Nurture Leads And Drive Sales With Automated SMS Marketing

Being a business owner, you’re probably aware of how powerful email marketing campaigns are for engaging customers.

However, email might not always hit the mark when it comes to time-sensitive offers. 

Let’s face it: not everyone checks their email in time for a flash sale, especially when busy.

This is where building an effective SMS strategy becomes essential. Sending time-sensitive messages via SMS can reach your audience directly on their mobile devices and ensure they see your offers immediately. 

If you’re considering whether you can set up your SMS campaigns to run themselves, the answer is a resounding yes! 

Automated SMS marketing saves you time and allows you to send SMS messages to customers at the perfect moment. Whether a reminder for an upcoming sale or a thank-you note after a purchase, each message can be scheduled and customized to fit your audience and goals.

In this article, we will guide you on how automated SMS marketing works, together with ten effective examples of better campaigns.

Differences Between Automated and Traditional SMS Marketing

While both involve sending texts to customers, traditional SMS marketing requires more manual work. Texting from phone methods, marketers send each text individually or create bulk messages on the spot, which takes time and often feels generic.

The texts are tailored to specific actions and timings with automated SMS messaging.

SMS marketing automation uses advanced marketing tools to automatically send text messages to your customers or subscribers without manually typing out and sending each one. 

You can set it up to trigger messages based on specific actions or events. Common triggers include:

• Inquiries: Send a message to those who did not book a consult or inquire further
• Sign-ups: Send a welcome message when someone joins your mailing list
• Purchases: Follow up with a thank you message and order details
• Anniversaries or birthdays: Automate special offers or greetings
• Inactivity: Send re-engagement offers to customers who haven’t interacted with your business for a while

Which One Should You Choose?

Traditional SMS marketing can be a simple and direct option for businesses that want to send one-off messages or have a smaller audience.

However, automated SMS marketing is the better fit if you’re looking to build ongoing customer relationships and personalize communication at scale. It lets you stay connected with customers in real-time with timely and personal messages.

Key Benefits of Automated Text Messaging

Automated SMS marketing opens up unique opportunities for businesses to reach customers in a timely, personalized way.

While SMS marketing’s high open rates and direct reach are well-known, the automated approach brings unique advantages.

Instant Responses Without the Manual Effort

Instead of monitoring customer actions all day, you set up automated responses triggered by specific actions, like adding an item to the cart or signing up for a loyalty program. This ensures messages reach customers at the most relevant moments.

Crafting Customer Journeys That Build Loyalty

Automated SMS lets businesses create multi-step journeys tailored to customer actions and preferences. This approach keeps customers engaged long after their first interaction.

For instance, a new subscriber might receive a welcome message, an exclusive offer, and occasional updates based on their interests.

Precision Targeting with Personalized Triggers

With automated SMS, messages are personalized and triggered by specific customer actions. This targeting ensures messages feel relevant, based on what customers are already interested in.

Someone who browses a product page might later receive a follow-up SMS offering a small discount on that product or sharing popular customer reviews.

Scalability with Consistency

As customer lists grow, maintaining personal communication becomes challenging. Automated SMS marketing handles scaling easily, delivering consistent and personalized messages to each customer.

It allows businesses to reach thousands without adding extra workload, ensuring every customer feels individually valued.

Data-Driven Insights and Real-Time Optimization

Automated SMS platforms provide valuable insights, such as open rates, click-throughs, and response rates. Traditional SMS methods often leave marketers guessing what’s working, but automated systems let businesses analyze and optimize as they go.

This ongoing feedback makes it easy to refine automated text message campaigns and improve engagement with each message.

Compliance with Privacy Regulations

SMS compliance can be complex, with strict rules around customer consent and opt-outs.

Automated SMS marketing services help businesses manage permissions automatically, handle opt-outs, and keep frequency within guidelines. This makes it easier to focus on building customer relationships while staying compliant with industry standards.

10 Examples of Automated Text Messages

The texts you send to your customers must be concise. Therefore, each message should be straight to the point and convey what your customer needs to know. 

