How can you use SMS to improve your social media strategy?

First we need to be clear on type of communication we want to promote via SMS. This is a communication channel, i.e. it can be used for different types of messages: marketing, social engagement, security, etc. Still SMS is seeing as a personal communication, hence it generates great personal engagement (Meta still uses it as strong channel to improve FB penetration in some countries), with higher open rate than more advanced channels like RCS or Whatsapp. As 2FA method, still is one of the cheapest and easiest to implement. We can question how secure it is but keep in mind that SMS traffic is the only one under the strong telecom regulations in every country in the world (while nobody knows what happens once a code is sent over whatstapp)

SMS is incredibly direct for contacting customers, but I tend to avoid it because it can come off as invasive and personal, which might turn people off. These days, SMS is mostly utilized for A2P messaging, particularly for 2FA. However, even 2FA SMS is being replaced by services like authenticalls.com that use flashcalls instead.

Create an emotionally intelligent SMS and social media integration that amplifies your marketing reach and subscriber engagement (which in turn increases sales and brand loyalty). Ideas: Personalized Promotions: Use analytics to tailor SMS messages, directing users to their preferred social platforms. Emotional Triggers: Send uplifting social media links via SMS after key interactions, like a purchase, to capitalize on positive emotions. Value Messaging: Link to high-engagement social responsibility posts via SMS to align with audience values. Feedback Loop: Use SMS for post-event feedback, showing that you value consumer opinions. Real-Time Analytics: Utilize social listening tools to inform real-time SMS updates during live events.

Shorten URL of your Social Media Webpage along with Call To Action(text) can be appended with the SMS to make sure they land up on it (after reading small but quality message which you sent explaining how can your product help them improving quality of their life or use it when in need)

A common mistake brands make when promoting their SMS programs on social media is to omit required elements that MUST accompany any SMS call-to-action (CTA) in the US. This results in audits: "Text KEYWORD to NUMBER to sign up!" It fits nicely in a Tweet or Instagram post but is neither legally compliant (TCPA) for marketing consent nor does it meet minimum industry requirements (CTIA). Requirements: 1. Service name 2. CTA ex. "Sign up for texts" 3. define consent ex. "By providing number and submitting, you consent to..." 4. Program details ex."recurring promotional messages" 5. “Consent is not a condition of purchase” (TCPA) 6. "Msg & Data Rates May Apply" VERBATIM 7. Frequency ex. "4 msgs/month" 8. HELP 9. STOP 10. Terms & Privacy

Marketing campaigns without targeting the right audience can easily become a spam campaign. Make sure your have a good customer database and dont abuse any communication channel, otherwise you may risk your brand to become a spammer. Also ask your messaging service provider whether it follows strictly the local telecom regulations regarding SMS A2P. Talk to local mobile operators and ask them for help on how (and to whom) to get connected for messaging services - MNOs are a always great reference as they know who can terminate traffic to their network.

1- know your market (regional, international) 2- have a good customer database 3- select a good CPaaS partner. Refer to local mobile operators and dont hesitate to google some names to understand if they are good providers or not (there are several big names out there who are involved in big scandals and some criminal cases!). 4- Look for an easy to use interface. Leave the complexity to the service provider and do demand friendly interfaces and easy API integration with your existing CRM. 5- Make tests to small group of people before start any massive campaign and check if messages are compliant with local regulations (once again you can refer to the mobile operator for some help here).

The following ideas can help you integrate your SMS and social media to maximize engagement: 1. Begin with in-depth audience segmentation. 2. Use machine learning to personalize campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences. 3. Compliance is non-negotiable; be sure to include the necessary information (like SMS disclaimers and a call to action) everywhere you promote your SMS program. 4. Design an SMS program appealing to your followers, such as incorporating two-way communication; use chatbots for basic support and humans for complex issues. 5. Be data-driven; employ real-time analytics to adapt your campaigns. 6. Create a symbiotic content strategy; utilize SMS for time-sensitive messages and social media for long-form content.

To get inspired even further, here are a few more examples of brands and how they integrate a strategy that makes use of both SMS and social media: Domino’s Pizza: Sends out texts with exclusive deals for immediate action. Their social media contests build a fun, loyal community. Dove: Creates a supportive social media community with empowering posts and challenges. Follow up with personalized texts, like they do with offers, to further engage individuals. Amazon: Provides order updates via SMS and invites reviews on social media, fostering a continuous customer dialogue. Chipotle: Announces new menu items through texts while showcasing them on social media, encouraging both immediate action and ongoing engagement.

Event Reminders: If you're promoting events on social media, such as webinars, live broadcasts, or product launches, SMS can be used to send reminders to registered attendees, increasing participation rates.