November 4, 2024 • 20 mins
Ever wonder why some marketing messages hit home while others get lost in the shuffle? Discover the transformative power of SMS marketing and learn how to create an irresistible connection with your audience. We unravel the impressive potential of SMS, boasting a jaw-dropping 98% open rate, and explore how its personal touch can turn leads into loyal customers. With insights into tools like Rainmaker Reputation AI and its clever features, you'll be equipped to capture every opportunity that knocks on your digital door. We'll guide you through the best practices for SMS marketing, from obtaining consent to the art of personalization — ensuring you not only reach your audience but truly resonate with them.
Get ready to rethink your marketing strategy as we discuss the secret sauce behind building genuine relationships through SMS. It's not just about sending messages; it's about crafting experiences that feel as intimate as a handwritten note. By weaving SMS seamlessly with other channels, you can create a cohesive customer journey that technology enhances rather than replaces. As we venture into the ethical terrain of SMS marketing, you'll appreciate the importance of transparency and trust. Looking ahead, the future promises even tighter integrations and more intuitive customer experiences, so stay curious and adaptable to stay ahead of the game. Join us in this episode as we inspire you to embrace the evolution of marketing and connect more meaningfully with your audience.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Okay, so get this In 2024,.
Sms messages have a 98% openrate.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Practically everyone is reading every text that they
get, compared to email.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Which sits at a measly 19.8%.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Huge difference.
That's a huge difference.
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
In this deep dive, we're going to be looking at an
excerpt from an article calledwhy SMS Marketing is Critical in
2025 and how to Master it, tobetter understand why this is
happening and what it all meansfor you.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
You know, it's interesting to think about this
trend in the context of ourcurrent world.
It's not just about numbers,right, it reflects a fundamental
shift in how we consumeinformation.
Yeah, we're constantlybombarded with messages.
Yeah, and traditional methodslike email are getting lost in
the information.
Yeah, we're constantlybombarded with messages, yeah,
and traditional methods likeemail are getting lost in the
noise.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Yeah, it's true.
I know my inbox is overflowing,and this article even claims
that SMS marketing will beabsolutely essential by next
year.
Do you think that's just hype,or is there a real shift
happening here?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
I would say it's more than just hype.
Yeah, think about it.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
What's the one thing that most of us look at almost
immediately.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Our phone.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Our phones Exactly.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
That immediacy Right Is a game changer, especially in
today's fast-paced world.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Okay, that makes sense.
Yeah, the article highlights afew key benefits.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
To SMS marketing like instant communication cost
effectiveness,cost-effectiveness and targeted
messaging.
It even mentions that SMS hassignificantly higher conversion
rates than email, sitting ataround 45%.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
It's incredible.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
But before we go any further, can you explain exactly
what a conversion rate is?
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Of course, in simple terms, a conversion rate is the
percentage of people who take adesired action after interacting
with your marketing.
So if 100 people see your SMSmessage and 45 of them make a
purchase because of it, that's a45% conversion rate.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Wow, pretty impressive, right?
Definitely, especially when youcompare that to other marketing
methods.
The article focuses a lot onhow effective SMS is for lead
nurturing and engaging existingcustomers.
Why do you think SMS works sowell for those purposes?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Well, I think it taps into our innate human desire
for connection and instantgratification.
Have you ever noticed how atext message just feels more
personal and urgent than anemail?
Speaker 1 (02:23):
I definitely have.
It's like you can't ignore atext.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Because SMS messages are limited to 160 characters,
it forces businesses to cutthrough the fluff.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
And get straight to the point.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Making their message much more impactful.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
So it sounds like SMS marketing can be a powerful
tool.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Speaking of tools.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
The article mentions Rainmaker Reputation AI, which
offers a bunch of featuresspecifically for SMS marketing.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Right.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
One that caught my eye was using SMS enabled phone
numbers.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
OK.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
What exactly are those, and should we be setting
them up?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
It's a service that allows you to manage all of your
SMS communications OK, from acentral platform instead of
using your personal number,right?
So if you're looking tostreamline, your communication
and possibly save some money inthe process.
It might be worth checking out,especially if you're a small
business owner.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
I can see how that would be useful.
Yeah, I also noticed that thearticle mentioned Rainmaker has
a missed call text back feature.
It stood out to me because itcited a statistic saying that
62% of calls to small businessesgo unanswered.
Wow, I'm sure a lot of thoseare missed leads.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Absolutely.
That's a huge number ofpotential customers slipping
through the cracks.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
With this feature, a customizable text message is
automatically sent to anyone whocalls but doesn't get an answer
.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Think of it as a SashiNet.
