SMS automation schedules proper broadcast times in business for SMS broadcasting. Have you ever needed to send a text message at a specific time, but couldn’t be on your phone to do it? Whether it’s for personal reminders, or business communication, the ability to schedule texts can be a game-changer.
However, for businesses the situation is slightly more complicated.
According to the University of Hamburg’s 2023 Marketing Automation Report, 44% of enterprises report on strategies around implementing automation, but about a quarter still hesitate. It is due to a lack of suitable solutions, or limited technical and human resources.
Read up on the possibilities and benefits of scheduling text messages and which tools match various use-case scenarios best.
Why You Might Want To Use Automation for an SMS Message
Not all recurring texts are created equal. Someone trying to enhance their SMS marketing strategies needs different tools to automate messages than a private consumer who wants to schedule a single text message.
Private consumers use an SMS scheduler for a variety of reasons, whether they leverage the built-in features of their Android phone, or a dedicated SMS organizer offered on the respective app store.
One common use of sending texts at a scheduled time among individuals is for private communication. Many people use personal automation for occasions like birthdays, or anniversaries. For people with friends, or family living abroad, scheduling texts to be sent at appropriate times is another use case, allowing users to stay in touch without the risk of disturbing the recipient at inconvenient hours, or forgetting to hit the send button at night.
These solutions are typically straightforward and designed for the casual user who wants to send a scheduled text message, or two on a limited, personal scale.
Business Communication Needs
In contrast, entrepreneurs and businesses require more sophisticated auto text tools that offer additional functionalities beyond what a standard smartphone’s messages app provides. These needs include:
- Marketing and customer engagement: Businesses use mass text message services for marketing purposes and recurring text message reminders or promotional offers. This requires tools that can handle large volumes of messages and segment audiences for targeted marketing.
- Customer service and support: A scheduled message for appointment reminders, service updates or order confirmations is common in business settings. These require integration with the business’s customer management systems.
- Internal communication: Companies also use scheduled text messages for internal communication, such as staff shift reminders or emergency alerts. A delayed text message could hurt operations, which is why a reliable system is key for businesses.
- Global scale operations: Businesses operating in multiple time zones can utilize SMS scheduling options to ensure timely communication with customers and staff worldwide, necessitating tools with advanced time zone management features.
Business SMS automation solutions, unlike personal use apps on iPhones, or Samsung phones, are more robust and offer integration with other business systems, detailed analytics and the ability to handle high volumes of messages. These solutions are tailored to the specific needs of businesses and are essential for efficient, effective communication in a professional context.
What Are the Business Benefits of Scheduled Text Messaging?
Scheduled text messaging offers a plethora of benefits for businesses, transforming the way they communicate with their customers. These advantages stem from the ability to plan and automate the delivery of a text blast, ensuring timely and relevant communication.
- Enhanced customer engagement: Scheduled texts are an effective way to keep customers informed and engaged. By sending updates at the right time, your business can strengthen its relationship with clients.
- Efficient communication: Automating messages saves time and resources. Businesses can schedule texts for various purposes, such as appointment reminders, or order updates. This efficiency allows you to focus on other critical areas of your operations.
- Trust and reliability: Regular and timely communication through scheduled texts helps in building trust with customers. This is especially crucial for maintaining the long-term customer relationships that drive re-buys, or recommendations.
- Upselling opportunities: Autoresponders and customized messages can open doors for upselling. By targeting specific customer groups with tailored offers or product recommendations, you can effectively increase sales opportunities on autopilot.
- Feedback and reviews: Scheduled texts can be used to solicit customer feedback, ratings, or reviews, which are invaluable for business improvement and customer satisfaction. This will also help you make your business more customer-centric.
- Data-driven strategy: Analyzing customer behavior and preferences helps in scheduling messages at times when customers are most likely to engage. This data-driven approach ensures that the messages have the most impact.
