Data Protection Regulation.

Shipping times

Your marketing campaigns must be sent at specific times. Short messages may not be sent between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on calendar days, or all day on Sundays and public holidays.

Conclusion

Integrating SMS into your business is an effective and advantageous strategy for many reasons. It enhances the efficiency of your sales department by punctuating customer relations with "highlights" (promoting a new product, for example) conveyed by instant communications tailored to your users' preferences.

You can also set up personalized exchanges with your customers, strengthening your brand support and your conversion rate. The addition of a message-based communication channel also reduces the most time-consuming activities of your team.

Create your free account

Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

Need more info?

We look forward to hearing from you.

October 29, 2024 - 8 min read

How to generate in-store traffic

Romain Didelot

Introduction

Generating customer flow at the point of sale is the lifeblood of every retailer. A task that has become difficult for convenience stores. With the rise of online sales and social networks, attracting customers' attention is becoming increasingly complex. However, there are a number of best practices you can follow to generate visits and boost sales: optimized shop windows, web and drive to storeephemeral events and 6 other useful marketing tools!

What is in-store traffic?

Traffic refers to the number of people visiting a store during a given period. This key indicator of a physical store's performance can be calculated on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The more traffic there is on site, the more likely it is to lead to that coveted sesame: the local purchase. That's why this recurring presence is often the first point to measure the effectiveness of your communication, or of any other traffic-boosting initiatives, such as promotions, special on-site events or improved customer experience.

How do you measure traffic to your point of sale?

A variety of tools can be used to measure the flow through your store. Most often, a people counter is installed (laser located in gantries, calculation of the number of door openings...). More often than not, retailers can find this data in their cash register software.

How do you measure the impact of marketing actions on in-store traffic?

There are several more or less complex ways of measuring the impact of your actions. You can, for example, use a promo code dedicated to each of them; the number of times the promo code is used represents the number of conversions attributed to the corresponding action. In this way, you can calculate the conversion rate of each of your campaigns.

You can also aim wider and integrate indirect conversions, matching every sale made by a customer reached by your campaign.

Finally, a message with an incentive such as "Show me at checkout and get 20% more" can serve you well as a measurement tool. All you have to do is count the number of items sold with this promotion to calculate the ROI of your operation.

By keeping a close eye on your customers' comings and goings, you can adjust your strategy in real time to achieve your sales and profitability targets.

Simulate your return on investment in 3 clicks

↓

The drive to store, the marketing strategy to generate traffic in store

Drive to store" is a web strategy designed to attract potential customers to a physical store. The aim is to use digital channels such as online advertising, social networks and SMS marketing to ensure a high level of online and offline communication to generate on-site traffic.

This method often involves the use of geo-targeting techniques to reach consumers in the vicinity of your local store. These ads can take the form of banners, videos or other formats, and can be distributed across different online channels to reach a wide audience.

The aim is to stimulate customer interest in your brand. Exclusive promotions, time-limited offers, loyalty benefits... anything to attract more visitors. By Next tracking the performance of "drive to store" campaigns using data analysis tools, companies can optimize their strategy and increase their return on investment.

Why SMS is ideal for generating in-store visits?

SMS is a highly effective loyalty and promotional tool for attracting customers to your business. By running promotional campaigns SMS (promotions, private sales, stock clearance, etc.), whether occasional or frequent, you can ensure recurring, stable traffic to your business. The read rate of a SMS is close to 95% within 4 minutes of receipt, so this medium offers you the guarantee of being visible to your database, but also of being remembered: SMS marketing memorization rate: 60% (source: INSEE)

SMS = marketing tool?

Targeted and customizable, SMS can also be enriched with content such as a URL link, an image (MMS), a dematerialized offer (m-coupon) and so on. Contact management and statistical campaign feedback make SMS one of the most relevant media in mobile communication.

GOING FURTHER

10 tips to maximize the impact of your campaigns SMS

In this guide, identify the contact points where SMS can optimize your advertising campaigns.

