• 2019-06-11 | 07:20:01
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Frequently asked questions: Do you know where your phone is now?
Most likely you will do that. Chances are you’ll even know how many unread text messages you have and how much battery you have left on your phone.
Consumers’ obsession with their phones is well documented. But while marketers struggle to meet consumers where they are, there are too few opportunities to take advantage of texting.

Sending SMS
SMS is a strong marketing channel for businesses as it leverages location information and speed to effectively engage with existing consumers. Consider the popularity of text messaging among consumers.
This is not surprising. When it comes to contact and contact, texting seems unrivaled. Almost 90 percent of text messages are read within three minutes, and 99 percent are eventually read by their intended recipient. Considering that 95 percent of Americans own a phone (77 percent own a smartphone), texting can reach a wide audience quickly and have a higher level of engagement.
Some industries have already used texting as part of their larger marketing strategy, with great success. Chipotle, for example, already uses it to connect with its mobile users. Following Chipotle’s recent bug, the company used a texting strategy to get customers back to special promotions and deals.
However, even brands that use texting to reach consumers can sometimes struggle to learn more about customers through analytics. With these analytics tools, marketers can track text messages and initiate interactions to gain valuable insights about consumers and their desires. Response rates, response types, and session rates on SMS all provide valuable data on how best to use the channel. For example, businesses may find that when consumers are likely to work on a train or bus, SMS offers a higher conversion rate when sent during typical commute times. Or, car stores that offer discounted oil changes via text message may actually receive questions unrelated to the offer in response. Understanding these performance metrics and trends can inform better SMS strategies over time. As business moves toward mobile interfaces, more businesses must engage consumers with these devices, but these interactions can also be enhanced with qualitative and quantitative data.
A mobile strategy should be part of that strategy, from performing SMS-based advertising campaigns to developing repetitive, seamless interactions with customers via SMS. This approach ultimately provides marketers with a deeper understanding of the entire consumer buying path and allows businesses to better engage consumers in real time.
The Power of Texting to Drive the Industry of Appointments and Discretion-Based Industries
Appointment-based industries such as healthcare and automotive, SMS marketing strategies ensure marketers can engage users in a timely manner. The outbound messaging feature of text messages enhances regular interactions, especially for regular activities such as checking order status or scheduling appointments. Similarly, for industries with high discretionary needs, such as healthcare and finance, SMS interactions maintain privacy by working directly through unique attributes such as consumers’ own devices and leveraging customers’ specific local tracking numbers. Texting is perhaps the most discreet marketing channel today.
Here are some ways to use text messages:
Customer Bank: The bank can use SMS to confirm credit card payments, alert consumers to changes in his or her checking account, and offer a target offer for a loan or refinancing. This feature is particularly useful as a convenient way to prevent fraud, as banks are able to quickly alert users of large or unusual payments that can be easily confirmed or rejected by text. Such a feature saves users and banks time as it eliminates the need to make phone calls and potentially hold time with a customer service representative – and ensures that the customer’s account is secure.
Gym: Arrange for appointments with a doctor, especially in private settings, such as rehabilitation centers, and even in the office, often what patients like to do and avoid doing by phone while others are present. SMS allows for simple, on-going and careful scheduling, confirmation and more. In addition, health care providers can use text messages for appointments and prescription extraction reminders, and even simple diagnoses, without having to interact face-to-face with their doctor.
Insurance companies: Texting can reduce many of the common frustrations of insurance customers, especially in high-stress situations. With SMS, customers can send a picture message directly to the agent when submitting their claim. For example, a customer in a car accident can record the scene and provide photographic evidence immediately. SMS also allows consumers to easily contact agents, ask questions, check payment schedules and receive billing alerts. In addition, many insurance providers are now offering text-to-payment options, which take less time than it takes to pay bills online.
Car: Car stores and dealers can communicate with customers via SMS car updates. Instead of sitting at a dealer for hours, consumers can monitor repairs from the comforts of their own home. Dealers can also alert drivers when they should be served regularly, such as changing oil or new tires. During the purchase process, potential buyers can use SMS booking test drives to schedule viewing and receive personalized promotions. They can then check the delivery status of the vehicle and even provide useful feedback to the car dealership through a mobile customer survey.
The practical application of text messaging in these industries is many and is likely to increase in number as mobile capabilities continue to increase and customers are increasingly comfortable using them in more ways.
While technologies like Zeroui bring self-service and convenience, nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers with text messaging feature prefer text as a customer service channel over voice. Younger consumers are even more inclined to texting, with 77 percent of people aged 18-34 reporting positive views on companies that offer texting ability. As the purchasing power of these generations increases with age, businesses must exercise their desire to communicate.
Even if you don’t know where your phone is, your customers may know — and they’re waiting for your company to text.