Complete Guide to Text-to-Join SMS Campaigns

Text-to-Join SMS campaigns are a powerful way to grow your marketing list and engage with your audience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create, promote, and optimize a successful Text-to-Join SMS campaign.

What is a Text-to-Join SMS Campaign?

A Text-to-Join SMS campaign allows customers to subscribe to your SMS list by texting a keyword to a specific short code or phone number. This method is an effective strategy for expanding your reach and directly communicating with your audience.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Text-to-Join Campaign

Choose Notificare as your SMS provider and instantly access a feature-rich platform. With Notificare, you can effortlessly create, import, and grow your contact list organically, craft engaging SMS and MMS content, and seamlessly launch powerful Text-to-Join campaigns.

Get a Short Code or Long Code

Before sending SMS to your customers, it's crucial to understand the challenges and opportunities of different phone number types. Without this insight, you risk choosing a number that doesn't meet your needs or those of your audience.

• Short Codes: These are 5 or 6-digit numbers dedicated to SMS campaigns. They are memorable but more costly.
• Long Codes: These are standard 10-digit phone numbers used for SMS campaigns. They are cheaper but have lower throughput.

To explore all the options available to you, we highly recommend reading about Short Codes, 10DLC and Toll-Free numbers.

Create a Keyword

Choose a simple, relevant keyword that customers can text to join your list. Ensure it’s easy to spell and remember. For example: JOIN, SAVE, or DEALS.

With Notificare you can configure these keywords to collect phone numbers with implied consent or double opt-in. You can learn all about it here.

Step 2: Compliance and Best Practices

Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and adhering to best practices is crucial for the success and longevity of your Text-to-Join SMS campaign. This step not only helps you avoid legal pitfalls but also builds trust with your subscribers.

Understand Legal Requirements

Ensure compliance with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in EU. Obtain explicit consent from customers before sending promotional messages and include necessary disclaimers and opt-out instructions in every message.

Craft a Clear Opt-In Message

When users text your keyword, send an automated response to confirm their subscription. For example: "Thanks for joining [Your Brand]! Reply Y to confirm subscription. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out.".

Step 3: Promoting Your Text-to-Join Campaign

Effectively promoting your Text-to-Join SMS campaign is crucial for building a robust subscriber list. Utilize a mix of online and offline channels to maximize your reach and encourage potential subscribers to join.

Online Channels

Promote your campaign on your website, social media, and email newsletters. Use website pop-ups or banners to capture visitors' attention.

Offline Channels

Display the keyword and short code on in-store signage, receipts, business cards, and product packaging. Utilize traditional advertising methods like print ads, billboards, and TV/radio spots.

Step 4: Creating Engaging SMS Content

Once you’ve successfully attracted subscribers to your Text-to-Join campaign, the next crucial step is to create engaging SMS content that keeps them interested and responsive. Here’s how to craft compelling messages that drive engagement and loyalty.

Personalization

Use customer data to personalize messages, such as addressing customers by name and offering birthday discounts. Segment your audience based on preferences and behaviors for targeted messaging.

Value-Driven Messages

Send exclusive offers, discounts, and promotions to incentivize subscribers. Provide valuable content like tips, updates, and event notifications.

Timing and Frequency

Schedule messages at optimal times, avoiding late-night or early-morning texts. Maintain a reasonable frequency to avoid overwhelming subscribers, such as 2-4 messages per month.

Step 5: Monitoring and Optimization

This step is essential to ensure its success and continuous improvement. By tracking key metrics and making data-driven adjustments, you can enhance your campaign's effectiveness and better meet the needs of your audience.

Track Key Metrics

Monitor metrics such as opt-in & opt-out or click-through rates. With Notificare you can easily gather insights about these KPIs via our dashboard, data export capabilities or API.

A/B Testing

Experiment with different keywords, message content, send times, and call-to-actions. Analyze results to identify what works best and optimize accordingly.

Gather Feedback

Encourage subscribers to provide feedback through surveys or direct responses. Use this feedback to improve your campaign and customer experience.

Step 6: Ensuring Long-Term Success

Ensuring the long-term success of your campaigns requires ongoing attention and strategic planning. By focusing on building trust, adapting to changes, and rewarding loyalty, you can foster a strong and engaged subscriber base that supports your goals.

Build Trust and Loyalty

Consistently deliver valuable and relevant content to maintain subscriber interest. Respect customer preferences and privacy.

Adapt and Evolve

Stay updated with SMS marketing trends and industry regulations. Continuously adapt your strategy based on performance data and market changes.

Reward Loyalty

Implement loyalty programs and reward repeat customers with exclusive deals and early access to new products.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a successful Text-to-Join SMS campaign that not only grows your subscriber list but also engages and retains your audience effectively. Start building your campaign today and see the difference direct communication can make!

As always, you can find us available for any question you might have via our Support Channel.