With more than 97 percent of Americans having a phone in their pockets, and a significant percentage glued to the screen, SMS texting is the wave of the future for marketing. This tool is perfect for getting the right message in front of the right person at the right time. With open rates that far exceed those of email and physical postage, it only makes sense to consider implementing a business SMS platform into your marketing strategy.
But with so many platforms to choose from, how can you know which is best for your business needs? Here are some factors to take into consideration as you demo and interview platforms that may be suited to your strategies.
What Are the Specifications Around the Messages?
When evaluating a prospective SMS platform, your first concern should be centered around how the messages are sent. When speaking with a representative or reading the available marketing materials and help content, consider the following questions:
- How fast are the texts delivered?
- What are the options for scheduling messages?
- Does the platform often deliver messages to incorrect numbers?
- Can you rely on this platform to regularly reach your audience?
- What are typical open rates for businesses that use this platform?
If your messages are being sent too early, too late, to incorrect numbers, or with spotty delivery rates, you’re better off looking elsewhere for a business SMS platform.
How Flexible and Intuitive Is the Software?
You’re likely looking into a business SMS platform in order to scale your business, which means that your platform of choice should have scalability in mind. Are there hidden charges or mandatory fees for things you aren’t using, or do you just pay for the messages you send? Can you purchase a lower tier and move onto higher tiers as your marketing needs grow?
It also pays to have a business SMS platform that doesn’t have a large learning curve. Working with software that is intuitive both from a design and functionality perspective can make all the difference in your experience.
Does It Integrate with Your CRM?
You may already have a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) that tracks information about your clients and customers as well as your interactions with them. In this case, it’s important that an SMS platform can integrate seamlessly with your CRM so that the messages you send your customers can be tracked and stored accurately, preventing you from messaging individuals you’ve already reached out to and keeping track of people on the do not call list.
How Does It Handle Reporting?
It’s hard to improve what you can’t track. Being able to see the metrics of your campaigns and monitor the results of changes to your messaging is crucial to running any successful marketing strategy. Be sure to check and see how data is collected, presented, and exported before making any decisions.
Can You Test It Out First?
One of the best ways to implement product-led growth is to get that product in the hands of your customers before they make the decision whether or not to purchase. Being able to take the platform for a spin or getting a live demo is not only a great way to get customers to see the value of the product, but it also shows a level of confidence in the product itself. Peddlers of poor quality rarely want you to get a sample before purchasing.
How RyText Can Help
The RyText platform offers efficient texting solutions that can be scaled up to whatever level your business requires. We provide personalization options to give your messages that special touch along with advanced analytics to track and improve your campaigns. Contact us today for a live demo and see how we can help you get your message in front of the right customers.