I like that, making sure thatyou don't miss out on any
opportunities simply because youcouldn't pick up the phone.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
That's pretty cool.
But cool tools aside, thearticle also outlines some great
best practices that I think aresuper relevant for anyone
thinking about using SMSmarketing.
First up consent they reallyhammered that home, rightfully
so, yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Getting clear consent before you send any SMS
messages is crucial.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Not only is it important for ethical reasons.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
But you also need to make sure you're complying with
any applicable regulations.
Plus, being upfront about yourintentions builds trust with
your audience.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
It's all about respecting your audience and
their preferences.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
And that kind of leads into the next tip,
personalization.
I know I'm much more likely topay attention to a message when
it feels like it's specificallyfor me.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
You and just about everyone else.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
In today's world, people are constantly bombarded
with generic marketing messages.
Personalization is a key way tocut through the noise.
Imagine getting a text messagethat uses your name or
references your past purchase.
Wouldn't that catch yourattention more than a generic
blast?
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Absolutely.
It makes you feel like a valuedcustomer.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Now, while we're busy crafting these beautifully
personalized messages, it'simportant to remember to keep
them concise, right.
Definitely, you want to beclear, get to the point Right
and deliver value in theshortest possible way, right?
Have you ever gotten a textmessage that was just way too
long?
What did you do?
Speaker 2 (05:18):
I probably skimmed it and didn't fully read it.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Most people do the same thing.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
SMS is all about getting your message across
efficiently.
Right, you only have a limitednumber of characters to work
with, so make every word count.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
This has been really insightful.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
So consent, personalization and being
concise are key to getting ourfoot in the door.
But what about the actualdelivery?
Ok, does timing play a role inSMS marketing?
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Timing is absolutely crucial.
Have you ever been woken up bya promotional text message in
the middle of the night?
Speaker 2 (05:53):
No.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Probably not a great feeling, right.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I'd be so annoyed, exactly, yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Think about your audience and when they're most
likely to be receptive to yourmessages.
You want to be mindful andrespectful of their time.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Plus, are you even going to remember that message
you got at 3 am?
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Probably not Exactly.
It's like those marketingemails I get in the middle of
the night.
I just delete them.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Most people do.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
There are some great scheduling tools out there.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
That can help you optimize your SMS campaigns.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
And ensure your messages are sent at the best
possible time.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
So we've covered the importance of consent,
personalization, keepingmessages concise and sending
them at the right time.
Is there anything else we needto keep in mind?
Speaker 2 (06:36):
You also need to include a clear call to action.
Oh man, what do you want yourrecipients to do?
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
After they read your message, visit your website.
Okay, redeem a special offer.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Maybe even give you a call.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Right.
It's about guiding them towardsa specific action.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
But managing all of this manually seems like it
could get pretty time consuming.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Especially as your business grows Absolutely.
Can you tell me more aboutautomation and how that can be
used for SMS marketing?
Sure, I know this articletouched on it, but I think it
deserves more of a deep dive.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
I agree, automation is definitely a game changer for
anyone who's serious about SMSmarketing.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Imagine sending personalized messages at timed
intervals.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
All without lifting a finger.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Okay, that does sound pretty amazing.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
But how does that work in practice?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Could you?
Speaker 1 (07:28):
give us a real world example.
Sure yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Imagine a new customer signs up for your email
list.
Okay, with an automated dripcampaign.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
They would automatically get a series of
personalized text messages,gotcha.
First a welcome message, okay,then maybe a helpful tip related
to their interests, right, andlater a discount code for their
first purchase.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Wow.
So it's like you're creating apersonalized journey for each
customer.
It's not just about blastingout the same message to everyone
.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
No.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
This sounds pretty advanced.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Can you break it down and explain how customer
segmentation works?
Speaker 2 (08:03):
It's not as complicated as it sounds.
Segmentation involves dividingyour audience into smaller
groups based on sharedcharacteristics like
demographics, past purchases orhow often they interact with
your brand.
This allows you to send highlytargeted messages that resonate
with each specific group.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
So, instead of sending the same generic message
to everyone, you're tailoringyour communication for maximum
impact.
Exactly, and then with dataanalytics, you can measure how
each group responds.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Exactly.
It's all about understandingyour audience Right and
delivering the right message atthe right time.
Mm-hmm.
Many platforms like Rainmaker,reputation AI, provide
dashboards with real-time dataon open rates, click-through
rates and conversions, allowingyou to constantly tweak and
improve your campaigns.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
This is all so interesting.
