EZTexting Archives - Nadine MullingsNadine Mullings

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:

I recently posted 5 Reasons You Should be Using Text Message Marketing, and got several inquiries and questions regarding text message marketing and how to use it in business, so today’s post is all about How to Use Text Message Marketing in Your Business.

The first thing I want to clear up is that I am talking about using text message marketing to market to individuals who have opted in to your text message marketing campaign. I do not support and I totally disagree with randomly texting individuals marketing messages who have not given you permission to contact them via text.

Once you have built up a text message marketing list, then you can use text message marketing in several different ways. Here are 7 ways to use text message marketing in your marketing mix:

[Tweet “7 ways to use text message marketing in your marketing mix. #TextMessageMarketing”]

Special Offers– An easy text message marketing campaign is to text your list a special offer. Special offers could cover several things (coupons, discounts, bonuses, etc.) The key to a successful special offer is that it needs to resonate with your audience. Make sure it is an offer they will appreciate and take advantage of.
Promote Events– Text message marketing is a great way to spread the word about upcoming events that you may be hosting (workshops, seminars, open house, etc.). Your text message can even include a link to the address where the event is taking place, making it easy for people to find the location.
Appointment Reminders– Send your clients a friendly reminder of upcoming appointments. This helps to keep everyone on the same page as to when their next consultation or visit is scheduled to take place. You can send out reminders one week out, one day out, and even one hour before. This also helps to eliminate missed appointments
Tips– Send out relevant tips to your clients via text message. Sometimes just sending helpful and timely tips can be awesome for your clients. The key is to make sure your tips are relevant and will resonate with your audience.
Flash Sales– Text messaging is great to get the word out about a sale that is happening in a very short amount of time. This type of sale usually occurs within hours (i.e. 9:00 am-1:00 pm, 1:00 pm-9:00pm, etc.). Because of the need to purchase quickly, text messages are a great way to get the word out about flash sales.
Surveys/Polls– Need feedback on a product, service, etc. Text messaging can be a great way to send a quick poll or survey to get feedback from your audience.
Welcome Notification– Welcome new customers, clients, members by sending them a welcome text message. This is a great way to stand out and show appreciate to your new customer, client, or member.

Are you using text message marketing in your business? If so, how are you using text message marketing in your business. Be sure to comment below and let us know.

Looking for a easy text message marketing platform to use? Check out EZtexting, an online browser-based mass text messaging software that is affordable and easy to use.