Your phone beeps, and you're excited to check your new message. But, no personalized, relevant SMS from your favorite brand. Instead, you're greeted by yet another generic, irrelevant, annoying SMS marketing message. Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. 

SMS Marketing - is an effective tool that any business should try. Yet, you as a business owner might make common SMS Marketing mistakes. Then, all the work ends up being a waste of time and money, bonus damaging reputation! 

In this blog post, we'll show you the top SMS marketing mistakes to avoid. So you can keep your customers engaged and your brand's reputation intact. Don't let your SMS marketing efforts fall flat - read on to learn how to get it right!

If you want to have a more detailed guidance on the SMS Marketing Mistakes to avoid, follow us on social media to get the exclusive free ebook.

1. Not complying with regulations:

Rules, rules, rules. They can be a real drag, but following the rules is super important when it comes to SMS marketing. Let me tell you about Jiffy Lube. It is a leading provider of automotive preventive maintenance. They ignored the regulations. With a list of phone numbers collected from the invoices, Jiffy Lube might think: “Great! Now just send them all the attractive deals through messages!”. Sadly, without the recipient's consent, Jiffy Lube clearly violated Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). They had to pay $47 million.

Solution: Using a reputable SMS marketing service provider like SMSGem. Everything will be set up automatically. The platform provides you the templates to use whenever needed.

2. Sending irrelevant messages

Little Mike has a crush on the lovely and beautiful Lily. He wants to impress her. So he decides to find out what Lily likes and sends text messages talking about those things. Even a little boy like Mike knows that to win over the lovely Lily, he needs to pay attention to her interests. He can't talk about his favorite sports team or video game and expect her to swoon. No, he needs to talk about the things she likes - art, music, and fashion. It's the same with SMS marketing. Do not send messages about things that have nothing to do with your customers’ interests and expect them to love it. You need to send them messages that they'll actually care about. 

Solution: 

Segmenting your audience based on the collected data. You can divide them into different groups by their preferences, behaviors, demographics, and more. SMSGem enables a swift setup process for a highly personalized experience.

3. Sending too many messages

Spamming has never an effective way of doing marketing. It is costly, inefficient and a waste of time! Papa John’s was in big trouble for sending over 500,000 unwanted text messages to customers.  Some customers complained they were getting 15 or 16 texts in a row, even during the middle of the night. Could you imagine how frustrating it is? It’s far more than enough messages to make you lose your appetite! Spanish review Rhino Gold Gel here http://rhino-gold-gel.com/ES/

Solution:

The key to avoiding this mistake is to strike a balance between frequency and relevance. You want to send enough messages to keep your customers engaged and interested. But not so many that they feel overwhelmed or annoyed. 

4. Failing to personalize messages:

Let’s sit on your customer’s chair, supposing your name is Jack, a big boy who has a huge love for the most stylish shoes collection. Then you suddenly received a message saying “Hello Lisa, check out our latest collection of short skirts that are only for beautiful women like you!”. Let’s face it, if you send a message like that, your message will be ghosted faster than a bad Tinder match. 

Solution:

• Use a generic greeting
• Segment your customers

5. Not optimizing for mobile: 

Talking about SMS, we might instantly think of someone holding the phone and looking at it. That means a text message should be responsive for the phone, not your computer screen. Be aware of sending a large image that did not display properly on some mobile devices.

Solution:

• Testing on different screen resolutions before sending out
•  Avoid using large images

The bottom line

There are more than five mistakes that any marketer might have when doing SMS Marketing. However, as long as you realize these five and correct them, you are more than halfway to success. And don’t forget to check out SMSGem if you are finding an automated solution for your Marketing game. More than just SMS Marketing, it could be the buddy of your business in the long run. So go on, give it a try and watch the sales roll in! Good luck, and happy texting!

SMS Marketing has high potential with 98% open rates and 45% response rates. However, crafting the perfect message can be time-consuming and frustrating, taking time away from other business tasks. ChatGPT can help by providing personalized and engaging SMS messages that hit the mark every time. With ChatGPT, you can save time and resources while optimizing your SMS marketing campaign. Stay tuned to learn more.

SMS Marketing, a marketing method that sends the message directly to your customers phone. 98% open rates, 45% response rate, sound potential, right? Looks like it can help your business take up to the next level. 

But let’s be real, crafting the perfect message can be a real pain in the butt. It’s like a never-ending task, just for your text message to end up labeled as spammy.  Ain’t nobody got time for that! Thus, business owners have more stuff in their box than just focusing on marketing. With limited resources and a tight budget, the struggle is real! It’s like trying to win a game of badminton while blindfolded!

