SMS (Short Message Service) to retailers refers to the use of text messaging as a communication and marketing tool for businesses operating in the retail industry. Retailers use SMS to engage with their customers, promote products or services, provide updates, and enhance overall customer experience. It is an effective way to reach customers directly on their mobile devices, as almost everyone has access to SMS capabilities on their phones.
Here are 5 key aspects of how retailers use SMS using the EgoSMS platform as examples:
- Marketing promotions: Retailers can send SMS messages to inform customers about ongoing sales, discounts, special offers, and promotions. These messages can encourage customers to visit physical stores or make online purchases. This requires a database of interested leads. These phone numbers could be got from any event promotion the retailer has been to or just from visitors to the shop either physically or online. As a retailer make sure you have ways of keeping in touch with interested clients. EgoSMS allows you to upload a database of these contacts preferably with their names to the platform. This makes it easier for the retailer to then send customised messages to the target audience. A retailer can also choose to send these messages in bulk under the “Send Bulk SMS” page on the platform. The business can also choose to categorise the numbers in terms of the location of the recipients or even products you know the recipients are interested in. This makes it easy to send separate messages that the recipients would be interested in.
- Order updates: SMS can be used to provide order confirmations, shipping and delivery updates, and notifications about out-of-stock or delayed items. Keeping customers informed enhances the overall shopping experience. This can be possible through EgoSMS through Customised messages. However, the best way to do so is through API integration. EgoSMS provides API integration to Retailers with Mobile apps and e-commerce websites. A Bulk SMS API (Application Programming Interface) is a software interface that allows developers to integrate bulk SMS functionality into their own applications, websites, or systems. This means that retail companies can connect their systems to the EgoSMS platform so that messages can be sent directly to users anytime they make a purchase or an order. These messages can also be sent to clients to enable them to track their orders. To find out more about API integration and how to use them in your business click here.
- Product updates: Retailers can use SMS to inform customers about new product arrivals, restocks, or the launch of new product lines. These messages can be sent to individuals you know who are interested in the products in stock or those that have viewed them in their history. It is important for retail companies to keep track of clients’ interests so that they can easily notify clients in case of any stock or product updates. By uploading a list of loyal customers and sending them customised messages on the “send Custom SMS” page on the EgoSMS platform. With this, customers will be able to receive personalised messages with their names and updates on the products they are interested in. Retailers can also use these databases to send information on complimentary items that the customer might have already purchased or is interested in.
- Customer service and support: Retailers can offer customer support and assistance through SMS, allowing customers to quickly and easily communicate with the company. Customer Service support is very important to retailers, especially with e-commerce sites. In case a customer is having a hard time purchasing an item or finding the item they are looking for, customer support can send an SMS to the client to answer their query. EgoSMS allows you to send messages to clients answering queries through API Integration where a retailer could send a specific message to a specific client or through Bulk SMS when answering general messages about the products or services like delays in delivery or outgoing routes to deliver. This makes it possible for businesses to continuously update their customers.
- Customer feedback: Retailers can collect customer feedback and conduct surveys via SMS to gain insights into customer satisfaction and preferences. It is important to make sure these messages are sent at an appropriate time and are short and concise. You can also schedule these messages through the platform by ticking the schedule message button. This allows you to set a date and time and also how regularly you would want the same message to be sent on the EgoSMS platform. Customer feedback is a recurring process. Retailers need to know whether their services are helping clients and how how they can improve service delivery. The EgoSMS platform makes it easy for this to be done by allowing the business to save the SMS template. This means that whenever the customer feedback survey is needed, The same SMS can be sent to clients.
It is important to note that these are not the only ways a retailer can use Bulk SMS. Below are other aspects we can use SMS for.
- Event invitations: Retailers can use SMS to invite customers to special events, product launches, in-store promotions, or workshops. Many businesses situate themselves in functions they know will earn them more publicity. SMS is a great way to remind clients of the functions they are attending.
- Mobile coupons and QR codes: SMS is an effective channel for distributing mobile coupons and QR codes that customers can redeem in stores or online. This is necessary in case they have a mobile application that can sell their products.
- Loyalty programs: SMS can be used to inform customers about their loyalty points, rewards, and exclusive offers available to program members.
- Seasonal greetings: Sending SMS greetings and well wishes during holidays and special occasions helps retailers stay connected with customers.
- Abandoned cart reminders: When a customer leaves items in their online shopping cart without completing the purchase, retailers can send SMS reminders to prompt them to return and complete the transaction.
SMS is a valuable tool for retailers because it provides a direct and immediate means of communication with customers. When executed thoughtfully and with customers’ preferences in mind, SMS can lead to increased customer engagement, loyalty, and sales. However, it’s crucial for retailers to obtain proper consent from customers before sending marketing messages and to comply with relevant privacy regulations and guidelines. To begin sending messages to your customers via the EgoSMs platform sign up here.