Can SMS Marketing Be Automated? Here’s the Breakdown

Being a business owner, you’re probably aware of how powerful email marketing campaigns are for engaging customers. However, when it comes to time-sensitive offers, email might not always hit the mark. Let’s face it: not everyone checks their email in time for a flash sale, especially when they’re 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. Yet, you’re likely wondering if SMS marketing can be automated.

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

Automating your SMS marketing not only saves you time but also allows you to send messages to customers at the perfect moment. Whether it’s 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’ll help you develop a comprehensive SMS marketing strategy and show you how automation can help make the process easier to manage.

What is SMS Marketing Automation?

SMS marketing automation uses advanced SMS marketing tools to automatically send text messages to your customers or SMS 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:

• 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.

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 exactly 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:

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]”

Order Confirmations

Crucial for giving customers peace of mind after a purchase.

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

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]”

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.”

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].”

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]”

Feedback Requests

Encourage customers to provide valuable feedback on their experiences.

Example: “Thanks for your recent visit, [Customer Name]. We’d love to hear how it went. Feedback here: [Link] gets you 10% off next Time! – [Manager Name]”

Re-engagement Messages

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

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

Seasonal Promotions

Capitalize on the time of the year with relevant offers.

Example: “Winter’s coming! Stay warm with 30% off all outerwear. Shop now: [Link].”

Emergency Alerts

Quickly communicate important alerts or changes.

Example: “Alert: Our downtown location will be closed today due to unexpected maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience!”

How to Implement Automated SMS Marketing Messages

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 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. This means your client lists, calendars, and operational timings align perfectly with the platform.

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

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 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 a reminder text, which reduces missed appointments.

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. 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 makes your messages pop. 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 own 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 without you having to remember 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 marketing 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 send a confirmation message, or a thank you note right after the transaction. Or, if a customer signs up for an event, they could immediately receive all the details they need via SMS.

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 effectively.

Step 2: Integration (Optional)

Integrating Textellent with your existing systems can improve your workflow. Textellent 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. Use a catchy keyword that customers can text to a memorable shortcode to make 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

Craft concise and clear messages. Whether promoting an offer or sending an update, make sure the main point stands out. This clarity helps ensure that your message is effective.

Step 5: Segment Your Audience

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 them immediately or schedule them for later. Textellent supports automation, allowing you to trigger messages based on your customer’s or prospects’ actions.

Step 7: Track SMS Performance

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 in Sending SMS Marketing Messages

There are a few best practices that can make a difference in how your messages are received and acted upon by customers. 

Here’s a breakdown of some key tips to keep in mind:

Get Permission First

When you ask for customers’ permission, you show that you value their privacy and are mindful of their communication preferences. Customers who opt-in are more likely to engage with your messages because they’ve already agreed to hear from your business.

Getting consent can be as simple as including an opt-in checkbox on a signup form or having customers send a keyword to a shortcode to subscribe. Whatever method you choose, make sure it’s clear and simple so customers know exactly what they’re signing up for.

Keep It Personal

Personalization can start with something as simple as using the customer’s name in the text. But you can take it a step further. 

Customize your messages based on past purchases, browsing history, or preferences they’ve shared with you. Personal touches show customers that you’re attentive and committed to providing them with value.

Choose The Right Time

Sending your messages at the right time can greatly increase their effectiveness. Consider the general patterns of your audience’s daily lives—avoid early mornings or late nights when a text message might be unwelcome. 

Ideally, mid-morning or mid-afternoon are good times, as people are generally more available.

Be Clear and Concise

While modern SMS messaging isn’t strictly limited to 160 characters, keeping things brief is still in your best interest. Get straight to the point without using slang or jargon that might confuse your audience. 

A clear call to action (CTA) is also important—tell your customers exactly what you want them to do next.

Don’t Overdo It

Sending too many messages can quickly lead from helpful to annoying, which can cause customers to disengage or even opt out of your communications altogether. It’s important to strike a balance. You want to stay on your customers’ radar without overwhelming them.

A good rule of thumb is to send texts only when you have something valuable to say, whether it’s an exclusive offer, an important update, or a helpful reminder.

Measure and Adjust

Use analytics to track the success of your automated text messaging. Look at metrics like delivery rates, open rates, and conversion rates. 

This data will help you understand what works and doesn’t and allow you to adjust your approach over time.

Respect Privacy and Provide an Opt-Out Option

Just as it’s important to ask for permission before you start sending messages, it’s equally important to make it quick for customers to stop receiving them if they choose to. 

This could be as simple as including a simple “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” at the end of your messages. Offering a clear, hassle-free way to opt out complies with legal requirements and builds trust.

Advance Your SMS Marketing Tactics with Textellent!

Ready to take your business’s marketing strategy to the next level? Textellent delivers user-friendly texting features, competitive pricing, and robust customer support.

Why let complexity hold back your marketing efforts? With 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?

Some businesses may wonder, “Can SMS marketing be automated?” The answer is absolutely yes! 

But, 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 SMS marketing automation?

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.