- Know and respect your audience
Texting is a powerful tool when used properly. People often prefer texting over any other form of Effective communication, but it can be an annoyance if misused. Pigeon SMS is designed to be an effective tool that provides an easy, convenient two-way communication with customers and coworkers alike. There are as many uses for texting as there are businesses and entities. The benefits are endless!
In a business setting, it is proper to receive permission before sending messages, especially if you are marketing. Pigeon SMS allows customers to opt in, or out. When sending information, unless it is an emergency, text during normal business hours to make communicating convenient for them. Most importantly, be selective on the number of messages you send. Do not bombard them with unnecessary information. You don’t like it, why would they? Don’t text just because you can. Text because people want or need to hear from you.
It cannot be overstated that receiving the okay to chat with someone by text is a privilege and should be treated that way. People do not like to be badgered or receive contact outside of the intended purpose. Be selective with the message content and frequency so customers will trust you. Being mindful of messaging contact is not only appreciated, but keeps contacts happy and willing to continue to converse with you through text messages.
2. Keep message short, to the point, and simple
Texting is meant to be quick and on the go! Keep messages short and simple; direct and to the point. Say only what is necessary. Small reminders, brief conversation topics, messages to organize meetings in person or to arrange a phone call, and other short messages are most effective and efficient. When you have a complex issue to discuss, or a load of information to share, consider directing your recipient to an email, website, blog, or a link to click on.
3. SMS means no need for fluff
The beauty of texting is there is no need for formal introductions, special formatting, or signatures. It’s a friendly avenue that is simple, easy and convenient because you can leave out the fluffy formalities. Remember, although texting is more casual, keep the tone of your message appropriate and professional. Avoid controversial subjects, jokes, and satire because often texts are misinterpreted. Also, if your identity is obvious, there is no need to introduce yourself in every text.
Longer messages over 160 characters can be sent, but will be divided into multiple message units. (see blog: SMS Unit Charges) Composing short concise messages will conserve ‘message units’ and recipients will appreciate the effort.
4. Be kind and avoid negative emotional leakage
Messages convey emotion, therefore, it is wise to steer clear of inside jokes, controversial subjects, personal opinions and degrading remarks about any person or object. Always be courteous and kind and avoid using slang terms. Texts are easily shared, and you want to keep your professional image.
5. Use a link when you have additional information
Including a link in your message is an excellent method to provide easy access to additional information or services you want to share. A link can direct your client to:
a specific part of your website
used to make payments
a subscription form
take a survey or vote
a scheduling calendar
distribute a coupon
A word of caution to use care with link shorteners like bit.ly to create a shorter link that redirects to the intended target. They can be effective with conversational messages but with group messages can trigger carrier spam filters and cause messages to go undelivered or your number to be blacklisted or blocked. Avoid using phrases and content that are associated with spam to avoid issues with carrier filters.
6. Cutting a message down to size
To make messages shorter:
eliminate unnecessary information and unnecessary words
eliminate words like “the” and “your”
double spacing after a period is not necessary
punctuation on a short texts is not always necessary
eliminate introducing yourself every single text, ie “this is a text from ABC company”
emojis are cute, but cut your message significantly
read it back to yourself and decide if the text is too wordy
7. Proofread. Proofread. Proofread.
Always proofread before clicking send. Be careful when using autocorrect. Take a minute and reread your message out loud to yourself. Often duplicate words, redundancy, grammatical errors, and misspelled words appear, among other issues. Many times you realize that your message may be misunderstood and needs some fine tuning.
If you have more tips send them to us! We’d Love to hear from you! Pigeon SMS is an affordable method of always staying in touch with your customers!
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