The retail industry is a competitive space that requires unique marketing efforts and excellent customer service. In order to stay ahead of the competition, many key players have chosen to incorporate SMS into their business strategy. The reason? SMS allows for a personalised and direct engagement with interested customers. What better way to ensure that your message is delivered straight into the hands of your target market than by delivering a simple text message directly to their mobile phone.

Let’s take a look at the top four ways in which retailers are leveraging SMS messaging in their businesses:

1. SMS for order confirmations and notifications:

When a customer makes an online purchase, an SMS message can be sent automatically from the web store confirming their purchase and keeping them apprised of the delivery status. The message can have a personalised Sender ID, giving the customer peace of mind that their transaction has been immediately processed. This manages customer expectations thereby improving the overall customer experience.

2. SMS for marketing and promotions:

Sending SMS messages to customers who have opted in to receive marketing and promotional messaging is a great way to ensure that the right message is going to the right people at the right time. SMS allows retailers to communicate reliably with their desired target market, giving targeted information around current sales or promotions.

Mobi-grams can also be used to visually engage with customers, drive them to a blog or website and promote a specific product or brand.

3. SMS for improved customer service:

Feedback is extremely important in the customer service loop. Understanding what customers want, need and like can help retailers tailor their products and services to better meet the demands of their customers.

SMS enables retailers to send short surveys and feedback requests to their customer’s mobile device. Customers can then respond directly to the SMS messages which allows for valuable insights into their needs and wants.

4. SMS for internal communication:

SMS messages can also be used to communicate with internal staff. For example, SMS messages can be sent informing staff of updated sales procedures, change in shift schedules or salary payment notifications.

SMS is diverse, effective and reliable; features that make it an ideal communication tool within the retail industry. By integrating SMS communications into their business strategy, retailers are able to communicate with their customers directly and personally. There’s no better way to get your message across.