Let’s explore some common types of automated text messages and see how they can be smartly used in various business settings:

1. Inquiry Messages 

A great way to engage those shopping for a service or product immediately if they fill out a web form or respond to an ad – provides a speedy response to a lead

Example: ”Hi Name, Thanks for asking out our custom blinds. Mind telling me more about your project so I can be more helpful? – [Manager Name]”

2. Welcome Messages

Perfect for introducing your brand to new subscribers.

Example: “Welcome to [Brand]! Thanks for signing up. We look forward to sharing exciting updates and exclusive offers with you. – [Manager Name]”

3. Order Confirmations

A follow-up message after a purchase, reassuring the customer that their order was received and is being processed.

Example: “Thanks for your order, [Customer Name]! We’ll notify you when it ships. Check your order status here: [Link].”

4. Shipping Updates

Keep your customers informed from when their order ships to when it arrives at their door.

Example: “Your order has shipped! Track it here: [Tracking URL]. Thanks for shopping with us. – [Manager Name]”

5. Appointment Reminders

Help reduce no-shows with timely reminders.

Example: “Reminder: You have an appointment with [Service Provider] tomorrow at [Time]. Reply with ‘YES’ to confirm.”

6. Payment Reminders

Ensure timely payments by reminding customers of upcoming dues.

Example: “Hi [Customer Name], your upcoming bill of [Amount] is due on [Due Date]. Please pay here: [Payment Link].”

7. Birthday or Anniversary Messages

A personal touch, such as automated birthday text messages, can make your customers feel special.

Example: “Happy Birthday, [Customer Name]! Enjoy a 20% discount on us today. Use code BDAY20 at checkout. – [Manager Name]”

8. Review Requests

An invitation for customers to rate their experience or leave a review after making a purchase or using a service.

Example: “Thanks for your recent visit, [Customer Name]. We’d love it if you would leave us a review – it helps our business: [Link]– [Manager Name].”

9. Re-engagement Messages

Rekindle interest with customers who haven’t been active recently.

Example: “Hey [Customer Name], we’ve missed you! Here’s something special to welcome you back: 15% off your next purchase with code WELCOME15. – [Manager Name]”

10. Abandoned Cart Reminder

A helpful reminder for customers who added items to their cart but didn’t complete the purchase, often paired with a discount or incentive to encourage completion.

Example: “Hi [Name], it looks like you left something behind! Complete your purchase and enjoy free shipping with code FREESHIP. Here’s your cart: [link to cart].”

How to Implement Automated Text Messaging

Automation in SMS marketing not only saves time but also ensures consistent communication with your customers. 

Here’s how you can send automated text messages:

Using The Right Automated SMS Marketing Platform

An automated texting solution like Textellent can transform how you connect with your customers via SMS. It sends and schedules texts and integrates smoothly with your existing business tools. Your client lists, calendars, and operational timings align perfectly with the platform.

Here’s a closer look at some standout features of Textellent:

Speed-to-Lead Campaigns

Businesses often get inquiries via web forms and through ad programs that don’t get prompt follow-up. 

Let’s face it: leads often fall through the cracks or are not responded to promptly, and 30-50%of sales go to the vendor that responds first. 

By creating an automated yet personalized response to those who send in an inquiry, a business can pre-qualify the prospect and engage them before contacting the next vendor on the list.

Automated Drip Campaigns

Businesses looking to engage their audience automatically can benefit from Textellent’s Drip Campaigns. 

It’s easy to set up a series of automated messages simultaneously, which can be sent out at intervals you choose to keep your customers engaged over time. This is perfect for nurturing leads or keeping your brand in your customers’ minds.

Recurring messages ensure that your most important notifications and reminders are automatically sent out regularly without additional input.

Easy Scheduling

Textellent helps you save time and reduce the potential for miscommunication or scheduling conflicts. Customers can book appointments or make reservations from their phones with simple text commands. 

This simplifies the process for both sides—customers appreciate the convenience, and you get a simplified way to manage appointments. 

Automated Reminders

Automated SMS reminders keep your customers on track. If you run a service business, these reminders can gently alert your customers about their upcoming appointments or reservations. It’s a simple, automated touch that can reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.

