If your business isn’t using bulk SMS, you’re missing out. This simple messaging system proves to be one of the most effective digital marketing methods for businesses of all types.
Businesses looking to harness the powerful benefits of using bulk SMS should be aware of certain laws. Below, we’ll take a look at two of the major benefits of bulk SMS for businesses. Additionally, we’ll look at how regulations such as the GDPR affect how businesses manage customer data.
Benefits of Bulk SMS
Bulk SMS offers a variety of benefits for businesses of nearly every size. As you consider bulk SMS services for your business, keep the following information in mind.
- 98% of Customers Read Their Texts
Why is bulk SMS effective?
Perhaps because it’s one of the most guaranteed ways to stay in touch with your customers. Studies indicate that the majority of people read their text messages—even ones used for marketing purposes.
In fact, with up to 98% of individuals reading their SMS, you can be sure that your promotional content is reaching a greater number of customers. This makes it one of the most effective marketing strategies for businesses across a variety of different industries.
But that’s not all that bulk SMS has to offer.
- SMS Is Extremely Quick
Another factor that makes SMS so effective is the fact that most messages can be read quickly. In fact, up to 94% of SMS can be read within four minutes—making customers much more likely to read your content.
This gives bulk SMS a leg up on other forms of digital marketing.
Regulations to Consider
In order to partake in SMS marketing, businesses must meet a number of important regulations. Keep the following in mind as you develop your own SMS marketing strategy.
- SMS Is Considered Opt-In Marketing
In order to establish an SMS marketing campaign, you’ll need to first get consent from your customers. Generally, opt-in forms are added to sign up pages, where users have the opportunity to opt-in for optional texts and other communication.
While there’s no guarantee that all customers will opt-in, as noted, the ones who do generally prove very responsive.
- You’ll Need to Follow GDPR Guidelines
The General Data Protection Regulation passed by the European Union places strict regulations on how companies use and protect customer data.
Implemented in May of 2018, the GDPR fundamentally changed regulations regarding the processing of consumer data. Businesses based in the EU or dealing with the personal information of citizens in the EU must comply with these new regulations.
Importantly, these new laws stipulate that businesses cannot obtain third-party information about customers. Instead, all information obtained must be done with the consent of the involved party. Additionally, if a consumer requests, all data that companies have must be deleted.
Because businesses risk facing hefty fines for mishandling information—and because global user data is not generally sorted by region—many companies have found it easier to apply these regulations across the board.
In doing so, you can help ensure that your SMS marketing strategy is done by the books.