Texting Made Easy | A Simple Guide to SMS Marketing with Constant Contact

Do you want to instantly connect with customers? Are you seeking boosted engagement? SMS marketing is a powerful tool. Constant Contact makes managing SMS campaigns easy. This guide introduces SMS marketing with Constant Contact. It empowers you to reach your audience. It offers a powerful, personalized approach.

Why SMS Marketing?

• High Open Rates: SMS messages have high open rates. They often exceed 90%. This dwarfs email marketing’s open rates.

• Instant Reach: Texts are delivered and read quickly. This is perfect for time-sensitive promotions. Urgent updates are also great use cases.

• Direct Communication: SMS delivers concise messages directly to customers.

• Cost-Effective: SMS marketing is cost-effective. This is true when targeting a specific audience.

Why Constant Contact for SMS Marketing?

Constant Contact is a user-friendly platform. It manages all marketing efforts, including SMS. Its interface is intuitive. It has robust features and support. It integrates SMS into your marketing strategy. It does so seamlessly.

Getting Started with SMS Marketing on Constant Contact

Here’s how to launch your first SMS campaign.

Setting Up Your Account

1. Sign Up: Create a Constant Contact account.

2. Enable SMS: Contact Constant Contact support. Enable SMS marketing for your account. They will guide you through compliance.

3. Get an SMS Number: Get a dedicated phone number. This is only for SMS marketing. Constant Contact offers options for local numbers. Toll-free numbers are also available. Pick one that suits your brand.

Building Your Contact List

• Get Consent: You MUST get consent. Each subscriber must opt-in. They need to want to receive your texts.

• Opt-in Methods:

  • Keyword Opt-in: Ask customers to text a keyword. Examples: “JOIN,” or “DEALS”. They send it to your dedicated number. Constant Contact adds contacts to your list.

  • Web Forms: Add an SMS opt-in checkbox. Place it on your website signup forms.

  • Email Opt-in: Include an SMS opt-in option. Place it in your email campaigns.

  • POS: Offer SMS opt-ins at checkout. Use proper signage and consent forms.

• Double Opt-in: Send a confirmation message. Ask users to confirm. This ensures they truly want texts. It helps maintain a clean list.

• Opt-Out Instructions: Include opt-out instructions in every SMS. Example: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”. Constant Contact handles this.

Crafting SMS Messages

• Be Short: SMS messages have a 160-character limit. Be concise. Use clear language.

• Add Value: Offer deals or valuable info. Offer timely updates. Incentivize engagement.

• Personalize: Use merge fields. Personalize messages with names. Add relevant information.

• Include a CTA: Tell subscribers what to do. Examples: “Shop Now” or “Learn More”. Others are: “Redeem Code” or “RSVP Now”.

• Track Results: Track open rates. Track click-through rates. Track conversions using Constant Contact. Optimize campaigns for better results.

• Use Emojis: Use emojis strategically. Enhance your message with them. Don’t overdo it.

• Consider Timing: Send messages at the right time. Avoid late nights. Avoid early mornings.

Constant Contact’s SMS Features

• Segment Audience: Divide your contact list. Segment by interests. Segment by purchase history. Send targeted messages.

• Schedule Messages: Plan SMS campaigns. Schedule them in advance. Send them at the best time.

• Automated Messages: Set up automated SMS messages. Use welcome sequences. Use birthday greetings. Use abandoned cart reminders.

• Two-Way Messaging: Enable two-way messaging. Let customers respond to your texts. Get questions or feedback.

• Reporting: Monitor SMS campaign performance. Use Constant Contact’s tools. Track open rates and click-throughs. Optimize future campaigns.

• Integrations: Use Constant Contact’s integrations. Integrate with e-commerce systems. Integrate with CRM software. Create a seamless experience.