WHAT IS SMS?

SMS and MMS. What’s the difference? It’s a great question, and one we get a lot. The choice between the two depends largely on your campaign objectives and the type of message you want to send. SMS is ideal for sending short, text-only messages and is cheaper, while MMS allows you to send multimedia content such as images, GIFs, and videos. In this blog we will cover the differences between SMS and MMS messages, as well as tips on how to use both of them to communicate effectively.

SMS stands for “Short Messaging Service” – but it really just means text messaging. You probably regularly use text with your friends and family. Text messaging really is the king of consumer communication. SMS marketing is an effective way for businesses to reach their customers. Through relevant, targeted text messages, businesses message their customers no matter where they are and drive more interest towards their brands.

Benefits of SMS for businesses:

• Text messages get 7.5x more responses than email
• Responses to texts are 60x quicker than emails
• 89% of consumers want to receive texts from businesses
• 60% of consumers prefer text to phone calls for customer service

WHAT IS MMS?

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages include images or special characters. This allows for messages in character-based languages. Additionally, images are an engaging way to grab your audience’s attention and get them interested in your products or services. Whether you are announcing a doorbuster sale with an attached coupon, or sharing a picture of today’s menu specials, MMS are an effective way to deliver meaningfully engage with contacts and boost your brand’s image.

Benefits of MMS for businesses:

• 96% of US mobile phones can accept MMS messages
• MMS doesn’t require a smartphone or data plan to receive images
• MMS has the same 98% read rate of SMS
• MMS can help cut the cost of expensive direct mailers

MARKET WITH BOTH IMAGES & TEXT

If you want customers to see your new products or learn about a sale, do it through colorful and fun picture messages. In order to increase your traffic both online and in-store, your marketing messages need to be inviting. If you include an offer like showing the MMS or mobile coupon at checkout, your customers will be more likely to redeem your offers. In addition, your SMS messages should be professional but also allow for a little fun in order to engage your audience more effectively and increase the likelihood they show up for sales.

RUN CONTESTS

Running a contest is another great way to use MMS marketing! Picture messages are more engaging and fun to receive than simple text messages or emails. Even better, with texting you can run contests both ways, so you can also have customers send you pictures to. So if you are a restaurant, you can have customers text in pictures of your amazing food and give the best one a gift card or offer everyone who participated a mobile coupon.

KEEP CUSTOMERS ENGAGED

Once you have a marketing contact, it’s crucial you keep them engaged with quality content so that they don’t opt out. Customers who sign up to see your sales are likely to be loyal to your brand, and may find direct savings and specials appealing. It’s vital you send them deals that they will be excited to redeem. It’s also important to keep your brand’s subscribers in the loop about new products or services, which will increase your traffic both in-store and online.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Follow the practices above to improve client engagement and watch satisfaction rates soar! And check out our other articles for more advice on specific industries and use cases.