I'm already feeling inspired torethink my entire approach to
SMS.
Before we wrap up this part ofthe discussion, I'm curious to
know if there are any otherbenefits to using a platform
like Rainmaker Reputation AI.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
There are a few things that stand out to me.
Okay, for starters, everythingis integrated.
Okay, instead of using separatetools for sending messages,
collecting data and analyzingresults, right, you can manage
your entire SMS marketingstrategy from a single platform.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Okay, so it's all in one place.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
All in one place, right Plus, you'll have access
to expert support and guidance.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Gotcha.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
If you need help setting things up or optimizing
your campaigns.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
I can definitely see how that would be helpful,
especially for someone juststarting out with SMS marketing.
Absolutely I think we'vecovered a lot of ground in this
first part of our deep dive.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
We have.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
We learned about the rising popularity of SMS, the
psychology behind itseffectiveness and some key best
practices for ethical andsuccessful campaigns.
We even explored some of thepowerful features offered by
platforms like Rainmaker,reputation AI, but before we
move on, I'd like to pause for amoment and ask you, our
listener, a question what's beenthe most surprising or
insightful thing you've learnedso far?
(10:09):
Mm-hmm, take a moment toreflect on that.
Yeah, and we'll be back shortlyto continue our exploration of
the exciting world of SMSmarketing sounds good yeah and a
great discussion so far yeahand you know as we talk about
all of this uh-huh.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
I'm reminded that SMS marketing right isn't just
about sending out promotions.
It can also be a powerful toolfor building relationships with
your customers.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
That's an interesting point.
I think a lot of people, myselfincluded, might see SMS as just
another way to advertise, butbuilding relationships with
customers is really importantfor any business.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
Absolutely, and I think that's where the true
power of SMS lies.
Okay, when you get a text froma business that feels personal,
yeah, it's like you'reinteracting with a real person,
not just a faceless company thatmakes sense yeah it creates
that personal touch that can behard to find with other
marketing methods like emailblasts or social media ads
exactly think about it this wayIf a business takes the time to
(11:10):
send you a personalized messagethrough a channel that feels as
personal as text messaging, yeah.
It feels like they truly valueyou as a customer.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
It's like receiving a handwritten note versus a
generic form letter.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
That personal touch can make all the difference.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Precisely.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And when you use SMS to share valuable information.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Offer support or simply check in.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
You're nurturing those relationships, building
loyalty and establishing trust.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
So instead of just trying to sell something, you're
actually trying to build aconnection.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
I like that.
I know we've been focusing alot on Rainmaker Reputation AI.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
But I'm curious to know what you think about the
bigger picture of SMS marketing.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
What are some of the key trends you're seeing emerge?
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Well, one trend that's really exciting is how
SMS is being integrated withother marketing channels.
We're seeing more and morecompanies using SMS as part of a
larger strategy Gotcha.
That might include email,social media and even in-store
experiences.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
So it's not about replacing those other channels,
no but finding ways to use SMSalongside them.
For a more holistic approach,Right.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
It's about finding the right tool for the right job
.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Each marketing channel has its strengths and
weaknesses.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
But using them strategically, you can create a
really immersive and engagingcustomer experience.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
It sounds like there's a lot of potential there
.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
And speaking of potential, I'm curious to know
how AI is shaping the future ofSMS marketing.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
That's a great question.
Ai is becoming increasinglyimportant for tasks like
personalization and automation.
Okay important for tasks likepersonalization and automation.
Ok, we're already seeing AIpowered chat bots being used to
handle customer inquiriesthrough SMS, and AI algorithms
can analyze customer data andsegment audiences with
incredible accuracy.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
So it's about using technology to not only make SMS
marketing more effective, butalso more efficient.
Exactly, yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
AI can help businesses send more relevant
messages.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Automate repetitive tasks and understand their
customers on a deeper level.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
That makes a lot of sense.
It's all about working smarter,not harder.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Now, before we wrap up this section.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
OK.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
I want to touch on something I think is really
important Ethics.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
We've already talked about getting consent before
sending SMS messages.
Right, but what are some otherthings businesses should keep in
mind to make sure they're usingSMS responsibly?
Speaker 2 (13:38):
That's a great question.
Ethical SMS marketing reallycomes down to respecting your
audience and their preferences.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
This means being transparent about what you're
using SMS for providingProviding clear instructions for
opting out.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
And avoiding any tactics that feel spammy.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
It's about building trust and protecting your
reputation as a business.
