Some say email is dead. We don’t agree. It’s still an effective channel, but high growth is happening in text message marketing. Consider that text messaging has advanced at a rate of more than 25 times the advancement rate of email.
If you want to appeal to millennials and stay on top of current strategies, text message marketing is worth a try. Here’s a look at how it compares to email marketing and why it’s something you need to consider if you want to grow your business.
Text Messaging vs Email
- On average, an email is not read until approximately 6 hours after it’s sent. In contrast, a text message is typically read within 14 minutes of being sent. That’s a pretty big difference.
- The average person spends only about 20 minutes a day checking their emails. Compare that to the 16 hours a day the average person spends on his or her mobile phone.
- Consumers are far more likely to redeem coupons they receive via text messages than those they receive via email. In fact, it’s estimated that about 1% of consumers redeem email coupons, while 15-30% redeem text coupons.
These statistics are pretty clear, but we’re not suggesting you write off email marketing all together. In fact, using them together can create a powerful combination.
Text Messaging and Email: A Powerful Marketing Combination
Text messaging and email marketing can provide a 1-2 punch. In fact, if you use them side-by-side, you’ll reach your targeted audience in a truly meaningful and highly effective way.
Here are some tips that can help you use the two together:
- Send coupons or discount codes by email AND text. Customers can choose their preferred method and you’ll get a higher redemption rate.
- Create instant redemption opportunities in store. (“Text CUPOFJOE to get a discount for signing up”)
- Use text message to build both your mobile and email lists. With the use of smartphones, it’s easy to text a link to a web form to get emails as well.
- Use email for longer messages to build branding or promote products or services.
- Opt for text to send short messages about sales, promotions, events and timely information.
The long-and-short of it is this: If you want to get the most out of your marketing efforts, synching email and text message marketing is a must.