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Increase social media traffic with SMS

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Considering the growth and numbers related to social media and how integrated into our lives, and our relationship with our mobile phone. It’s no surprise that brands are using SMS to acquire social media traffic to increase engagement and sales.

83% of text messages are read within the first three minutes of receipt, and the open rate for texts is 98%. So it’s easy to understand how SMS allows easier interaction for brands. Using this platform business can prompt customers to participate on social media networks for a multi-channel approach to engagement.

So what can brands do to engage online, via SMS? PE-based SMSPortal’s MD Charles Stretch has some tips:

Like-Gating and digital vouchers
Targeted and secure digital vouchers give retail brands the ability to connect to the mass digital market. So, when you send a digital voucher via SMS to a subscriber include what is called a ‘Like-Gate’ URL. This forces a Facebook user who has not already liked your page, to like your page before they can see particular content.

Cross-platform promotion
This is so simple and straightforward it is often neglected. Social media provides rich engagement and SMS provides ease of use. With this in mind, when you run a contest on a social media platform, promote it via SMS to your mobile subscribers.

Utilise short codes and keywords
We have all seen the use of keywords and short codes in competitions be it in-store or on television. In the reply, as well as acknowledging their contact, include a social media URL. You know the individual is already engaged with your brand, by doing this will see you social media followers skyrocket.

Go viral
Cute kittens, people falling over… if you have viral content share it with your SMS subscribers with a unique URL and encourage sharing. You can even offer incentives to your top referrers.

Share online content off-line
You have some great content online that your mobile subscribers might not be enjoying. So send your off-line subscribers your online content to build interest in your social media network(s).

There are huge benefits of multi-channel marketing; it creates multiple opportunities to reach and engage with your target market, and SMS allows you to move off-line customers online.

Author: Kimberley Nanson
Website: http://www.smsportal.co.za

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