Exactly yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
And we have to remember that SMS is a very
personal channel.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
People use their phones.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
For all sorts of important and private
communication, so businessesneed to treat their inboxes with
respect.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
It shouldn't feel like an intrusion.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
That's a great point.
If you start bombarding peoplewith messages they don't want,
you're going to lose their trustreally quickly.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Right.
Think of it like being a guestin someone's home.
You want to be respectful,mindful of their space and offer
something valuable to theconversation.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
That's a perfect analogy.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
So, in the end, responsible SMS marketing is
about being respectful,responsible and putting the
customer first.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
It's good for your customers and it's good for
business too.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
Now that we've covered a lot of the key
elements of SMS marketing, fromthe benefits to the ethical
considerations, I'd love to getyour take on something what do
you see as the most importantthing for businesses to remember
as they navigate this landscape?
Speaker 2 (15:07):
That's a good question.
I think the most importantthing is to remember that
technology should always be usedto enhance human connection,
not replace it.
We've talked about automation,we've talked about AI, but at
the end of the day, we're stilldealing with real people.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
I love that.
It's a good reminder thatbehind every phone number
there's a person with their ownthoughts, feelings and
preferences.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Exactly, and if businesses can keep that in mind
, I think they'll be well ontheir way to creating meaningful
and lasting relationships withtheir customers.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Well said Before we move on to the final part of our
deep dive let's pause for amoment and hear from you, our
listener, what's resonating withyou the most so far.
Are you surprised by anythingwe've discussed?
What questions are popping intoyour mind?
Speaker 2 (15:54):
Welcome back.
I'm really excited to continueour exploration of SMS marketing
.
We've already covered so muchground, but I feel like there's
still so much to uncover.
I agree, we've talked about thepower of SMS, how to use it
ethically and responsibly, andeven how AI is changing the game
.
It's been quite a journey, butbefore we wrap up, I'd love to
(16:15):
hear your thoughts on the futureof SMS marketing.
What are your predictions?
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Ooh, predictions.
I love it.
I think we'll see even tighterintegration with other channels.
It'll be interesting to see howcompanies use this technology
to create even more personalizedand seamless customer
experiences.
Imagine getting a textreminding you to pick up your
online order on your way homefrom work, followed by a
personalized offer based on yourpast purchases.
It would all feel so effortlessand intuitive.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
I can definitely see that happening, and as AI and
machine learning keep evolving,I think we'll see a whole new
level of personalization andautomation.
What if AI-powered chatbotscould handle customer inquiries
247, providing instant supportand suggestions tailored to each
individual?
Speaker 1 (16:58):
That would be amazing .
It would almost be like havinga personal shopping assistant in
your pocket.
It would be interesting to seehow AI could help companies not
only respond to inquiries, buteven anticipate them.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
I think that's where things are headed, and as the
line between the physical anddigital worlds continues to blur
, I think we'll find even morecreative ways to use SMS.
What if you could use it tointeract with smart devices in
your home, receivelocation-based offers when
you're out and about, or evenparticipate in interactive
experiences?
The possibilities are endless.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
That's really exciting.
But as cool and futuristic asall that sounds, we can't forget
the human element.
No matter how advancedtechnology gets SMS, marketing
will always be about makingauthentic connections.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
I couldn't agree more .
At the end of the day,technology should be used to
enhance those connections, notreplace them.
Sms is a powerful tool becauseit feels personal Companies need
to remember that there's a realperson with thoughts, feelings
and needs on the other end ofevery message.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
It's all about building relationships, not just
blasting out messages.
Yeah, so, as we wrap up thisdeep dive into SMS marketing,
what's the one piece of adviceyou would give to our listener
who's just starting out on theirSMS marketing journey?
Speaker 2 (18:08):
I think the best advice I could give is to start
with a clear understanding ofyour goals.
What are you hoping to achievewith SMS marketing?
Are you looking to increasebrand awareness, generate leads,
drive sales?
Once you have a good grasp ofyour objectives, you can start
thinking about your targetaudience.
Who are you trying to reach?
What are their needs andpreferences?
(18:30):
Once you understand your goalsand who you're trying to reach,
you can start exploring the manytools and strategies we've
talked about today.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
That's fantastic advice.
Knowing your audience and yourgoals is essential for any
marketing strategy.
It sounds like there's a lot toconsider, but don't be afraid
to experiment and have fun withit.
That's how you'll discover whatworks best for you and your
audience.
The world of SMS marketing isconstantly evolving, so it's
important to stay curious,adaptable and open to new ideas.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Exactly.
The most successful SMSmarketers are the ones who are
willing to learn, adapt andembrace new technologies.