How to use SMS to create point-of-sale visits?

Here are a few ideas on how to use SMS to increase traffic to your business:

Send special offers

Exclusive promotions transmitted digitally to customers will encourage them to come to the point of sale to take advantage of them - this is the basis of drive to store.

Example:

SMS private sale

⚡ Flash sale tomorrow!

30% discount on your entire store.

Exclusive to our best customers.

Present this message at the entrance. Meet at [Store name].

Use promotional codes

Promotional codes reserved exclusively for consumers enrolled in your online loyalty program have a dual beneficial effect. These codes can obviously be used in-store for discounts, but they also give the feeling of being part of a privileged experience, of being enrolled in a useful program, and they also benefit your brand image.

Example:

SMS promotion

🔥 Exceptional offer!

-30% off ALL stock this weekend only!

Don't miss this opportunity!

Visit [Name of retailer]. ⏳

Send appointment reminders

If you offer beauty care services (hairdressing, manicure, massage) or recurring services (maintenance, technical inspection...), you can send appointment reminders via SMS to reduce cancellations and missed appointments by a factor of 4.

Example:

Appointment reminder

📅 Hello [First name],

a reminder of your appointment at [Salon name] on [date] at [time].

We look forward to welcoming you!

If you need to modify or cancel, please contact us at [number].

See you soon! ✂️💇‍♂️

Promoting new products

By using SMS to inform your customers about new products, you can guarantee that they will be seen by as many consumers as possible, especially your customers who have already shown their liking for your products. Encourage them to come and discover new products, and guarantee a high return on investment.

Example:

SMS new products

✨ Our new collection is available today!

Discover our latest products and benefit from

20% discount on your first purchase. 🛍️

See you soon at [Company name]!

Creating a sense of urgency, a key to in-store traffic

Use short, punchy messages to create a sense of urgency, informing your customers of a last-minute special offer or in-store private sale. This can encourage them to get to your store quickly so they don't miss the opportunity.

SMS is a direct and effective way of communicating with your customers, increasing in-store traffic and building customer loyalty.

GOING FURTHER

Discover the 10 keys to effective, profitable SMS campaigns.

9 techniques to boost footfall in your store

Welcome to the world of retail marketing, where generating excitement around your physical business is the key to success. Here are a few strategies that can help you attract more customers:

Optimize your showcase

Your store window is your first impression with potential visitors. By optimizing it to be eye-catching and engaging, you can grab the attention of passers-by and entice them into your store. Make sure you share your message visually, with key products and your new collection visible at first glance. Don't forget to include the opening hours and prices of the products on display. If your company has won an award (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, for example), don't hesitate to highlight it.

Build up your discount policy

Offering exclusive promotions, discount vouchers or an extra percentage for several purchases = real incentives. Communicating around these benefits is simpler and will enable you to build customer loyalty to guarantee traffic with each campaign and over the long term. The SMS website, with its agility and record penetration rate, is the ideal channel for communicating limited-time offers, special discounts for members, free gifts with a purchase, and so on.

Organize special events

Vernissages, private sales, product demonstrations and launches, and workshops are all great opportunities for a local merchant to build up a quality clientele. (Yet another area where SMS can help boost your visibility 😉)

Advertise locally

Physical or Internet advertising campaigns are another great way to attract more customers. Go local to keep costs down. Use local advertising media such as newspapers, magazines, local websites, billboards, flyers, leaflets, radio or TV ads to publicize your store and the offers you make.

Reward loyal customers

You've probably seen this sentence somewhere: "It costs three times as much to recruit a customer as it does to retain one." And it's true. Offer rewards to your loyal customers, such as discount coupons, gift cards for their birthdays, bonus points to feed a loyalty program. This will not only encourage them to return to your store, but also potentially convert them into ambassadors for your brand. SMS is also an excellent tool for building customer loyalty.