That's why ChatGPT is here to save the day. With ChatGPT, you can simply snap your fingers (well, type a few words) and voila! A personalized, engaging SMS message that hits the bullseye every time. If you haven’t utilized ChatGPT in your business, you might be falling behind your competitors. This tool could help you to solve all the mentioned problems.

Wonder how? Stay with us.

Don’t know how to do SMS Marketing? See it here!

Need a Miracle? ChatGPT is your solitary solution

Customers are bombarded with messages every day, and if your message doesn't stand out, it's going straight to the trash bin. So how to change that? Don’t worry, ChatGPT is here to save the day!

What is ChatGPT?

Since it was released in November 2022, ChatGPT has become a topic for every conversation and article we see on the internet. As a user, you can ask questions or give instructions, ChatGPT will respond based on the database of information. This AI can provide suggestions and insights on how to optimize your SMS marketing efforts. Besides, ChatGPT can also assist in segmenting your SMS list based on demographics, interests, or behaviors, so you can send more targeted and personalized messages. Additionally, it can suggest strategies to track your SMS campaign's performance and measure its ROI, such as using call-to-action codes or integrating with analytics tools.

Drafting the message in a sec

With natural language processing, ChatGPT can help you create personalized messaging that resonates with your customers. Why waste your precious time typing out every single message when you can just sit back, relax, and boss around ChatGPT to do it for you? Let the robot do the hard work while you sip on your favorite coffee.

Process automation

Remember the dilemma of using SMS Marketing Platforms when it comes to technical things? ChatGPT actually can solve all of that as quickly as a flash. The time and resources that we need to manually write the messages can be reduced thanks to the AI. 

ChatGPT Prompts for SMS Marketing

No worry if you are not familiar with using this tool. We will provide several useful prompts to request ChatGPT for your SMS Marketing. 

Prompt 1: Generate templates for text messages

For example: 

Prompt 2: Craft reminders for customers' left items.

For example:

Prompt 3: Gain more customer opt-ins.

For example:

These are several prompts that might be useful for you in your SMS Marketing journey. But, who can understand your business better than you? Make sure to keep requesting, making adjustments, or even write your own prompts to create the most suitable version.

The bottom line

SMS marketing can be a goldmine for your business. Don’t let yourself behind the technology and start exploring the power of ChatGPT. With ChatGPT, you can create killer messages, automate the drafting process, and optimize your campaign. So, why waste time typing when you can let ChatGPT do the hard work? Try SMSGem with ChatGPT today and watch your business boom!

Hey there! Want to know a cool way to reach out to your customers? Well, SMS marketing is the way to go! With SMS marketing, you can increase engagement, build loyalty, and boost sales all at once! But wait, are you still not sure about the pricing? Don't worry, we got you! Let's dive deep into the pricing model together and find the best option for you. 

But wait, are you still not sure about the pricing? Don't worry, we got you! Let's dive deep into the pricing model together and find the best option for you. It's like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, we'll discover the perfect SMS marketing plan that fits your budget!

Understanding SMS Marketing Platform Pricing Models

1. Monthly subscription

James has been overweight for years so he decided to change it! He signed up for a gym membership within a month. Then, he can use any machine he wants, join in fun activities like dancing and yoga classes, and much more! 

The same story goes for SMS Marketing Platforms, by paying a fixed fee each month, businesses can send a set number of texts to their customers, promoting their products and services. By paying one-time, you could get a set of many features that the Platform offers. 

• Pros: Predictable costs, easier to budget for marketing expenses each month.
• Cons: Not suitable for seasonal promotions.

2. Pay-as-you-go pricing

So, the man decided to change his membership from full access to only using the treadmill.

Why pay for a fancy gym membership when you only use the treadmill? With the pay-as-you-go pricing model, you'll only pay for the “workouts” you actually do. Similar to how James only pays for the treadmill he uses, you are only charged for the messages you send. A perfect solution for businesses that don't send a ton of SMS messages each month! Only buying the SMS credits as needed and sending messages whenever they want.

Make your SMS marketing budget more controllable, say hello to pay-as-you-go pricing!

• Pros: Flexible and cost-effective for sending occasional messages
• Cons: More expensive per message than other pricing models if messaging volume is high.

3. Credit-based

Looks like James finally saw the light after a month of exercise confusion. His bank account is burning more than his muscles. So, he ditched his expensive gym membership and opted for treadmill credits.

Rather than paying a fixed monthly fee, you buy a certain number of credits that you can use to send text messages. The more credits you buy, the more messages you can send. It's a flexible option for businesses with fluctuating messaging needs or those who want to try SMS marketing without committing to a larger plan. Just make sure you use your credits before they expire, since not all SMS Marketing platforms let the credits roll over.

• Pros: Purchase a specific number of SMS credits upfront at a discounted rate.
• Cons: Unused credits may expire, leading to wasted resources. 

