As a business owner, you know just how important it is to build a list of loyal customers who are interested in your products or services. And what better way to do that than through an opt-in text list? Not only does it allow you to reach your customers directly, but it also helps you build a strong relationship with them.
But how do you build a list that is both effective and efficient? That’s where these 10 proven strategies come in. So grab a pen and paper, and get ready to take some notes, because, by the end of this article, you’ll have all the tools you need to build a successful opt-in text list.
Benefits of Building an Opt-In Text List
Before diving into the strategies, take a look at the benefits of building an opt-in text list. First and foremost, an opt-in text list allows you to reach your customers directly. Unlike email or social media, which can get lost in a sea of other messages, text messages have an open rate of 98%. That means that almost everyone who receives your text message will read it.
In addition to high open rates, text messages also have a high response rate. According to a study by Mobile Marketing Watch, text messages have a response rate of 45%. That’s compared to email, which has a response rate of just 6%. This means that if you want to get a response from your customers, text messaging is the way to go.
Finally, an opt-in text list allows you to build a strong relationship with your customers. By sending personalized messages and exclusive deals, you can show your customers that you value their business and appreciate their loyalty.
Now, here are some strategies for building your opt-in text list that will grow your business.
Strategy 1: Offer a Lead Magnet
The first strategy for building your opt-in text list is to offer a lead magnet. A lead magnet is a free offer that you give to your customers in exchange for their contact information. This could be anything from a free e-book to a discount code for your products or services.
To offer a lead magnet for your opt-in text list, create a landing page that promotes your offer and asks for your customers’ phone numbers. Be sure to highlight the benefits of signing up for your opt-in text list, such as exclusive deals and early access to new products or services.
Once you have your landing page set up, promote it on your website, social media, and other marketing channels. You can also create targeted ads that promote your lead magnet to your ideal customers.
Strategy 2: Run a Text-to-Win Contest
Another effective strategy for building your opt-in text list is to run a text-to-win contest. This is a contest where customers can enter to win a prize by texting a keyword to your phone number.
To run a text-to-win contest, choose a prize that is relevant to your business and will appeal to your customers. Then, create a landing page that explains the contest rules and asks for your customers’ phone numbers.
Promote your text-to-win contest on your website, social media, and other marketing channels. You can also create targeted ads that promote your contest to your ideal customers.
Strategy 3: Host a Webinar or Virtual Event
Hosting a webinar or virtual event is another great way to build your opt-in text list. By offering valuable content, you can attract new customers and encourage them to sign up for your opt-in text list.
To host a webinar or virtual event, choose a topic that is relevant to your business and will provide value to your customers. Then, create a landing page that promotes your event and asks for your customers’ phone numbers.
Promote your webinar or virtual event on your website, social media, and other marketing channels. You can also create targeted ads that promote your event to your ideal customers.
Strategy 4: Utilize Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for building your opt-in text list. By promoting your opt-in text list on social media, you can reach a large audience of potential customers.
To promote your opt-in text list on social media, create posts and ads that highlight the benefits of signing up, such as exclusive deals and early access to new products or services. Be sure to include a clear call to action that encourages your followers to sign up.
You can also use paid social media advertising to promote your opt-in text list to your ideal customers. This allows you to target customers based on demographics, interests, and behaviors to ensure that your message is reaching the right audience.
Strategy 5: Use SMS Keywords
SMS keywords are a powerful tool for short code texting and building your opt-in text list. By using a keyword that is easy to remember, you can encourage customers to sign up for your opt-in text list with just a few taps on their phone. Just be sure to choose a keyword that is relevant to your business and easy to remember. Then, promote your keyword on your website, social media, and other marketing channels.
So, when a customer texts your keyword to your short code, they will automatically be added to your opt-in text list. This makes it easy for customers to sign up and for you to build your list.
Strategy 6: Offer Exclusive Deals and Promotions
One of the best ways to encourage customers to sign up for your opt-in text list is to offer exclusive deals and promotions. By offering deals that are only available to your opt-in text list, you can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to sign up.
To offer exclusive deals and promotions, create a landing page that highlights the benefits of signing up for your opt-in text list. Then, promote your landing page on your website, social media, and other marketing channels.
Be sure to include a clear call-to-action that encourages customers to sign up for your opt-in text list in order to receive exclusive deals and promotions.
Strategy 7: Personalize Your Messages
Personalization is key when it comes to building a strong relationship with your customers. By personalizing your messages, you can show your customers that you value their business and appreciate their loyalty.
To personalize your messages, use your customer’s name and other relevant information in your text messages. You can also segment your opt-in text list based on customer preferences and behaviors to ensure that your messages are relevant and targeted.
Strategy 8: Use a Clear Call to Action
A clear call to action is essential when it comes to building your opt-in text list. By telling your customers exactly what you want them to do, you can encourage them to take action and sign up for your list.
To create a clear call to action, use action words such as “sign up” or “join now” in your messages. Be sure to also include a link to your landing page or a keyword that customers can text to sign up.
Strategy 9: Timing Is Key
Timing is key when it comes to building your opt-in text list. By sending messages at the right time, you can increase the likelihood that your customers will read and respond to your messages.
To determine the best time to send messages, consider your customers’ schedules and behaviors. For example, if your customers are most active on social media in the evenings, you may want to send your messages in the late afternoon or early evening.
Strategy 10: Track and Analyze Your Results
Finally, it’s important to track and analyze your results when it comes to building your opt-in text list. By monitoring your metrics, you can determine what is working and what isn’t, and make adjustments as needed.
To track and analyze your results, use a text message marketing platform that provides analytics and reporting. This will allow you to see how many people are signing up for your opt-in text list, how many messages are being delivered and read, and how many responses you are receiving.
Best Practices for Opt-In Text Messaging
In addition to these strategies, there are a few best practices to keep in mind when it comes to opt-in text messaging. First and foremost, make sure that you have your customers’ consent before sending them text messages. This is not only required by law, but it also ensures that your customers are interested in your messages and are more likely to engage with them.
Secondly, keep your messages short and to the point. Most people don’t have the time or attention span to read long messages, so be sure to get your point across quickly and clearly.
Finally, be consistent with your messaging. Whether you are sending exclusive deals, personalized messages, or event invitations, make sure that your messages align with your brand and are consistent in tone and style.
Conclusion
Building an opt-in text list is an effective and efficient way to grow your business and build strong relationships with your customers. By using these 10 proven strategies, you can attract new customers, increase engagement, and ultimately drive sales. So what are you waiting for? Start building your opt-in text list today!