For businesses looking to leverage the power of scheduled text messaging, these points are crucial:
- Select the right platform and support options,
- Create engaging content,
- Pick your send times wisely based on customer behaviour,
- Monitor regularly,
- Adapt the strategy according to performance
These above points are key to maximizing the benefits of scheduled messaging.
Best Practices for SMS Automation in Business
Text broadcasts must adhere to time restrictions on text messaging and should not occur before 8am or after 9pm in the recipient’s time zone. In the US, the TCPA has a federal law that regulates telemarketing practices. The Canadian equivalent is CASL. The only exception to this is transactional SMS where the recipient has specifically consented to receiving off-hours messaging.
To effectively utilize automated text messages in business communication, adopting certain best practices and learning from successful business examples can be highly beneficial. Here’s how different sectors are benefiting from this technology:
1. Retail Sector: Personalized Product Recommendations and Exclusive Discounts
Retailers are increasingly using SMS automation to send personalized product recommendations and exclusive discounts based on individual purchase behavior. This approach leverages customer data to tailor offers, ensuring that the messages are relevant and appealing to each recipient.
Benefits:
- Increased sales: By sending offers that align with the customer’s preferences and purchase history, retailers can drive repeat purchases and increase overall sales.
- Improved customer engagement: Personalized messages make customers feel valued, enhancing their relationship with the brand.
- Data insights: Monitoring the response to these texts provides valuable insights into customer preferences, aiding in the development of future marketing strategies.
A clothing retailer can analyze an opted-in customer’s past purchases and send them a text message about a new line of products similar to what they have bought before, possibly with a special discount code:
“Hi Emma, we noticed you love our summer dresses! Enjoy a 20% discount on our new floral collection. Valid till Sunday. Shop now: [Link]. [Retail Brand Name]”
2. Fitness Centers: Workout Reminders, Class Schedules and Motivational Tips
Fitness centers and gyms are utilizing SMS automation with texts by sending workout reminders, class schedules and motivational tips to members. Their proactive communication helps keep fitness goals on track. It fosters a supportive community too.
Benefits:
- Higher attendance rates: Regular reminders and updates about class schedules encourage members to attend more frequently.
- Enhanced customer experience: Motivational messages and fitness tips provide added value to members, enriching their overall experience with the gym.
- Reduced no-shows: Automated reminders can significantly decrease the rate of missed appointments or classes.
A fitness center can send a text reminder about an upcoming yoga class, along with a brief motivational quote, or fitness tip to inspire members.
“Good Morning, Alex! Don’t forget your Yoga class at 6 PM today. Here’s a quick tip: Stay hydrated and energized with a light snack an hour before. See you soon! [Gym Name]”
3. Financial Services Firms: Payment Reminders, Account Updates, and Fraud Alerts
Financial services firms are adopting SMS automation to send payment reminders, account updates and notifications about potentially fraudulent activities. This ensures that customers are always informed about their financial status and any potential risks.
Benefits:
- Improved financial responsibility: Payment reminders help customers stay on top of their bills and avoid late fees.
- Enhanced security: Alerts about unusual account activities, or potential fraud help in safeguarding the customer’s financial assets.
- Customer trust and satisfaction: Providing timely and accurate information about accounts and transactions builds trust and enhances overall customer satisfaction.
Bank send SMS alerts to customers about unusual transactions, or scheduled payments. This enhances security and trust.
“Alert: Your credit card payment is due in 3 days. Avoid late fees! Pay now at [Link]. For questions, call us at [Phone Number]. [Bank Name]”
These SMS examples demonstrate how SMS automation in your business can be tailored to the specific needs of an industry. It is a relevant and valuable touchpoint with customers.
Try Our Free Demo
Scheduled text messaging is more than a convenience; it’s a tool that enhances personal and professional communication. Embracing this technology can lead to improved efficiency, stronger customer relationships and a more organized life.
Experience the power of scheduled text messaging with SMS automation with Swift SMS Gateway. Try our free demo today and take the first step towards smarter communication.