4. Tiered pricing

Think of our tiered pricing as different levels of gym memberships. Just like how gyms offer different packages based on the number of classes you want to take or the equipment you want to use, we offer different pricing tiers based on how many texts you need to send. Each tier comes with its own set of credits, so you can choose the one that fits your texting needs and budget. 

So, whether you're a light texter or a heavy one, there is always a tier that works for you. It's time to flex those texting muscles!

• Pros: Suitable for businesses with high volume messaging needs
• Cons: Less affordable for smaller businesses.

Upgrade Your SMS Marketing: Best Platforms to Take You to the Top!

Ready to level up your business with texting? Check out these awesome SMS marketing Platforms on Shopify's Platform store: SMSBump, SMSGem, Texty, Postscript SMS Marketing, and more. Each Platform has different pricing plans, so you can find one that fits your budget. Experiment with different strategies and track your results to get the most out of SMS marketing. And don't forget to take advantage of the free trials offered by these platforms before committing to a paid plan. Give it a shot and see how much your business can grow!

How to Pick the Perfect SMS Pricing Plan

Remember James? Just like the gym of marketing, SMS Marketing can whip your business into shape! But like finding the right workout routine, choosing the perfect pricing plan can be a sweat-inducing challenge. Several factors to be considered:

• Messaging volume: Consider the number of messages when choosing an SMS pricing plan. High volume? Try a credit or tiered plan. Low volume? Pay-as-you-go might be a better bet.
• Budget: Want to estimate your marketing budget? Monthly subscriptions and tiered pricing are definitely more predictable.
• Messaging needs: Are your messages as consistent as your morning coffee or as unpredictable as the weather? If you're a creature of habit, go for a monthly or tiered plan. Otherwise, go with credit or pay-as-you-go plans.
• Features: What features do you need? Look for a platform that provides the features you require, like segmentation, automation, and integrations, to accomplish your marketing objectives.
• Trial period: Most SMS marketing platforms offer a free trial period. Take advantage of this to test out the platform and see if it's the right fit for your business before subscribing to a paid plan.

Keep your messaging volume, budget, and needs in mind, and make sure to test out those free trials like a gym newbie trying out all the machines. With the right plan and strategy, your business will be fit and toned in no time!

Have a successful SMS Marketing campaign

Here comes everything you need to know for choosing the right SMS Marketing plan for your business. 

James has already settled down with the most fitting plan to change his appearance, how about you? Just like how a gym membership helps you stay in shape, let’s use the power of SMS marketing to keep your customers engaged and informed. 

Sign up for SMSGem today and start reaching out to your customers in a fun and engaging way! It's the perfect way to boost engagement, loyalty, and sales, and with pay-as-you-go pricing, you only pay for what you use. Don't wait - get started with SMSGem today and watch your business soar!

Marketing expenses could be expensive, but it is not always the case! There are a lot of low costing marketing tactics that are worth attempting. Affordable and powerful - SMS Marketing is here to expand your customer base without breaking the bank.

What is SMS Marketing? 

Not as old as the ancient pigeon post! This is a way to communicate with your customers through the “short message service” that could be sent directly to their mobile devices. It is a type of opt-in marketing where you can send all the promotions that can boost your sale.

Text Your Way to Success: How SMS save your money

• Low cost per message: Sending an SMS Message is much cheaper than other marketing channels like direct mail or TV ads. This cost can vary depending on the provider, but in general, it costs less than candy.

• No printing costs: Spend less on ink, paper and design.
• Higher open rates: SMS marketing messages are opened and read 98% of the time, which is 20% higher than the corresponding rate for emails

• High response rate: 45% is the percentage of the average SMS response rate, which is much higher compared to email.

• Low opt-out rates: For SMS Marketing, the opt-out rate is 2.3 - 3.2%, while this number for email is 1.6% - 10.5%. This can help you trim costs in acquiring new customers. 
• Greater ROI: With less expensive to run and higher conversion rate than other methods, SMS marketing can bring you higher return on investment.
• Improve customer satisfaction: Provide your customers with timely and relevant offers and promotions. This can make them less likely to complain. Then, customer service costs can be reduced. 

Here are several among many plus points explaining why SMS Marketing should be the buddy of your business. However, even the strongest castle has a weak spot. You might question privacy or spamming problems.  In fact, with the support of SMS marketing applications, these concerns can be solved with ease. 

Getting Started with SMS Marketing

1. Pick an SMS marketing platform

No business owners have time to read every single SMS that they want to send. Therefore, the available SMS marketing applications aid you to make the process automatic. 

Several platforms that are cost-effective and user-friendly that you can choose are SMSGem, SMS Bump, EZ Texting, and Automizedly SMS Marketing. 

While considering the most suitable platform, the following characteristics should be the main focus: Cost-per message, SMS Template, Application features, Compliance and Customer Support.