Create an exceptional customer experience

A quality customer experience, or the careful treatment of each person entering your store, can make all the difference. This is what we call clienteling. By creating a pleasant, welcoming environment and offering high-quality products, your efforts will be rewarded by a steady flow of customers.

Create Facebook, Instagram and Google My business profiles

Social media is a great way for local businesses to have a web presence. Facebook and Instagram profiles allow you to communicate directly with your loyal customers, share information about your products and services, and promote your brand to a wider audience. Google My Business, for its part, will help you to exist on the web, with or without a website, and provide you with credibility and an online showcase to increase footfall at the point of sale, and provoke purchases.

Use location-based advertising

Geotargeted ads target customers based on their geographical location. Using digital advertising tools such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, you can create ads that target consumers within a specific geographic radius of your store. You can also use data from your existing subscribers to find new prospects with similar interests.

Use influencer marketing

It's about working with influencers (or Key Opinion Leaders) to promote your business, your products and trigger the buying action. By working with influencers who have a large and engaged local audience, you can draw attention to your brand and encourage their followers to visit you.

Its actions take many forms, from sponsored posts to product reviews and brand mentions. It's up to you to decide how to use this strategy, which has become increasingly popular in recent years as social media has gained in importance as a marketing tool.

Conclusion

By using these and other strategies, you can increase in-store traffic and increase the chances of making sales and retaining customers. Physical retail is far from dead. Digitalization is also an opportunity you can take advantage of by applying drive to store and web to store strategies. Once these strategies are in place, don't forget to measure your results by calculating the conversion rate and the return on investment of your campaigns.

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Optimizing customer relations via SMS

AD Nautic optimizes customer communications with SMS from smsmode^©. By sending order confirmations, invitations to events and targeted promotions, the company offers a fluid and engaging experience to its customers.

Who is AD Nautic?

Formerly known as Accastillage Diffusion, AD Nautic is Europe's leading distributor of boating equipment. With over 150 franchised stores in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain, AD Nautic offers a wide range of products for marine enthusiasts.

SMS at the heart of AD Nautic's customer relations

AD Nautic uses SMS solutions from smsmode^© to improve communication with customers. The various franchise stores, as well as the group, send out order confirmations, newsletters and other information. invitations to events such as open houses, and promotional campaigns to promote seasonal or one-off offers. This approach strengthens customer relations and increases customer commitment to the brand.

Examples of messages used by AD Nautic

Order confirmation :

AD Nautic

Your order at AD Nautic is confirmed. You can collect it in store from [date]. Thank you for your confidence

Invitation to an event :

AD Nautic

Take part in our open house this [date] and discover our latest products. See you soon at AD Nautic!

Special promotion:

AD Nautic

Exclusive offer: -20% on selected items until [date]. Take advantage in store or on our website.

WHITE PAPER

The SMS website through 9 action sheets

Our free white paper will help you discover the possibilities of notifying and informing your contacts on their mobiles.

How SMS is revolutionizing customer relations

SMS is a powerful tool for improving customer relations :

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Try out our SMS platform and benefit from 20 free test credits, with no obligation.

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Send your scheduled reminders by SMS

Auto Sécurité uses SMS for its technical inspection reminder campaigns. Information is transmitted instantly to customers' cell phones, reminding them of the deadline and the address of the nearest Auto Sécurité center. This SMS notification is proving to be an effective means of building customer loyalty, as franchises boost traffic to their outlets and increase sales.

What is AutoSécurité?

Auto-Sécurité is a franchise of garages specializing in vehicle roadworthiness tests, with a business model focused on responsiveness and proximity.

Founded in the 1990s, it is one of France's leading technical control networks. Part of the SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) group, a leading company in inspection, verification, analysis and certification, AutoSécurité boasts a solid reputation and extensive national coverage, with several hundred centers across France.

What type of SMS sent by AutoSécurité?

Notification by SMS

The SMS information system enables Auto Sécurité to contact its customers and communicate: reminders or confirmation of appointments, notification of the end of an inspection (passed or to be repeated), or special offers or discounts.

