If you want people to read your text messages and moreover, respond to a call to action as a result of reading it – then you have to make it worth the read. While you can invest in SMS marketing platforms such as Texta, the ability to craft your message right is all up to you. What you need to keep in mind is the fact that the medium is unobtrusive, humble, instant and familiar – all at the same time. Being able to understand the medium itself is key to being able to write effectively and respectfully.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when you craft your next text-marketing message:

  1. Timing
    It’s more than just what you are sending to your recipient – when you send it matters very much too. While you know that a mobile phone is something that will be with them at all times, research shows that readability is highest between mid to late afternoon on weekdays. Don’t be obtrusive and send out a mass text campaign out at 2:00 am!

  2. Language
    While we are used to using a lot of texting short cuts, some audiences may not understand or respond to them. Know your audience, if they use texting short cuts you can include them but don’t go overboard. If you are unsure how your audience will respond it is safer to stick to simple clear language.

  3. Simplicity
    An SMS is just that – a SHORT message. You have just about 160 characters in a standard SMS to get your message across so be nice, be clear, concise and to the point. With an SMS, there is no room for unnecessary fluff. You have time and room to get ONE message across so be single-minded at all times.

  4. Personal
    Take note of the words you choose to use in your text message. Chances are if your message is full of obvious marketing lingo such as AMAZING or FREE your audience is going to know you are trying to sell them something instead of share some exciting news. Remember that they key is to not sound promotional but to sound personal instead.

  5. Clarity
    If you want your recipients to do something as a result of reading your message then it needs to be clearly stated. Give clear instructions – click this link, visit our site etc. so they will follow up if they are interested in what you have to say.

Text marketing is a key communications tool for many small and large businesses alike simply because of the dynamics of the medium itself – this is why it is doubly important to get the crafting of the message itself right. Try these simple guidelines the next time you send out a mass text to your database for very different and effective results.