Have you ever noticed how rare text message spam is compared to the overflowing nightmare that can be your email inbox? The truth is, text messaging operates under a stricter regulatory framework compared to email. This makes it a much riskier proposition for spammers, but in turn, it has proven to be one of the most effective communication tools for organizations just like yours. However, with great power comes great responsibility!
Similar to email, which has laws, regulations, and provider guidelines governing how contacts may be communicated to, text messaging is subject to usage rules for businesses designed to protect consumers. These rules focus on obtaining consent before sending messages, communicating relevant information to the consumer, ensuring clear identification of the sender, and providing an easy way for recipients to opt out of future communications. Check out this article to learn more about these regulations.
As a business or organization, navigating these regulations is crucial. Not only do you want to avoid hefty fines for non-compliance, but you also want to ensure your messages reach their intended audience. When a recipient feels bombarded with irrelevant texts, they're more likely to opt out. This hurts your ability to communicate with your stakeholders and can diminish the value of each text message you send, turning a potential customer into someone who tunes out your future outreach.
Maintaining a keen awareness of why individuals chose to receive your texts initially is pivotal to the success of your outreach efforts. When you deliver relevant offers or valuable information that aligns with your customers' expectations your text messages build trust and encourage continued engagement. This keeps them subscribed to your messages while providing a reliable channel that ensures your communication reaches the right people at the right time. Building trust by being a source of valuable information goes a long way in today’s world of overflowing inboxes! If you’re interested in digging deeper into this topic, check out the Top 10 Text Messaging Considerations when developing your SMS strategy.
Remember, it's about building and nurturing a relationship, not just making a sale. It’s important to be courteous and focus on providing value for your customer. Make it easy for them to take the next step, whether it's a purchase, a survey, or signing up for something new. And lastly, a little extra effort in crafting targeted and informative text messages goes a long way. It keeps your stakeholders happy, avoids regulatory headaches, and ensures your message gets through loud and clear.