No-shows can be a real headache, but Textellent helps tweak that problem with automated reminders. 

Before an appointment or reservation, your customers receive 1-2  reminder texts, which reduces missed appointments. You can even send a message asking recipients to re-confirm if needed.

This saves you from potential lost revenue and shows your customers that you value their time. Moreover, they’re all done automatically, so once you set them up, you can sit back and let the system take care of the reminders for you.

Personalized Communication

With personalized text messages, you can use what you know about your customers to send messages that resonate with them. 

This personalized approach makes each customer feel recognized and valued, as if you’re speaking directly to them.

With Textellent, personalization is a breeze. Use tags to tailor your personalized messages based on what you know about your customers—like their past purchases, preferences, or behavior. 

You can also use the system to trigger messages based on the customer’s action. This makes each message feel more personal and relevant and makes them feel valued.

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)

Using MMS messages (Multimedia Messaging Service) in your SMS marketing also pops your messages. 

With MMS, you can send more than just plain text; you can include images, videos, and sound. This rich media can capture attention way better than text alone.

Textellent offers a media library where you can upload your visuals or use ones provided by the platform. It tailors your campaigns perfectly to fit your brand’s style and message. 

For example, if you run a restaurant, sending a mouthwatering photo of your dish of the day could tempt customers in a way words might not.

Effortless Follow-Ups

Following up after a sale or appointment is essential, but it’s easy to overlook in the business industry. 

Textellent’s SMS automation feature is useful for follow-ups, sending thank-you messages, or asking for feedback or reviews after a service is delivered without you remembering to do it each time. 

It’s a simple way to improve customer relationships and show you care.

Integrate with Your CRM

For a more customized approach, integrate your SMS automation software with your existing customer relationship management (CRM) system to improve your marketing efforts. This integration allows you to automate messages based on specific customer behaviors or milestones.

For example, if a customer recently purchased a product, your integrated system can trigger an SMS to thank them, offer helpful tips, or even suggest related products they might like.

Use API Integration for Custom Solutions

API integration allows for more customized solutions for businesses with specific needs. 

For example, if someone purchases on your website, your integrated system can automatically trigger a series of messages associated with delivering a particular type of order. 

For example, send an order confirmation message, then a message associated with delivery, followed by a message to schedule installation and ultimately a thank you note or review request. This sequence might vary depending on the type of product or service ordered. 

This means you can automate SMS messages that fit precisely with your existing systems and workflows to ensure a seamless experience both internally and for the customer.

Setting Up Automated Marketing Campaigns with Textellent

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Textellent for automating your SMS marketing campaigns:

Step 1: Sign Up with Textellent

Start by signing up with Textellent to gain access to all its features, which are designed to help you launch and manage your SMS campaigns. This text message marketing software will manage the process of getting you registered with the carriers. 

Step 2: Integration (Optional)

Integrating Textellent with your existing systems can improve your workflow. This automated texting service offers integrations through a simple Chrome extension, Zapier actions, or direct API connections across different platforms.

Step 3: Create Your Text List

Organize your customer contacts into a list. To build your opt-in list further, you can use a catchy keyword that customers can text to your phone number. A memorable shortcode also makes it easy for new subscribers to join and grow your SMS subscribers list. 

Promote this keyword through various channels to maximize your reach.

Step 4: Craft Your Messages

You should craft concise and clear messages when promoting an offer or sending an update. This clarity helps ensure that your message is effective.

Step 5: Segment Your Audience

You can use Textellent’s features to segment your audience based on detailed criteria such as past interactions, expressed interests, or demographic data. This targeted approach helps personalize the messages and increase their relevance and effectiveness.

Step 6: Send Your SMS Messages

Once your messages are ready and your audience is segmented, it’s time to send them out. You can send scheduled text messages immediately or save them for later. Textellent supports automation that allows you to trigger messages based on your customer’s or prospects’ actions.

