What Are SMS Notifications, and Why Are They Important?

It’s no secret that businesses use multiple digital communication and marketing channels to reach their consumers. Traditional marketing can be costly, and unless you have a large advertising budget, you likely need a less expensive way to get info into the hands of your consumers. That’s where mobile messaging comes in.

Mobile messaging tools like push notifications, iMessage, or SMS text messaging are all ways to reach your consumers in real-time. If you’re looking for a less expensive option to connect with your audience and grow your business, SMS notifications may be the ticket.

Defining SMS Text Messaging

SMS is an abbreviation for Short Message Service, and it’s what most of the modern mobile world uses to send text messages. Mobile phones and tablets that are powered through a cellular network have the capability to send and receive SMS text messages. SMS messages can be sent using cellular data but cannot be sent using only Wi-Fi.

Even iPhones will use SMS text messages when the user is trying to send a message to an Android device, with message bubbles turning green when the message is delivered through SMS or MMS (Multimedia Message Service).

It’s also worth knowing that SMS messaging can only include 160 text characters, and any photos, video, audio, or other rich media is sent as an MMS message.

What Are SMS Notifications?

Now that we know what SMS text messaging is, let’s take a closer look at SMS notifications.

SMS notifications are alerts that allow businesses to communicate with their audience. When an SMS text message is sent, it will appear directly on a user’s mobile phone or device, with the user also seeing a notification. This notification can pop up in several places, such as the device’s messaging application, the lock screen, and the notification center. A badge notification may also alert users to a new message on the messaging app.

The SMS message and the notifications are sent directly to the user’s mobile device, so you don’t have to rely on them to check your app or visit your website. Users must opt-in to receive text messages, and the user can control where and when they receive notifications through the Settings app on their device.

Why Are SMS Notifications Important?

SMS notifications are an important communication tool for sending real-time information to your internal teams or external audience. Here are just a few reasons why SMS notifications are important to growing your business.

• An estimated 7.5 billion people will own a mobile phone by 2025, with the United Nations predicting the global population reaching 8.5 billion by 2030.
• 98% of users open and read SMS notifications, meaning you’re reaching more of your audience.
• Nearly 50% of users who react to a CTA after receiving an SMS notification will make a purchase.
• SMS messages have a 209% higher response rate than phone, email, and social marketing. It’s easy to delete emails or have email messages go straight to spam, but SMS notifications are delivered directly to a personal device.
• The average user will respond to an SMS message within 90 seconds. Most people have their phones on them at all times, making it easier to read and respond to SMS notifications.

SMS notifications are relevant to building a valuable relationship between your brand and your audience. The users receive personalized news, promotions, and purchase information in real-time, and in turn, your business sees an increase in engagement, traffic, and conversions!

How SMS Notifications Support Business Growth

With high open, read, and response rates, it’s no wonder businesses utilize SMS marketing strategies. Here are a few ways you can utilize SMS notifications to support business growth.

Keep Costs Low

Unlike social media, you don’t need a high ad budget for users to view your content. You also don’t have to worry about sponsoring posts or fickle algorithms. Using mobile messaging like SMS to market your business keeps costs low while increasing your ROI. SMS notifications are a budget-friendly tool that will help grow your business.

Reach Your Target Audience

Over 6 billion people use mobile phones worldwide, and SMS messaging is the primary form of texting. This creates a massive opportunity to increase your reach with SMS messaging and notifications. Text messaging allows you to reach a more diverse audience as every age group and demographic uses it.

Create Engaging Content

SMS marketing requires users to willingly opt-in to receive messages; this means the user is interested in hearing from you. Irrelevant messaging can quickly have users opting out, so it’s important to use this opportunity to create engaging, relevant, and personalized content. When users open a personalized product suggestion, reward, or coupon, they are more likely to engage with the CTA and make a purchase.

Increase Brand Loyalty

There’s something about SMS text messages that feel more personal than other communication platforms. Some businesses are scared off by this, but it is an opportunity for your brand to create a more humanized and emotional connection with your audience. Consumers are more likely to remain loyal to your brand if they view you as accessible. A dedicated customer base can increase overall engagement, brand-trust and be brand ambassadors by spreading positive reviews for your business.

Have a Multi-Channel Marketing Plan

It’s crucial to utilize a multi-channel marketing plan. Having a user-friendly website and mobile app is the first step. Combining email marketing, push notifications, SMS messaging, and other marketing strategies will leave you set up for success across all channels.

Choose What’s Best For Your Business

Bottom line, SMS text messaging and notifications are beneficial tools for businesses to leverage for growth. They allow you to meet your consumers where they are and provide value and information in real-time. However, it’s essential to know your audience and understand how each marketing tool works to know what’s right for your business. With MagicBell’s complete notification system, you can refine your communication strategy by notifying users wherever they are and on their preferred channels to boost engagement and retention.