Did you know that 31% of sales in 2016 came from mobile devices...and in 2018, that number is expected to skyrocket! If that doesn't give you a reason to focus on mobile marketing - especially SMS marketing - then I don't know what will! I know text marketing can be hard to understand...I know you probably don't know how text messages work...or you don't know how to use text messages to promote your business. Don't worry...we've put together this overview to help you get started quickly. Free Photo/Pixabay We're going to provide some texting inspiration...so you can start your own successful business texting campaign. We'll cover why text messaging is so powerful. We'll even discuss how to write some marketing text messages. If you want to improve prospect responsiveness, get people into your brick-and-mortar business, and connect with customers, read on. The role of text messaging in business Before we discuss how, let's talk about why. The benefits of integrating text messaging into your business communications are numerous and touch upon every stage of the buying process. Texting to generate leads You can get leads in a number of ways, both online and offline, but text messaging has the power to generate high-quality leads. That's why...all phones come with text messages...no app download required. Phone numbers are unique and specific. People don't give them up easily, and they are rarely counterfeited! (Think of all the fake emails people use to sign up for online offers) If someone gives you a phone number - it's rarely faked. You can generate leads by making a simple offer: Allow consumers to opt-in to receive promotions and coupons Get a free estimate or quote for your services Invite people to schedule appointments or presentations Open the door to questions Remember, never text someone unless they have your permission! Don't break the law. Best of all, once you have a lead, you can use text messages for the industry mailing list in the journey: qualification. Screen potential customers by text message Using a prospect's mobile number, you can quickly and easily identify that person as a prospect or client. Leadership qualifications tell you: If the prospect's information is correct If leading is worth your effort and time If you can lead at the crucial moment All of these are critical to nurturing leads and closing sales. You can qualify in a few different ways. You can send a text message asking the prospect to respond with a verification code. You can go the personal route and quickly send a question or confirm a potential customer's potential needs. Simple questions like texting - or survey links can give you a ton of information...not to mention the "big data" demographics available! Once you've determined the lead's qualifications, you can move on to the next step: the sales follow-up process. Follow up with a simple text message Following up is one of the most difficult stages of the buyer’s journey. How many times should you follow up with the leader? Many times, leads are abandoned because calls and emails go unanswered. In fact, it is difficult, if not impossible, to know if the leader received these messages. But 95% of texts are read within 3 minutes of sending. If you send a series of follow-up texts, this is a great way to warm up the buyer and eliminate the "tire kick"! Many times your sequence of follow-up messages can keep prospects warm and maybe even speed up the sales process. This is a perfect example of how texting can allow you to nurture relationships. Wondering what to text a potential customer? Here are some ideas to make your auto text look personal... Include leads in VIP offers and exclusive product launches Provide event reminders Send limited-time offers Push product information, blog posts or other information VIP and exclusive offers make potential customers feel special about your brand.