Best-Practice Tips: Operating a Successful SMS Program
  
  • Short codes showcase the power of mobile communications by
  • highlighting the versatility of mobile as more than a voice portal.
  • They present an unlimited array of contact possibilities, all focused
  • on increasing interaction with mobile consumers.
  • Also, short codes help retailers establish a two-way conversation
  • with the people that matter most — consumers who are potential
  • paying customers.
  • There are some critical points to keep in mind when creating and
  • implementing an effective SMS program.
  • Get Subscribers/Promotion
  • Mobile interaction does not stand alone. Rather, it leverages
  • other forms of communication including print, radio,
  • television, online and out-of-home ads
  • All advertising and promotional material must clearly
  • indicate if the service is a subscription
  • Subscription terms and billing intervals must be specified or
  • disclosed to the consumer
  • Clearly communicate all material terms and conditions of
  • the program
  • Service pricing information must be clearly and
  • conspicuously indicated
  • All advertising, promotional material and service Help
  • messages clearly display the opt-out data
  • The service is not promoted as “free” when premium fees are
  • associated with the service that the subscriber will pay with a
 
  • reasonable level of participation in the program
  • Get Permission
  • It is vital to respect a mobile subscriber’s right to privacy.
  • Always gain permission from the people you plan to engage
  • by employing an opt-in procedure
  • Gaining permission saves money. Each message sent costs
  • money. Ensuring the consumer wants to receive messages
  • avoids any waste of the budget
  • Sending unsolicited messages creates a negative
  • impression and erodes agency brand recognition, prompting
  • subscribers to avoid the service and file complaints
  • Avoid purchasing lists of numbers.
  • Always have citizens opt-in and subscribe to receive content.
  • For applications that require payment, create a double-opt-in
  • process for subscribers that ensure willing participation
  • Get Creative
  • Short codes enable a host of possible applications, limited only
  • by the ability to design and build the mechanisms to support the
  • SMS program.
  • There are, however, three broad categories of campaigns:
  • 1) Promotional,
  • 2) Informational, and
  • 3) Marketing.
  • Review business goals and objectives.