Launching Effective SMS Campaigns for Local Businesses

Hey there, local business owner! Have Google reviews been few and far between, and foot traffic even more so? It’s about time you did something about it. 

Ready to level up your marketing game with text campaigns? In this guide, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of SMS campaigns and how they can work wonders for your local service business. Plus, we’ll show you some tips and tricks that can make it all a breeze.

Let’s get started!

Why SMS Campaigns Work for Local Businesses

SMS campaigns are an instant and personal form of marketing for local businesses. Here’s why they’re so awesome:

High Engagement

People can’t resist checking their texts, so you’re practically guaranteed to get their attention.

Instant Connection

Your message lands right in their pocket, ready to be seen in an instant. No waiting around for emails or ads to pop up like other types of campaigns.

Budget-Friendly

Text campaigns won’t break the bank. They’re super affordable and easy to set up, even for the tech-challenged among us.

Benefits of SMS Campaigns

Text campaigns pack a punch with perks like:

Quick Reach

Messages are delivered instantly to customers’ phones, so you can get your message out there fast.

Loads of Engagement

Personalized texts make customers feel special because they are receiving an insider scoop on information no one else is. This exclusivity and tailored messaging keeps them engaged and eager to read your next text.

Boosted Sales

Send out those limited-time deals and promos, and watch your sales soar.

Loyal Fans

If you want to build a fan base, the first place to start is by staying in touch with your customers. Ask for feedback after a purchase, and keep them in the loop on upcoming events. You’ll be surprised how effective just a little text every once in a while can be in winning hearts and opening wallets.

Key Components of a Successful SMS Campaign

Now that you know why you should leverage SMS campaigns, let’s dig a bit deeper into the how. Here’s the essentials of how campaigns work:

Set Clear Goals

Before you hit send, know exactly what you want to achieve. Whether it’s boosting sales, driving website traffic, or simply spreading the word about your latest offer, having a clear goal in mind will guide your entire campaign and help you determine whether it is paying off.

Know Your Crowd

One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to text campaigns. Segment your customer list based on their interests, behaviors, and purchase history. This way, you can tailor your messages to resonate with each individual group, making them feel like you’re speaking directly to them.

Write Snappy Messages

Attention spans are short, so your messages need to pack a punch. Keep it short, sweet, and oh-so-enticing. Tell them what’s up, throw in a killer deal or an irresistible offer, and don’t forget to hit them with a clear call to action that they can’t resist clicking.

Time It Right

Timing is everything when it comes to text campaigns. Schedule your messages for the perfect moment when your customers are most likely to be checking their phones. Whether it’s during lunchtime, in the evening, or on weekends, find the sweet spot that works best for your audience. Just no texts at 3am, nobody appreciates that. 

Stay Legit

Last but not least, make sure your campaigns play by the rules. Always get permission from your customers before sending texts, and give them an easy way to opt out if they want to. Sticking to the rules not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also builds trust with your customers, because they know they can count on you to respect their time and their privacy. 

Tips for Creating Effective SMS Campaigns

Ready to take your SMS campaign game from good to great? Here are a few pro tips to help you level up:

Personalize Like a Pro

People love feeling special, so use your customers’ names and tailor your messages to their preferences whenever possible. It’ll show that you’re paying attention and make them feel like VIPs.

Exclusive Deals FTW

Want to really wow your customers? Give ’em something they can’t get anywhere else. Exclusive offers and VIP perks make them feel like part of an exclusive club and keep them coming back for more.

Keep the Conversation Going

Don’t let the conversation end after one message. Keep the party rolling with follow-up messages that remind them about that sweet deal, or just shoot them a quick thank-you to show you care. Keeping the conversation going helps build stronger relationships and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Track Your Wins

Finally, don’t forget to track your wins. Use analytics to see what’s working and what’s not, and then tweak your strategy accordingly. Whether it’s adjusting your messaging, changing up your timing, or targeting different segments of your audience, tracking your wins helps you stay on top of your game and keep those wins coming.

Tip: 40 Sample text messages to customers.

Examples of Successful SMS Campaigns

Curious to see SMS campaign marketing in action? Of course you are, you’ve made it this far after all. Check out these real-life examples of local businesses that have nailed their text campaigns:

Wag!

Wag! helps pet owners across the U.S. by offering pet-sitting and walking services. They know finding a good pet sitter can be tough and expensive. That’s why Wag! often gives discounts to customers who use their mobile app. These discounts help pet owners save money and feel less stressed about leaving their pets behind.

In this example, Wag! offered its clients a discount on pet boarding during a popular holiday when lots of people travel. This shows how giving discounts at the right time can really help your customers move the needle on deciding to buy. 

(Source, Textline)

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness, a boutique group fitness studio with multiple branches nationwide, leveraged SMS campaign marketing to entice fresh sign-ups for their monthly memberships. In this instance, Orangetheory reached out to a prospective customer with an exclusive invitation to experience a complimentary VIP Class at their studio, aiming to spark interest and prompt them to enroll.

The individual enthusiastically accepted the invitation, leading to their participation in the free session. This engagement provided Orangetheory with a prime opportunity to engage with the prospect in person, potentially leading to the sale of a monthly membership. 

(Source, Textline)

Besa Quality Auto Care

Besa Quality Auto Care is a small business that has been around for over 30 years, supporting their local community with auto repair services. They regularly use SMS campaign triggers to send quotes, invoices, confirmation of payment, and review requests directly through text. 

By using Broadly’s SMS campaign integration features, they saw an increase of 60% in customer reviews in just a few months of running their SMS campaign.

Getting Started with SMS Campaigns

Ready to dive into the world of SMS marketing? Here’s how to get started with your first campaign:

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before you start crafting messages, clarify what you want to achieve with your campaign. Whether it’s driving sales, increasing website traffic, or boosting customer engagement, having a clear goal will guide your strategy.

Step 2: Build Your Contact List

Collect phone numbers from your customers through in-person visits, website sign-ups, or service calls. Make sure to get explicit permission to send them text messages and offer incentives like discounts or exclusive offers for signing up.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tools

There are plenty of SMS marketing platforms out there, so choose one that fits your needs and budget. Look for features like easy contact list management, customizable templates, and robust analytics to track your campaign’s performance.

Step 4: Craft Compelling Messages

Keep your messages short, sweet, and to the point. Include a clear call to action and personalize your messages whenever possible. Whether you’re promoting a sale, announcing a new product, or sending out a special offer, make sure your messages grab attention and drive action.

Step 5: Schedule Your Messages

As we said earlier, timing is incredibly important when it comes to SMS campaigns. Schedule your messages for times when your audience is most likely to be receptive to your messaging, whether it’s during lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends. No one likes being bothered in the middle of a root canal at 8am on a Monday.

Tip: How to send a text blast.

Step 6: Track and Analyze

Once your campaign is up and running, don’t forget to track your results. Use analytics to monitor metrics like delivery rates, open rates, and click-through rates, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Experiment with different messaging strategies and timing to see what resonates best with your audience.

With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to launching successful SMS campaigns that drive results for your local business.

How Broadly Can Help

Broadly’s got your back with some seriously awesome features:

• Supercharged Campaigns: With Broadly, you can create and send custom, AI-enhanced campaigns that’ll help you convert faster.
• Get Personal: Broadly lets you personalize your messages and target specific groups for maximum impact.
• Stay on the Right Side of the Law: Broadly helps you stay compliant with all the rules and regulations so you can text with confidence.

If you’re ready to take your SMS campaign up a notch, sign up for a free demo of Broadly’s SMS campaign services today!