Mailchimp’s new SMS feature is easy to use. It works with the same contacts you have for email. As a result, you do not need to build a new list. You can simply add phone numbers to your existing contacts. Of course, you must get permission first. This is a very important step. People must agree to get your messages. This is a law you must follow. After you have permission, you can start sending. It is a good idea to tell people what kind of messages you will send. Also, you should say how often you will send them. This builds trust with your customers.
How to Get Started with Mailchimp SMS
Starting with text messages in Mailchimp is very simple. First, you need to have a paid plan. The SMS feature is not available for free. You must also have a special number for your texts. Mailchimp helps you get this number. Then, you can start adding phone numbers to your audience. This is the list of all your contacts. In addition, you must middle east mobile number list ask people for their permission. You can do this with a sign-up form. For instance, you can add a field for phone numbers. A small checkbox must be next to it. This checkbox says, "I agree to get text messages." People must check this box. Therefore, you know they want your messages.
Moreover, Mailchimp keeps track of all this. It makes sure you are following the rules. This helps you avoid any legal issues. You can send messages to people who have given you permission. Also, you can see who has stopped getting your messages. This is called opting out. Every text you send must have a way for people to opt out. A common way is to say, "Reply STOP to unsubscribe." Mailchimp helps you add this line automatically. Consequently, you can manage your list easily. It is a very helpful tool.
Building Your SMS Contact List
Creating your SMS list is a very important task. In fact, it is the first real step. You can use your existing contacts in Mailchimp. You just need to add a field for phone numbers. Then, you can ask people for their number. For example, you can send an email to your list. In the email, you can ask them to add their number. You should tell them what they will get. Maybe they will get special deals. Perhaps they will get event reminders. This gives them a reason to share their number. It is a good way to grow your list.
You can also get new sign-ups. For instance, you can use a sign-up form on your website. When people visit your site, they can fill out the form. The form should have a place for their name, email, and phone number. A checkbox for permission is a must. You can also use social media. You can ask people on Facebook or Instagram to sign up. Just remember to always get their permission. This is the most important part of building your list. It is a way to respect your customers. As a result, they will be happy to hear from you.
Creating Your First SMS Campaign
After you have a good list, you can create a campaign. This is where you write your message. Mailchimp has a simple tool for this. You choose your audience and then you write your text. Text messages are very short. Therefore, you should be clear and direct. You only have a small number of characters to use. You can also add special fields to your message. For instance, you can add a customer's first name. This makes the message feel more personal. People are more likely to read a message with their name in it. Consequently, your messages will be more effective.
Mailchimp also helps you schedule your messages. You can choose to send them right away. Or, you can choose a different time and day. It is a good idea to send messages at a good time. Do not send them too early in the morning. Also, do not send them too late at night. Most people prefer to get messages during the day. As a result, your message will be seen by more people. In addition, you can also add a link to your website. You can track who clicks on the link. This helps you see what people are interested in.
Always Get Permission
Getting permission is not just a good idea. In fact, it is a legal requirement. This is the law in many countries. If you send text messages without permission, it is considered spam. This can get your business into big trouble. You could face very large fines. Therefore, it is very important to get a clear "yes" from every person. This is often called "opt-in". Mailchimp has tools to help you follow this rule. When you use their sign-up forms, the permission checkbox is already there. You can be sure you are following the rules.
Also, it is just good business to get permission. People do not like unwanted messages. When they get a message they did not ask for, they can get angry. This can hurt your business's reputation. Your customers might start to feel bad about you. On the other hand, people who opt-in are happy to get your messages. They are more likely to buy from you. This is a very good thing for your business. Thus, getting permission is the best way to start your SMS marketing. It builds trust and a better customer base.
What Kind of Messages to Send
Now that you know how to send messages, you need to know what to send. Your messages should be short and useful. You can send a special promotion or a coupon. For example, you can say, "Show this text to get 10% off your next purchase." Another idea is to send event reminders. For instance, you can remind people about a sale that is starting soon. This is very helpful for your customers. They will not miss a good deal. Moreover, you can send important updates. If your store hours change, a quick text can let everyone know.
You can also use messages to say hello. For instance, you can send a welcome message to a new customer. A simple "Thanks for signing up!" can make a person feel good. You can also send a birthday message. A friendly "Happy Birthday!" text with a small gift can be a great surprise. As a result, your customers feel special and valued. These messages are great for building loyalty. They make your customers feel like they are part of a community. In conclusion, there are many good things to send. Just make sure your messages are helpful and positive.
Tracking Your Results
After you send a message, it is important to see how it worked. Mailchimp gives you reports for your SMS campaigns. You can see how many people received your message. You can also see how many people clicked on your link. This information is very useful. It tells you what is working and what is not. For example, if many people clicked on a link, you know that offer was good. If not many people clicked, you might need to change your message next time. It is a good way to learn and improve.
Moreover, the reports show you who opted out. If many people opted out, your messages might not be good. You may be sending too many texts. Or, the messages might not be useful to them. You can then change your plan. This helps you make your marketing better. As a result, your customers will be happier. They will get messages they want to see. This is the main goal of text message marketing. It is a way to talk to people who want to hear from you. In short, using reports helps you become a better marketer.