This deep dive has been afantastic exploration of SMS
marketing and I'm so glad we hadthe chance to share these
insights with you.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
Me too.
Thanks for joining us for thisdeep dive into the world of SMS
marketing.
We hope you found it insightfuland inspiring.
We'll be back soon to exploreanother fascinating topic.
Until then, keep exploring andkeep learning.
Okay, so get this In 2024,.
Sms messages have a 98% openrate.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Practically everyone is reading every text that they
get, compared to email.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Which sits at a measly 19.8%.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
Huge difference.
That's a huge difference.
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
In this deep dive, we're going to be looking at an
excerpt from an article calledwhy SMS Marketing is Critical in
2025 and how to Master it, tobetter understand why this is
happening and what it all meansfor you.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
You know, it's interesting to think about this
trend in the context of ourcurrent world.
It's not just about numbers,right, it reflects a fundamental
shift in how we consumeinformation.
Yeah, we're constantlybombarded with messages.
Yeah, and traditional methodslike email are getting lost in
the information.
Yeah, we're constantlybombarded with messages, yeah,
and traditional methods likeemail are getting lost in the
noise.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Yeah, it's true.
I know my inbox is overflowing,and this article even claims
that SMS marketing will beabsolutely essential by next
year.
Do you think that's just hype,or is there a real shift
happening here?
Speaker 2 (00:59):
I would say it's more than just hype.
Yeah, think about it.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
What's the one thing that most of us look at almost
immediately.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Our phone.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Our phones Exactly.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
That immediacy Right Is a game changer, especially in
today's fast-paced world.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Okay, that makes sense.
Yeah, the article highlights afew key benefits.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (01:21):
To SMS marketing like instant communication cost
effectiveness,cost-effectiveness and targeted
messaging.
It even mentions that SMS hassignificantly higher conversion
rates than email, sitting ataround 45%.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
It's incredible.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
But before we go any further, can you explain exactly
what a conversion rate is?
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Of course, in simple terms, a conversion rate is the
percentage of people who take adesired action after interacting
with your marketing.
So if 100 people see your SMSmessage and 45 of them make a
purchase because of it, that's a45% conversion rate.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
Wow, pretty impressive, right?
Definitely, especially when youcompare that to other marketing
methods.
The article focuses a lot onhow effective SMS is for lead
nurturing and engaging existingcustomers.
Why do you think SMS works sowell for those purposes?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
Well, I think it taps into our innate human desire
for connection and instantgratification.
Have you ever noticed how atext message just feels more
personal and urgent than anemail?
Speaker 1 (02:23):
I definitely have.
It's like you can't ignore atext.
Speaker 2 (02:26):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:26):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Because SMS messages are limited to 160 characters,
it forces businesses to cutthrough the fluff.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
And get straight to the point.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Making their message much more impactful.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
So it sounds like SMS marketing can be a powerful
tool.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Speaking of tools.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
The article mentions Rainmaker Reputation AI, which
offers a bunch of featuresspecifically for SMS marketing.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Right.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
One that caught my eye was using SMS enabled phone
numbers.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
OK.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
What exactly are those, and should we be setting
them up?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
It's a service that allows you to manage all of your
SMS communications OK, from acentral platform instead of
using your personal number,right?
So if you're looking tostreamline, your communication
and possibly save some money inthe process.
It might be worth checking out,especially if you're a small
business owner.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
I can see how that would be useful.
Yeah, I also noticed that thearticle mentioned Rainmaker has
a missed call text back feature.
It stood out to me because itcited a statistic saying that
62% of calls to small businessesgo unanswered.
Wow, I'm sure a lot of thoseare missed leads.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Absolutely.
That's a huge number ofpotential customers slipping
through the cracks.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
With this feature, a customizable text message is
automatically sent to anyone whocalls but doesn't get an answer
.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Think of it as a SashiNet.
I like that, making sure thatyou don't miss out on any
opportunities simply because youcouldn't pick up the phone.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
That's pretty cool.
But cool tools aside, thearticle also outlines some great
best practices that I think aresuper relevant for anyone
thinking about using SMSmarketing.
First up consent they reallyhammered that home, rightfully
so, yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
Getting clear consent before you send any SMS
messages is crucial.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Not only is it important for ethical reasons.
Speaker 1 (04:14):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
But you also need to make sure you're complying with
any applicable regulations.
Plus, being upfront about yourintentions builds trust with
your audience.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
It's all about respecting your audience and
their preferences.
