{"id":42687,"date":"2024-01-17T15:12:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T04:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onesaas.local\/blog\/steps-to-refine-your-business-texting\/"},"modified":"2024-03-27T19:51:06","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T19:51:06","slug":"steps-to-refine-your-business-texting","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/messagemedia.com\/nz\/blog\/steps-to-refine-your-business-texting\/","title":{"rendered":"8 steps to level up your business texting."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So you’re all set to use a messaging platform. Congrats. You’re ready to jump on the fact that 68% of customers<\/a> are more likely to buy from you if you offer convenient communications\u2014which, these days, means chat and messaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now what? How can you make the most of SMS to connect with customers? How can you make the most out of your platform\u2019s features?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve got you covered with proven ways to make sure those characters count and your customers click through to conversions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Do you have message templates set up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Find yourself lost for words when you go to write an SMS? Stay on-brand and tonally consistent by using text message templates<\/a>. Time-saving templates make it easy to craft your SMS \u2014 there\u2019s no need to reinvent the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"SMS
Hi #FirstName#, thanks for shopping at [Brand]. We\u2019re packing your order. Track it at [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Already have SMS templates set up? Now is the time to give them a good polish to help your message shine. While you\u2019re at it, make sure each template is short, sweet, and personalised. Take our quick refresher on text messaging etiquette<\/a> to make sure you\u2019re hitting the right spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Is your data up-to-date and tidy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve Marie-Kondo\u2019d your desk and dusted the office pot plants, it\u2019s time to tackle your database. Those mobile numbers aren\u2019t helping your business grow if your messages aren\u2019t getting through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a good look at your contact groups. Delete any duplicates (but just note our tip below) and cull any dead numbers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brush up on the best way to manage contacts<\/a> to make sure you\u2019re getting the most bang for your buck when you hit \u2018send\u2019. If you\u2019ve got an extensive database, taking the time to validate it can deliver huge savings on your marketing spend.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use delivery reports or home location register (HLR) lookups<\/a> to see which messages aren\u2019t getting through, and which numbers are inactive. Our HLR lookups are much cheaper than an SMS. We\u2019ll get the carriers to confirm the status of a number \u2014 it\u2019s typically very fast, and we will email you a spreadsheet with results. Easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOP TIP: <\/strong>Sometimes, it helps to have a contact listed twice. For example, a school that needs to message a parent or guardian regarding multiple children separately. Learn how to turn this feature on or off<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Have you set up automations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Save time, money, and hassle with automated text messages<\/a>. By using keyword triggers, auto-replies, and simple if\/then logic, you don\u2019t have to be tied to your desk managing two-way conversations.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With automations, you can schedule text reminders, confirmations to opt-in campaigns, out-of-office auto-replies, and more. They will change the way you do business \u2014 and deliver a great customer experience at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget, you can easily manage unsubscribes\/opt-outs to stay compliant<\/a> by using shortened URLs or keywords (i.e., STOP to opt-out).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Are you ready to start a conversation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Blasting out one-way missives to customers is, like, so last year. Of course, there\u2019s a time and place to send out promotional or informational messages that don\u2019t require a reply. But to truly boost customer engagement, conversational messaging is where it\u2019s at.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, over 41% of businesses are planning to add one or more conversational messaging channels in 2024. And customers are clamoring for it. In those crucial pre-purchase moments, 42.6% of them prefer messaging channels to communicate with brands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you haven\u2019t already, it\u2019s time to set up two-way chat.<\/a> You can seamlessly integrate two-way SMS with your favorite platforms, or use our messaging inbox. Too easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n

\r\n It\u2019s time to get conversational with your customers. <\/h2>\r\n\r\n

<\/p>\r\n\r\n

\r\n Get playbook<\/a> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n
\r\n \"Image\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n