
Are you considering using text message marketing in your marketing mix?  If so, check out the top three text marketing tools that I recently researched.
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All three options do not require contracts or set-up fees, the systems are super easy to use and they offer the following standard features:
- Group Texting– Allows you to send a text to a large list of individuals at one time
 - Keyword and Shortcode– Each company offers you a Keyword- a word people can use to text your company ( i.e. “Text”), and a shortcode- a 5-6 digit number that your customers or prospects can text your keyword to (i.e. 515155)
 - Scheduling Ability– Ability to schedule a specific day and time for your text message to be sent
 - Auto Replies– Automatic messages that can be setup to respond to incoming text requests
 - Multimedia Message Service (MMS)– The ability to send pics, video, or audio via text
 - Inbox/One-on-One Conversations– An inbox that also allows you to respond to individual text received by clients or customers
 - Drip Campaigns/Autoresponders– the ability to schedule a series of text messages in advance and automatically send to your customers and clients over a period of time.
 - Upload a Permission-based list-  the ability to upload into the system a list of mobile phone numbers of individuals who have opted in to receive text messages.
 - Text-to-Join/Text-to-Win– the ability for people to join your mobile list by texting your keyword to a shortcode.
 - Reports- The ability to track and see the analytics of your text messages
 - Social Media Integration– Ability to send text messages and post messages to Facebook.
 - Website Sign-up Widget– Allowing your prospects to sign-up for your mobile list via your website
 - Link shortening– allows you the ability to shorten any of your links within your text message.
 
Now here is how they differ:
SlickText
SlickText offers the following additional features:
- Email address collection– If you want to also build your email list and collect email addresses, SlickText offers an email capture feature.
 - Double opt-in– If you want a double opt-in requiring individuals to confirm that they are opting in to your mobile list, SlickText offers a double opt-in feature.
 - Unique Coupon Codes– If you offer coupons, and you want the ability to track each coupon individually, SlickText offers unique coupon codes.
 - Dynamic Expiration Date on Coupons– If you would like to automatically add an expiration date to your text coupon, SlickText allows you to dynamically add expiration dates to your coupons.
 - Send your texts directly from your phone, no need to send from your desktop
 - Create flyers to promote your text message campaign
 - Create QR Codes to help promote joining your mobile list
 - Link Tracking– the ability to track the links people click on in your text message
 - Free Rollover Text for paid accounts
 - List Segmentation-  segment contacts into unlimited Groups. Then, choose to send your messages to one group or multiple groups. 
 - Email Marketing Integration with MailChimp and Constant Contact
 
SlickText Price-  A forever FREE option is available, then prices start as low as $29/month
SimpleTexting
SimpleTexting offers the following additional features:
- Schedule automatic appointment reminders
 - Text-to-vote– Poll your audience with the text to vote ability
 - Schedule messages on Twitter
 - Link Tracking– the ability to track the links people click on in your text message
 
SimpleTexting PRICE– FREE 14-Day Trial, then prices start as low as $45/month
EzTexting
EzTexting offers the following additional features:
- List Segmentation- segment contacts into unlimited Groups. Then, choose to send your messages to one group or multiple groups.
 - Recurring Messages-  allow you to compose a text message that will be sent out on a regular basis – daily, weekly or monthly, with all sorts of scheduling options. 
 - Personalization-  First and last name fields can be automatically merged into your mass text messages for a personal touch.
 - Message Templates-  Allows you to save your favorite text messages for future use.
 - Voice Broadcast-  you can send out thousands of calls within minutes. 
 - Text-to-vote– Poll your audience with the text to vote ability
 - Schedule messages on Twitter
 - Email Marketing Integration with MailChimp, Constant Contact, and AWeber
 - Send your texts directly from your phone, no need to send from your desktop
 - Create QR Codes to help promote joining your mobile list
 
PRICE- FREE Option available, then prices start as low as $49/month
Are you using a Text Marketing Service? If so, which Text Marketing Service do you prefer and why? Be sure to post your comment below: