Best practices for text marketing

Now, text marketing is an incredibly powerful tool, but to make the most of it and to keep your clients happy, you need to approach it thoughtfully. Now texts are more direct and more immediate than other forms of communication, which is a part of their power. But it also means that they need to be handled with care. And I'm going to tell you exactly how to do that. So first of all, timing is everything when it comes to sending texts. If you want to make sure that your messages are being sent during reasonable hours so the clients don't feel interrupted. So if I were you, I would aim to send messages basically within regular business hours. I would say ideally between 10am and 6pm Avoid weekends and late evenings, unless it's for a special reason or offer that you know your clients will appreciate. Respecting your clients time shows them that you just value their boundaries and it also just helps you to maintain a professional image. Now while text marketing is effective, it's important not to overdo it. If you send them texts too often, clients might start to feel a little bit overwhelmed and they could even opt out of receiving messages altogether if that's the case. So instead just focus on sending texts that are valuable and relevant. A few well timed texts, maybe a couple a month, can be incredibly impactful. So just make sure that you make each one count. Now think about whether the message is essential and whether or not it will benefit your clients before you hit that send button. If it's not, don't send it now. Monitoring your performance is another key best practice. So take a look at which texts are getting the best response. Are clients replying to confirmations? Are they clicking links in your offers or are they booking after a last minute availability text? Keep an eye on what is working. It will help you to adjust your strategy over time and it will also help you to focus on the types of messages that are truly resonating with your clients and get rid of the ones that aren't. It's important to remember that clients should always have the option to stop receiving marketing texts if they choose. This doesn't mean that they are cutting ties with you, it just means that they prefer to keep their inbox a little bit quieter. Make sure your clients know how to opt out if they wish to. And if someone does request this, then just respect. Keeping clients in control of the communications just helps to build that trust and a more loyal following in the long term. So finally, let's discuss the value of personalization when it comes to text messages. Now they have the unique advantage of feeling more personal and conversational, so we want to make use of that where possible. Try not to just do copy and paste messages. Include your client's name or refer to their recent service. For example, if you send in a re engagement message to a client who hasn't visited in a while, you might say hi Sophie, we've missed you. I just wanted to send over the link so that you can book your next appointment with us and what I want to do is give you a special free hand scrub completely for free. If you do return to welcome you back in whatever way you want to say it, you'll just want to add in your tone of voice. But adding personal touches like this just makes clients feel more valued and it also makes them feel acknowledged as well. They know that you have directed that message purely for them. It's not just a cut and paste. So to wrap it up, send messages at appropriate times. Keep them valuable and relevant. Monitor performance to see what resonates. Respect, opt out and personalize wherever you possibly can. When you approach text marketing with these best practices practices, you are ensuring that clients feel engaged, respected and appreciated and that is the foundation of any successful client relationship.