Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Group Texting Based Upon The Clients' Permission

Even though group text messaging is an effective marketing plan used with success by companies large and small, it presents a couple of potential stumbling blocks. One of these is the temptation to send texts to customers or potential customers without first getting their consent. An unsolicited SMS message is recognized as spam. Here in the U.S., you can find laws and regulations in place that penalize organizations for engaging in this activity.

Even though precise numbers are hard to uncover, a few industry experts believe that billions of SMS spam texts are delivered in the U.S. each and every year. Outlined in this article, we'll take a better look at this matter. We will first establish permission-based text messaging, a phrase used by the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA). We will then explain why getting consent from customers is essential, how you can do it, and what to do after the fact to help make sure they remain subscribed to your databases.

Just What Is Permission-Based Texting?

Before you can send a single text to your clients and prospects, you have to obtain their authorization to do this; this is the base of permission marketing, whether the campaigns are sent via email, SMS messaging, or additional channels

Consent is typically granted whenever an individual registers to your opt-in list utilizing his or her phone. From there, you could continue sending text messages until he or she unsubscribes, or "opts out."

An example of this system can be located on websites that persuade you to sign into their subscriber lists. As soon as you do so, you'll receive emails that advertise products or services, or provide worth in some way. In many instances, you will receive these emails unless you remove yourself from list; permission-based SMS texting works likewise.

Obtaining consumers' consent before messaging them may seem to involve lots of pointless work. But it's important for a couple reasons.

The Reason It's Essential To Be Granted Permission

Earlier, we noted that laws and regulations are in place in the U.S. to dissuade companies from sending unsolicited group texts. Violating these guidelines might lead to significant financial penalties for the offending company. A class action lawsuit filed in 2008 against The Timberland Company provides a very good illustration. The case was eventually settled with the organization agreeing to pay $150 to each individual named in the suit who received a message. The pay out cost The Timberland Company vast amounts of money.

Another reason to seek consent from consumers involves the rapport you hope to establish with them. Consider your feelings whenever you get a spam email. It is not likely that you'll purchase something from the individual or organization powering the spam. In fact, you may also report the unrequested email. Considering the fact that a cellular device is a personalized tool, your target audience will probably feel the same.

Getting consumers' consent is essential prior to texting them. Without it, you'll hurt your company's representation, and even fall into legal issues.

Exactly How To Gain Clients' Permission

Before you can ask your clients and prospects to join your opt-in texting lists, you ought to first let your audience realize your lists exist. You can find myriad strategies to accomplish this, according to the kind of business you run

For instance, suppose you run a bar, cafe, or other retail venue. Use on-site signage to market your list. You can furthermore encourage your employees to notify guests about it.

Or, suppose your firm sells commercial real estate. Advertise your list on billboards, in print ads, and on every email you deliver to clients.

The second step is to provide your target audience something they think of beneficial in exchange for their consent. For instance, if you manage a cafe, provide prospective subscribers a considerable price reduction on their next visit. Very few people are going to join your group text messaging lists unless of course they're presented with a compelling reason to do this.

Providing Value After Permission Is Granted

Once a customer or prospect has opted in for your list (thereby providing you with their consent), the challenge becomes to encourage them to remain subscribed. If you send very little else besides promotions, most will unsubscribe (i.e. opt out); or, they may simply delete your messages. The solution is to discover methods to deliver continuing value to your subscribers. Not merely will doing so help to ensure they stay on your list, but will furthermore position your firm in an optimistic light.

To summarize, effective (and legal) group text messaging requires getting recipients' consent before delivering the first text message. Doing this enables you to control the relationship you have developed with them.


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Learn more about group text messaging at http://mobilizeus.com


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