Speaker 2 (04:26):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (04:27):
And that kind of leads into the next tip,
personalization.
I know I'm much more likely topay attention to a message when
it feels like it's specificallyfor me.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
You and just about everyone else.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
In today's world, people are constantly bombarded
with generic marketing messages.
Personalization is a key way tocut through the noise.
Imagine getting a text messagethat uses your name or
references your past purchase.
Wouldn't that catch yourattention more than a generic
blast?
Speaker 1 (04:56):
Absolutely.
It makes you feel like a valuedcustomer.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Now, while we're busy crafting these beautifully
personalized messages, it'simportant to remember to keep
them concise, right.
Definitely, you want to beclear, get to the point Right
and deliver value in theshortest possible way, right?
Have you ever gotten a textmessage that was just way too
long?
What did you do?
Speaker 2 (05:18):
I probably skimmed it and didn't fully read it.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Most people do the same thing.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:23):
SMS is all about getting your message across
efficiently.
Right, you only have a limitednumber of characters to work
with, so make every word count.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
This has been really insightful.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Yeah, I agree.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
So consent, personalization and being
concise are key to getting ourfoot in the door.
But what about the actualdelivery?
Ok, does timing play a role inSMS marketing?
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Timing is absolutely crucial.
Have you ever been woken up bya promotional text message in
the middle of the night?
Speaker 2 (05:53):
No.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Probably not a great feeling, right.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I'd be so annoyed, exactly, yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Think about your audience and when they're most
likely to be receptive to yourmessages.
You want to be mindful andrespectful of their time.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Plus, are you even going to remember that message
you got at 3 am?
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Probably not Exactly.
It's like those marketingemails I get in the middle of
the night.
I just delete them.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Most people do.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
There are some great scheduling tools out there.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
That can help you optimize your SMS campaigns.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (06:23):
And ensure your messages are sent at the best
possible time.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
So we've covered the importance of consent,
personalization, keepingmessages concise and sending
them at the right time.
Is there anything else we needto keep in mind?
Speaker 2 (06:36):
You also need to include a clear call to action.
Oh man, what do you want yourrecipients to do?
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
After they read your message, visit your website.
Okay, redeem a special offer.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:49):
Maybe even give you a call.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Right.
It's about guiding them towardsa specific action.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
But managing all of this manually seems like it
could get pretty time consuming.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Especially as your business grows Absolutely.
Can you tell me more aboutautomation and how that can be
used for SMS marketing?
Sure, I know this articletouched on it, but I think it
deserves more of a deep dive.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
I agree, automation is definitely a game changer for
anyone who's serious about SMSmarketing.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Imagine sending personalized messages at timed
intervals.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
All without lifting a finger.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Okay, that does sound pretty amazing.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
But how does that work in practice?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Could you?
Speaker 1 (07:28):
give us a real world example.
Sure yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Imagine a new customer signs up for your email
list.
Okay, with an automated dripcampaign.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
They would automatically get a series of
personalized text messages,gotcha.
First a welcome message, okay,then maybe a helpful tip related
to their interests, right, andlater a discount code for their
first purchase.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Wow.
So it's like you're creating apersonalized journey for each
customer.
It's not just about blastingout the same message to everyone
.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
No.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
This sounds pretty advanced.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
Can you break it down and explain how customer
segmentation works?
Speaker 2 (08:03):
It's not as complicated as it sounds.
Segmentation involves dividingyour audience into smaller
groups based on sharedcharacteristics like
demographics, past purchases orhow often they interact with
your brand.
This allows you to send highlytargeted messages that resonate
with each specific group.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
So, instead of sending the same generic message
to everyone, you're tailoringyour communication for maximum
impact.
Exactly, and then with dataanalytics, you can measure how
each group responds.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Exactly.
It's all about understandingyour audience Right and
delivering the right message atthe right time.
Mm-hmm.
Many platforms like Rainmaker,reputation AI, provide
dashboards with real-time dataon open rates, click-through
rates and conversions, allowingyou to constantly tweak and
improve your campaigns.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
This is all so interesting.
I'm already feeling inspired torethink my entire approach to
SMS.
Before we wrap up this part ofthe discussion, I'm curious to
know if there are any otherbenefits to using a platform
like Rainmaker Reputation AI.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
There are a few things that stand out to me.
Okay, for starters, everythingis integrated.
Okay, instead of using separatetools for sending messages,
collecting data and analyzingresults, right, you can manage
your entire SMS marketingstrategy from a single platform.