2. Build a list of opt-in subscribers

Be mindful of the recipient’s explicit consent cause as the business owner we would not want to be involved in any of legal issues around your consumers’ privacy. Contemplate the best attractive and beneficial rewards to motivate your buyers without affecting your business flow.

3. Setting up your campaign

To achieve the best results for SMS marketing, customize the text message templates. You simply need to filter them and select a short yet attractive one that appeals to all your customers. This customization may require your input to tailor the SMS to your specific target audience segmentation.

4. SMS Timing

Now you have the most effective SMS prepared, but your customers are too busy or distracted as they do not even give a glance to your message. Here are some tips to plan the perfect timing for your SMS Marketing campaign:

• Understand your target audience: knowing their habits, lifestyle and demographics.
• Time zones: send the messages at the most convenient time for your customers.
• Avoid hectic periods: Rush hour, holidays, or lunchtime would not be the best time for the message to be delivered as it tends to be ignored.
• Test and measure: Constantly test your SMS campaign and refine the approach based on the outcome. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

So called SMS Marketing is a powerful but underestimated tool for every business to boost their performance. For this reason, why not give it a shot and notice the significant development SMS Marketing brings? 

SMSGem has everything you need to get the job done. Download today and start enjoying the benefits of fast, efficient messaging! If you have any concerns, we are here for you.

Every business, big or small, relies on a consistent and reliable sales cycle to generate revenue. However, the sales process can often be complex and time-consuming, leading to lost opportunities and delayed revenue. This is where the "Quote to Cash" (QTC) process comes in, providing a streamlined solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sales process.

What is Quote to Cash?

A quotation process starts right at the moment when your prospective buyer shows interest in your offerings and asks for a quote. A sales quotation process can be simple or complex, depending on the depth of your offerings and the type of organization. 

The Quote to Cash (QTC) process is a workflow that encompasses all the activities required for a business to generate revenue, from the initial quote to the final payment. The process involves several stages, including quoting, contract management, ordering, invoicing, and payment collection. By integrating all these stages into one streamlined process, QTC helps businesses accelerate their sales cycles and improve their cash flow.

How Quote to Cash improves sales cycles

The QTC process offers numerous benefits for businesses looking to improve their sales cycles. Here are some of the ways that QTC can push your sales team into faster sales cycles:

Streamlined workflow

By integrating all stages of the sales process, QTC creates a unified workflow that simplifies the entire process from start to finish. This means that sales teams can quickly move from quoting to closing deals, leading to faster sales cycles and improved revenue generation.

Improve accuracy

The QTC process reduces errors and ensures that all information is accurate and up-to-date, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the overall efficiency of the sales process. This accuracy also increases the likelihood of closing deals, as customers are more likely to trust businesses with a reliable and accurate sales process.

Increase visibility

The QTC process offers increased visibility into the sales process, allowing sales teams to track deals, monitor progress, and identify areas that need improvement. This visibility helps businesses make informed decisions and adjust their sales strategy accordingly, leading to improved sales cycles and increased revenue.

Enhance customer experience

By streamlining the sales process and improving accuracy, QTC also enhances the customer experience. Customers appreciate businesses that offer efficient and accurate sales processes, and this can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

Implementing Quote to Cash

To implement QTC effectively, businesses need to consider the following steps:

Evaluate the current sales process

The first step in implementing QTC is to evaluate the current sales process and identify areas that need improvement. This evaluation should consider factors such as the length of the sales cycle, the accuracy of the information, and customer feedback.

Choose the right QTC solution

Businesses need to select a QTC solution that meets their specific needs and integrates with their existing systems (ERP or CRM). QTC solutions vary in terms of complexity, features, and cost, so businesses should carefully evaluate their options before making a decision.

You need to collect quotes from your online website with accurate information so your sales team can handle it seamlessly.

Train sales teams

To ensure successful implementation, businesses should provide training to sales teams on how to use the QTC solution effectively. This training should cover all aspects of the QTC process and include best practices for optimizing the sales cycle.

Note: You can invite up to 10 members for handling your quotation requests together.

Monitor and improve

Once QTC is implemented, businesses should monitor its effectiveness and continuously improve the process. This may involve making adjustments to the sales strategy, updating the QTC solution, or providing additional training to sales teams.

Conclusion

The Quote to Cash process offers a powerful solution for businesses looking to streamline their sales cycle and generate revenue more efficiently. By integrating all stages of the sales process, improving accuracy, increasing visibility, and enhancing the customer experience, QTC can push your sales team into faster sales cycles and improve your bottom line. To implement QTC effectively, businesses need to evaluate their current sales process, choose the right QTC solution, train their sales teams, and continuously monitor and improve the process.