Subscriber data is the cornerstone of a successful text alerts (or sms alerts) program. With accurate and up-to-date subscriber data, you can maximize the effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaigns and drive higher engagement and conversion rates.
Many organizations are not spending enough resources on continuously growing their subscriber lists.
For example, organizations are missing a tremendous opportunity to grow high-converting subscriber lists by harnessing the power of physical traffic.
By utilizing strategic tactics such as offering exclusive discounts, incentives, or compelling calls to action, businesses can leverage the physical presence of their audience to drive sms signups and expand their text alert subscriber base.
Keep on reading and learn the strategy we used to add 1 million new opt-in subscribers for a brick-and-mortar retailer in ONLY 6 months.
Where do you start when planning your SMS program growth strategy?
You need to grow your subscriber list with a purpose. Ask yourself, what goals are you trying to achieve?
- Collect verified mobile numbers
- Collect customer opt-ins
- Start sending SMS messages
- Drive more app downloads
- Increase subscribers to your newsletter
- Drive traffic to your e-commerce site
A goal will guide and dictate the type of data you collect and the messages you send.
The good thing is that any of these goals can be easily achieved by following the steps laid out in the SMS Alerts growth strategy.
Select The Best Promotion or Call to Action
New Adlucent research found that 44% of shoppers are willing to provide opt-in and mobile information to merchants if they receive an offer or deal in return. The same applies to none transactional sms sign-ups, you want to provide a clear call to action.
In retail, for example, you know your audience best. We’ve found that providing a tangible, instant offer like a free coffee, or $5 off your next purchase when you subscribe to receive text alerts, will provide the highest conversion rates.
PRO TIP: Make sure the advertised call-to-action is simple, concise and easy to interpret. People need to understand the promotion instantly.
Make sure you select a fun keyword relevant to the promotion. Ex. “Save” for $5 Off Promotions, “NEWSLETTER” to subscribe to your newsletter or just your brand’s name.
SMS Signup Activation Points
Once you’ve developed the promotion and call to action, you need to figure out how you’re going to get this offer into the hands of your subscribers.
Try Text to Join For Subscriber Growth
Text to Join is 100% mobile-optimized and frictionless, and the best way to target physical traffic.
It doesn’t matter what phone your customers use. Messages are delivered and opened. At Raange, we have processed more than 20 million registrations using this method.
How does it work?
Customers text-in to a toll-free number or short code, ex. Text “SAVE” to 70707 to get $5 Off Your Next Purchase.
The customer receives a text-back with a link pointing to a mobile-optimized landing page. They simply click on the link and fill out a form to receive the promotion on their phone. To finish it off, we have to send an opt-in Thank You message for proof of confirmation.
The entire process is virtually frictionless and takes no more than 20s to complete, not like registering via email.
Online Forms for Subscriber Growth
One of the most effective ways to streamline the sign-up process and encourage more people to subscribe to your SMS alerts is by utilizing user-friendly web sign-up forms – ex. pop-ups.
At Raange, we also use subscriber links that once clicked go to a dynamic, personalized registration page.
The benefit of online traffic is that it allows organizations to tap into a vast pool of potential subscribers who may not have the opportunity to visit their physical location.
By providing an easy-to-use web sign-up form on your website, you can capture sms signups quickly.
By creating a dedicated webpage with a simple form where individuals can easily enter their phone numbers, you eliminate any barriers to entry and make the process seamless.
The Best Data to Collect
Consumers demand a fast, frictionless process, so we always recommend collecting a limited amount of data at first. We need to get the promotion into the hands of subscribers RIGHT AWAY! – seconds, not minutes.
This is why Raange’s technology is so powerful – it ensures a seamless and user-friendly experience for SMS signups. In fact, over 90% of users who initiate the SMS registration process through Raange’s technology successfully complete their registration.
This high completion rate is a testament to the effectiveness and simplicity of our platform, making it easier than ever for businesses to grow their subscriber lists and engage with their target audience through SMS alerts.
What we recommend:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Opt-in Consent
You can always ask your customers for more data in the future!
Advertising Your Text Alerts Program
By leveraging both online and physical traffic, businesses have a tremendous opportunity to exponentially grow their subscriber lists and reach a larger audience with their SMS alerts program.
The only limiting factor to promoting your new SMS Alerts program is your imagination. You can power any call-to-action with text-in promotions.
- In-Store Signage
- Wifi Marketing
- Radio / Audio Ads
- Video
- Print Ads
- T-Shirts
- Posters
- Social Media
- Website
For retailers, we recommend placing signage throughout your store, but especially at the Point-of-Sale, and Front Display Window. In-store customers know and trust your brand already. They simply want to build a relationship with you.
What’s Next?
The good news is you’re well on your way to getting started, but keep in mind that you need to be constantly adding to your subscriber database. Every year your database degrades by nearly 20%. Customers change their email addresses, phone numbers or move and change their physical addresses.
If you have any questions whatsoever, our team is here to help so please feel free to reach out anytime.