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Okay, so it's all in one place.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
All in one place, right Plus, you'll have access
to expert support and guidance.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Gotcha.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
If you need help setting things up or optimizing
your campaigns.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
I can definitely see how that would be helpful,
especially for someone juststarting out with SMS marketing.
Absolutely I think we'vecovered a lot of ground in this
first part of our deep dive.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
We have.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
We learned about the rising popularity of SMS, the
psychology behind itseffectiveness and some key best
practices for ethical andsuccessful campaigns.
We even explored some of thepowerful features offered by
platforms like Rainmaker,reputation AI, but before we
move on, I'd like to pause for amoment and ask you, our
listener, a question what's beenthe most surprising or
insightful thing you've learnedso far?
(10:09):
Mm-hmm, take a moment toreflect on that.
Yeah, and we'll be back shortlyto continue our exploration of
the exciting world of SMSmarketing sounds good yeah and a
great discussion so far yeahand you know as we talk about
all of this uh-huh.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
I'm reminded that SMS marketing right isn't just
about sending out promotions.
It can also be a powerful toolfor building relationships with
your customers.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
That's an interesting point.
I think a lot of people, myselfincluded, might see SMS as just
another way to advertise, butbuilding relationships with
customers is really importantfor any business.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
Absolutely, and I think that's where the true
power of SMS lies.
Okay, when you get a text froma business that feels personal,
yeah, it's like you'reinteracting with a real person,
not just a faceless company thatmakes sense yeah it creates
that personal touch that can behard to find with other
marketing methods like emailblasts or social media ads
exactly think about it this wayIf a business takes the time to
(11:10):
send you a personalized messagethrough a channel that feels as
personal as text messaging, yeah.
It feels like they truly valueyou as a customer.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
It's like receiving a handwritten note versus a
generic form letter.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
That personal touch can make all the difference.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
Precisely.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And when you use SMS to share valuable information.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Offer support or simply check in.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
You're nurturing those relationships, building
loyalty and establishing trust.
Speaker 1 (11:37):
So instead of just trying to sell something, you're
actually trying to build aconnection.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
I like that.
I know we've been focusing alot on Rainmaker Reputation AI.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
But I'm curious to know what you think about the
bigger picture of SMS marketing.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (11:53):
What are some of the key trends you're seeing emerge?
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Well, one trend that's really exciting is how
SMS is being integrated withother marketing channels.
We're seeing more and morecompanies using SMS as part of a
larger strategy Gotcha.
That might include email,social media and even in-store
experiences.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
So it's not about replacing those other channels,
no but finding ways to use SMSalongside them.
For a more holistic approach,Right.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
It's about finding the right tool for the right job
.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Each marketing channel has its strengths and
weaknesses.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
But using them strategically, you can create a
really immersive and engagingcustomer experience.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
It sounds like there's a lot of potential there
.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (12:34):
And speaking of potential, I'm curious to know
how AI is shaping the future ofSMS marketing.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
That's a great question.
Ai is becoming increasinglyimportant for tasks like
personalization and automation.
Okay important for tasks likepersonalization and automation.
Ok, we're already seeing AIpowered chat bots being used to
handle customer inquiriesthrough SMS, and AI algorithms
can analyze customer data andsegment audiences with
incredible accuracy.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
So it's about using technology to not only make SMS
marketing more effective, butalso more efficient.
Exactly, yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:09):
AI can help businesses send more relevant
messages.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:13):
Automate repetitive tasks and understand their
customers on a deeper level.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
That makes a lot of sense.
It's all about working smarter,not harder.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Now, before we wrap up this section.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
OK.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
I want to touch on something I think is really
important Ethics.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
We've already talked about getting consent before
sending SMS messages.
Right, but what are some otherthings businesses should keep in
mind to make sure they're usingSMS responsibly?
Speaker 2 (13:38):
That's a great question.
Ethical SMS marketing reallycomes down to respecting your
audience and their preferences.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
This means being transparent about what you're
using SMS for providingProviding clear instructions for
opting out.
Speaker 1 (13:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
And avoiding any tactics that feel spammy.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
It's about building trust and protecting your
reputation as a business.
Exactly yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
And we have to remember that SMS is a very
personal channel.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
People use their phones.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
For all sorts of important and private
communication, so businessesneed to treat their inboxes with
respect.
Speaker 1 (14:14):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:15):
It shouldn't feel like an intrusion.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
That's a great point.
If you start bombarding peoplewith messages they don't want,
you're going to lose their trustreally quickly.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Right.
Think of it like being a guestin someone's home.
