If you are just starting out with a P2P text messaging platform, it is perfectly normal to need a little guidance. After all, there is a lot to learn and you want to make sure that you are using the technology to the max of its ability. Even if you’ve been using P2P texting for some time, there could still be a few mistakes that you’re making.
That is why our team here at MudShare has taken the time to compile a list of don’ts that commonly occur and could be impacting the effectiveness of your P2P texting. Continue reading to learn more about these mistakes and what you can do to fix them!
Mistake #1: Sending massive walls of text
Right out of the gate, a crucial mistake that many make when using P2P text messaging is to try to send out massive walls of text. While you may think that the more information you share, the better, this isn’t true for this type of platform. Leave that to social media or your email marketing efforts instead.
One of the main reasons that P2P texting is an extremely effective marketing tool is thanks to its ability to communicate information in a quick and timely manner. You have 160 characters in a text message to share the information you want to send your subscribers. Maybe this is an encouragement to get out and vote on election day or the chance to promote a sale going on at your store. Subscribers want to read the message quickly, not get bogged down in a lot of wordy information.
Mistake #2: Failing to provide an opt-out option
If someone doesn’t want to receive text messages from your businesses anymore, you need to provide them with a simple way to back out. Failing to provide an opt-out option won’t make the consumer or supporter think anymore highly of you. In fact, it could actually damage your reputation and credibility. Even if they signed up at one point, but no longer want to hear from you, it’s best practice to let them go. The easiest way to do this is to provide them with a message at the end of each text with instructions on how to unsubscribe. Something along the lines of ‘reply with STOP to opt out’ or ‘STOP = opt out’.
Mistake #3: Skipping out on keywords or key information
Once again, P2P text messaging doesn’t leave you a lot of room to overshare or go into great detail. Instead, the goal is to focus on key information that the subscriber will find both useful and interesting. You want to be able to grab their attention from the first few words. Consider what it is that you really want to communicate prior to sending out the text.
For example, if you use P2P text messaging to remind clients of appointments, be sure to include specific information such as time, date, and location. If you have multiple locations or offices, specify ‘Oak St. Office’ or ‘Downtown Center’. Retailers who use a P2P texting platform should include attention-getting buzzwords, such as ‘exclusive coupon code’ or ‘two-day sale’ to inspire urgency in the buyer.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to include a call to action
The heart of marketing is to call your consumer, supporter, or subscriber into action. Whether you want them to purchase your product, vote for you at the polls, or sign up for your services, you want to make that connection. That is why it is imperative that you include CTAs, or call to actions, into your text message communication.
Here are a few CTAs you can use to draw in your subscribers:
- “Visit our store today!”
- “Click to shop exclusive deals online!”
- “Join our mailing list”
- “Come inside to claim your free gift with purchase”
- “Sign up to volunteer at our next event”
Depending on what type of business you run and what your marketing goals are, you can change up these CTAs, this is just a small list. A little bit of research can help direct you to the best CTAs for you!
Mistake #5: Sending texts too late in the day
When sending out P2P text messages, remember to be mindful of the hour. Even if you are a business that is open later into the evenings, such as a bar or restaurant, sending texts too late in the day can be irritating to subscribers. For best practice, avoid communication between the hours of 9 p.m. – 9 a.m.. This way, you aren’t disturbing anyone’s evening or risking your text getting overlooked.
Also, as an added bonus tip, schedule your mass texts to go out during the peak times that people are likely to check their phones. This includes the lunch hour or after work. Many consumers are too busy at work during the primary business hours to spend much time checking their text messages.
Mistake #6: Not personalizing your text messages
The beauty of P2P text messaging is that you have the ability to customize your messages in bulk. You already have the first name of your subscribers so use that to your advantage. Including their first name in texts will make the subscriber feel important and increase their odds of engaging with your communication. Thanks to the ease of using a P2P texting platform, such as what is available with MudShare, you can easily add the names of subscribers using a template.
P2P Text Messaging From MudShare
When it comes to choosing a P2P text messaging platform, there is no better option than MudShare. We have different plans to choose from and can tailor our services to best suit your needs. Whether you want to be fully hands on or utilize our highly experienced call agents, the choice is totally yours. Our goal is to make integrating P2P texting into your marketing strategy as simple and easy as possible.
To learn more about what services that we offer or to get a quote for your business or political campaign, contact us today!