Keeping your customers informed at SMS improves customer relations by automatically informing them of order follow-ups, appointment remindersreminders, etc.

Technical inspection renewal reminder :

36037

Hello [First name], your vehicle's roadworthiness test expires on [date].
Remember to make an appointment at [ number] or directly on our website [ link].
Drive with peace of mind!

Appointment reminder :

36037

Hello [First name], we would like to remind you of your technical inspection appointment on [date] at [time]. Please bring your vehicle registration document with you. If you can't make it, please call [number]. See you soon!

Appointment confirmation :

36037

Hello [First name], your appointment for the technical inspection is confirmed for [date] at [time]. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early. See you soon!

Notification of successful completion of technical inspection :

36037

Hello [First name], your vehicle's roadworthiness test has been completed, and it's in order. You can collect it at any time. For further details, please contact us at [number].
Thank you for your confidence!

Notification of the end of the technical inspection with the necessary counter-inspection:

36037

Hello [First name], the technical inspection of your vehicle has been completed. Some repairs are necessary to obtain conformity.
Do not hesitate to contact us at [number]. Thank you for your confidence!

Reminder of counter-inspection :

36037

Hello [First name], you have [number of days] left to carry out the counter-inspection of your vehicle following the technical inspection of [date].
Contact us at [number] to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

WHITE PAPER

The SMS website through 9 action sheets

Our free white paper will help you discover the possibilities of notifying and informing your contacts on their mobiles.

Send surveys by SMS

Introduction

The advantages of SMS

Fast, easy access

High response rate

Accessibility on various mobile devices

How to create your survey: SMS

1- Define the survey objective

2- Designing effective questions

3- Choosing the right SMS management platform

4- SMS campaign configuration

5- Sending the survey and managing responses

External method

SMS response method

Time2chat method (virtual number)

6- Analyze results

7- Follow and thank

A few more tips

Write a clear invitation message

Optimize your timing

Test before sending

Conclusion

Infographic: 2020 trends in A2P SMS

Introduction

Nearly 49% of SMS sent are notification SMS

0 marketing SMS sent on Sundays

Nearly 62% of SMS messages contain between 121 & 160 characters

9 out of 10 SMS are sent via a personalized sender

Over 95% of SMS sent are delivered

0.13% unsubscribed

Delivery applications and SMS

Introduction

The rise of "food delivery" players

What are the communication strategies for delivery?

SMS/Push notification

Authentication by SMS

DELIVEROO

JUST EAT

UBER EATS

SMS marketing

Limited-time promotion

User reactivation

Launch of a new restaurant

Incentive to order for a sporting event

Encouraging grouped orders

Loyalty

Why choose smsmode© for your SMS mailing strategy?

Conclusion

SMS A2P trends in 2021 infographic

Introduction

Computer graphics

A crisis that disrupts habits

SMS, the ideal tool for digitalizing retail outlets

COMPARATIVE SMS or push notification? A comparison to help you choose

Download the comparison

COMPARATIVE SMS or email? The ultimate comparison

Download the comparison

Open rate

Reading times

Mobility

SPAM

SMS Automation: Boost your workflows and customer engagement

Introduction

Definition of SMS automation

The benefits of SMS for companies

Our commitment

Instantaneous

Customization

SMS VS email: who wins the KPI match?

The main use cases forSMS Automation

Marketing and promotions

Customer service

Reservation confirmation

Re-engaging inactive customers

Many sectors can benefit from SMS automation

Human resources

Education sector

Finance and administration

Events

Logistics and Safety

Why choose smsmode^© for your SMS mailing strategy?

COMPARATIVE
SMS or push notification? A comparison to help you choose

COMPARATIVE
SMS or email? The ultimate comparison

COMPARATIVE
Time2Chat vs SMS, RCS, WhatsApp. Which one to choose?

The different offers and products smsmode^©