You want to be respectful,mindful of their space and offer
something valuable to theconversation.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
That's a perfect analogy.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
So, in the end, responsible SMS marketing is
about being respectful,responsible and putting the
customer first.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
It's good for your customers and it's good for
business too.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
Now that we've covered a lot of the key
elements of SMS marketing, fromthe benefits to the ethical
considerations, I'd love to getyour take on something what do
you see as the most importantthing for businesses to remember
as they navigate this landscape?
Speaker 2 (15:07):
That's a good question.
I think the most importantthing is to remember that
technology should always be usedto enhance human connection,
not replace it.
We've talked about automation,we've talked about AI, but at
the end of the day, we're stilldealing with real people.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
I love that.
It's a good reminder thatbehind every phone number
there's a person with their ownthoughts, feelings and
preferences.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Exactly, and if businesses can keep that in mind
, I think they'll be well ontheir way to creating meaningful
and lasting relationships withtheir customers.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Well said Before we move on to the final part of our
deep dive let's pause for amoment and hear from you, our
listener, what's resonating withyou the most so far.
Are you surprised by anythingwe've discussed?
What questions are popping intoyour mind?
Speaker 2 (15:54):
Welcome back.
I'm really excited to continueour exploration of SMS marketing
.
We've already covered so muchground, but I feel like there's
still so much to uncover.
I agree, we've talked about thepower of SMS, how to use it
ethically and responsibly, andeven how AI is changing the game
.
It's been quite a journey, butbefore we wrap up, I'd love to
(16:15):
hear your thoughts on the futureof SMS marketing.
What are your predictions?
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Ooh, predictions.
I love it.
I think we'll see even tighterintegration with other channels.
It'll be interesting to see howcompanies use this technology
to create even more personalizedand seamless customer
experiences.
Imagine getting a textreminding you to pick up your
online order on your way homefrom work, followed by a
personalized offer based on yourpast purchases.
It would all feel so effortlessand intuitive.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
I can definitely see that happening, and as AI and
machine learning keep evolving,I think we'll see a whole new
level of personalization andautomation.
What if AI-powered chatbotscould handle customer inquiries
247, providing instant supportand suggestions tailored to each
individual?
Speaker 1 (16:58):
That would be amazing .
It would almost be like havinga personal shopping assistant in
your pocket.
It would be interesting to seehow AI could help companies not
only respond to inquiries, buteven anticipate them.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
I think that's where things are headed, and as the
line between the physical anddigital worlds continues to blur
, I think we'll find even morecreative ways to use SMS.
What if you could use it tointeract with smart devices in
your home, receivelocation-based offers when
you're out and about, or evenparticipate in interactive
experiences?
The possibilities are endless.
Speaker 1 (17:29):
That's really exciting.
But as cool and futuristic asall that sounds, we can't forget
the human element.
No matter how advancedtechnology gets SMS, marketing
will always be about makingauthentic connections.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
I couldn't agree more .
At the end of the day,technology should be used to
enhance those connections, notreplace them.
Sms is a powerful tool becauseit feels personal Companies need
to remember that there's a realperson with thoughts, feelings
and needs on the other end ofevery message.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
It's all about building relationships, not just
blasting out messages.
Yeah, so, as we wrap up thisdeep dive into SMS marketing,
what's the one piece of adviceyou would give to our listener
who's just starting out on theirSMS marketing journey?
Speaker 2 (18:08):
I think the best advice I could give is to start
with a clear understanding ofyour goals.
What are you hoping to achievewith SMS marketing?
Are you looking to increasebrand awareness, generate leads,
drive sales?
Once you have a good grasp ofyour objectives, you can start
thinking about your targetaudience.
Who are you trying to reach?
What are their needs andpreferences?
(18:30):
Once you understand your goalsand who you're trying to reach,
you can start exploring the manytools and strategies we've
talked about today.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
That's fantastic advice.
Knowing your audience and yourgoals is essential for any
marketing strategy.
It sounds like there's a lot toconsider, but don't be afraid
to experiment and have fun withit.
That's how you'll discover whatworks best for you and your
audience.
The world of SMS marketing isconstantly evolving, so it's
important to stay curious,adaptable and open to new ideas.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Exactly.
The most successful SMSmarketers are the ones who are
willing to learn, adapt andembrace new technologies.
This deep dive has been afantastic exploration of SMS
marketing and I'm so glad we hadthe chance to share these
insights with you.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
Me too.
Thanks for joining us for thisdeep dive into the world of SMS
marketing.
We hope you found it insightfuland inspiring.
We'll be back soon to exploreanother fascinating topic.
Until then, keep exploring andkeep learning.
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