Step 7: Track SMS Performance

You should monitor the engagement of your SMS marketing campaigns using Textellent’s comprehensive reporting tools. These tools help you track delivery status and measure key metrics such as engagement, response rates, and conversions.

Best Practices for Automated SMS Marketing

When it comes to automated SMS marketing, your approach can make a big difference in how customers perceive your messages and how effective your campaigns are.

Stay Compliant with Privacy and SMS Regulations

SMS compliance is critical in SMS marketing. With privacy laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), it’s essential to ensure that you have clear permission from customers before reaching out.

Start by obtaining explicit consent. A simple checkbox on your website or a double opt-in message (“Reply YES to confirm”) works well and confirms that recipients want to hear from you.

Include an easy way to unsubscribe in every message, such as “Reply STOP to unsubscribe,” which keeps your approach respectful and customer-focused.

Staying up-to-date on local and international regulations demonstrates that your business values transparency and builds customer trust from the outset.

Optimize Timing and Frequency

SMS is an immediate form of communication, so the timing of your messages can greatly influence customer response.

Sending texts too early in the morning or late at night is intrusive and may lead to higher opt-outs. A general rule is to keep messages within business hours, around 9 AM to 8 PM, but this varies depending on your audience’s habits.

Experiment with different times to see what generates the best response. For example, weekend promotions may perform well if your audience tends to shop then, while appointment reminders sent a day before can help ensure attendance.

If your audience is spread across multiple time zones, consider scheduling messages according to each recipient’s local time to keep communications convenient.

Personalize Messages Based on Customer Data

The key to successful SMS marketing is ensuring that every message provides value to the recipient. Unlike emails, texts are more personal and have higher open rates, so customers expect each message to be worth their time.

Including a customer’s name at the start of a message is a small but effective touch. You may also tailor your content based on past purchases or browsing behavior, which adds even more relevance.

Provide Real Value in Every Message

Each SMS should offer something meaningful to the recipient, whether a special offer, useful information, or a friendly reminder. People generally appreciate exclusive or time-sensitive texts, making the message feel more like a privilege than an intrusion.

For example, consider offering something special, like early access to a sale or a limited-time discount, rather than sending a generic promotional message.

If the purpose is informational, such as notifying customers that a favorite item is back in stock, make the message clear and actionable, with a direct link for easy access.

By consistently delivering value, your SMS campaigns become an asset to your customers, building trust and encouraging continued engagement with your brand.

Maintain a Clean and Engaged Subscriber List

Inactive contacts can skew engagement metrics, so it’s a good idea to regularly clean up your list to ensure messages reach the right audience.

You should periodically review your list and remove subscribers who haven’t engaged for several months.

If you want to try re-engaging inactive subscribers, a special offer or reminder can prompt them to rejoin the conversation. Keep your list up-to-date, and only send messages to contacts who want to hear from you.

Advance Your SMS Marketing Tactics with Textellent!

Ready to see better returns on your marketing efforts? An SMS marketing software like Textellent delivers user-friendly texting features, competitive pricing, and powerful customer support.

Textellent makes it simple for any business, big or small, to run SMS campaigns that feel personal—even when sending to hundreds or thousands of people.

Why let complexity hold back your marketing efforts? With an SMS marketing solution like Textellent, creating effective SMS marketing campaigns is quick and stress-free.

Sign up for a free trial or request a demo consultation.

FAQs About Automated SMS Marketing

What are the common pitfalls in automated text message marketing?

One common mistake is over-automating, making messages feel impersonal and robotic. 

Another pitfall is neglecting to update or refresh message content, which can lead to customer disengagement if they keep receiving the same information. 

Lastly, improper segmentation can result in irrelevant messages that annoy recipients rather than engage them.

How do I measure the success of my automated text marketing?

Success in text message automation can be determined through several metrics, such as open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and unsubscribe rates. Monitoring customer feedback and engagement levels can also provide insights into how well your messages are received.

What types of messages are most effective in automated SMS marketing?

Transactional messages, like payment confirmations and shipping updates, typically see high engagement because they provide critical information. Promotional messages about special offers or new products can also be very effective if they are timely and relevant to the customer’s interests.