When it comes to marketing, a campaign is only as effective as the people it reaches. This is true both in terms of number of customers and degree of influence. In other words, it’s a question of how many people see your message and how many people act on it. The more the better, so today we’re here to help you grow and retain your text marketing subscribers!
In this blog post, we specifically explore keywords and QR codes, while also providing more strategies to maximize your marketing. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- An introduction to keywords
- An introduction to QR codes
- 6 ways to use keywords and QR codes
- 6 more SMS strategies
- Conclusion
An introduction to keywords
Let’s start with the basics. A keyword is a word (or phrase) that activates some sort of response when texted to a certain number. For example, a customer might text “JOIN” to your business phone number to join your loyalty program.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, keywords don’t have to be just one word. They can be multiple words and include numbers and punctuation. The convention, though, is for keywords to be one word in all caps — for example, RSVP, HELP, or SCHEDULE.
Businesses cannot legally text customers without their consent, so keywords are an easy way to allow customers to give that consent. They are the ones to initiate the conversation. However, businesses must also (under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act) let customers know the expected number/frequency of messages, the privacy policy details, how to opt-out, and how to get help.
That’s the basic rundown, but you can still explore more. To see an example of the legal copy, learn how to make keywords, and find several more examples, check out this blog post!
An introduction to QR codes
Quick-response, or QR, codes are a type of scannable, 2-dimensional matrix code made up of colored and non-colored squares (normally black and white). QR codes can point to anything from plain text, to links, to contacts. For our purposes though, we are interested in QR codes that point to text messages.
Once you make a keyword via the steps in the aforementioned blog post, you can make a QR code that leads to that keyword. When a customer scans the code, a text message is automatically composed and directed to your phone number. All they have to do is hit send!
Here, it’s also worth noting that QR codes can be scanned by most phones today. Apple and Android users can scan these directly through their camera apps. They don’t have to download a separate app. It’s nice and convenient already!
Our prior post also details a process for making QR codes, but we’re going to provide another one here! Did you know that instead of creating a shareable link and then making a QR code to that link, you can also make QR codes directly to the texts themselves? Here’s how:
- Navigate to a QR code generator online. There are plenty of free ones available, and all it takes is a quick web search. Here are some we found:
- Find the option for either SMS messages or plain text. The availability of these will vary based on what generator website you chose.
- Fill in the fields.
- If you are in the SMS option, input your phone number and your message. The message should be just your keyword, with no extraneous text.
- If you are in the plain text option, input “SMSTO:number:message”. In other words, write SMSTO, and then a colon, and then your phone number, and then another colon, and then your keyword — no spaces.
- Customize your QR code. Again, the options vary. Some potential options are color, shape, logo, and frame.
- Generate your QR code!
And there you have it! Once you have a QR code pointing to a keyword, a world of possibilities opens up!
6 Ways to Use Keywords and QR Codes
The great thing about QR codes is that they are easy to display, and as such, they can be put in a variety of places. Here are just 6 options:
1. In person, at a brick-and-mortar store
If you have a physical establishment, try putting QR codes on posters or banners. You can also put one on a sign by the checkout counter or check-in desk. The checkout could be particularly impactful because customers often already have their phone out to pay. Speaking of checkout, you can also put QR codes on receipts. Keywords can lead to surveys, so you can use them to ask customers about their shopping experience, for example.
2. On your products
You can put QR codes on the tags and cards that come with products! After all, customers often already have to look at the tag for care instructions and pricing. The keyword could even affect the pricing. For example, “Text JOIN to 123-456-7890 to get 10% off this shirt!”
3. On your social media
A great way to gain more text message subscribers is to leverage the following you already have! Try posting on social media with something like, “Send DEALS to 987-654-3210 today to gain access to exclusive offers!” You can also hold a giveaway, and for more on that, be sure to keep reading!
4. In email communications
Again, maximize your current following. Promote your text messages to email subscribers, perhaps as a more immediate way to keep in touch with your business. Also, for an extended dive into email marketing (including tips), be sure to check out this blog post!
5. On business cards
When you’re handing out business cards, the goal is to give others a way to contact you. And of course, text is a great form of communication. Try something along the lines of, “Text me HELLO at 111-222-3333!”
6. In presentation slides
Whether you’re presenting to stakeholders, students, or another group entirely, it’s a good idea to provide your contact info in some way, shape, or form. Thus, consider adding a QR code to your slides. Viewers can easily pull out their phones to scan the code!
6 More SMS Strategies
Now, of course, keywords and QR codes are not the only ways to gain more SMS subscribers. And, keys and codes need to be used right. In this section, we provide more tips and opportunities for really maximizing your marketing.
7. Ask people on your website, via a form or popup
When customers visit your website, they are often looking for more information about your business. What better way to provide that than text? Texting allows for two-way communication, and thus a more personalized experience. You can either create a form that appears when someone first opens your website, or you can create a separate form that they have to seek out.
8. Ask people on your website, at checkout
Often, part of the purchasing process is receiving the contact info of your customers. So, consider taking advantage of that opportunity to ask customers if they would like to receive texts from you.
9. Emphasize the benefits of signing up
The examples we’ve been giving so far are relatively succinct — and that can be fine in some cases, perhaps when you’re limited on space. However, the better strategy is to ensure that customers know what they’re getting when they sign up — i.e. what’s in it for them. For example, “Text REWARDS to 343-343-3434 to learn about new sales early, hear about exciting events, and more — all for free!”
10. Make it fun, make it into a contest
Again, this speaks to the point of letting customers know what’s in it for them. Try holding a giveaway and making the entry criteria joining your SMS list. For example, “Text ENTER to 123-321-1212 for a chance to win an exclusive new product!” You can also promote this via social media or in person, whatever suits you best!
11. Send well-made messages
This includes anything from the timing of the messages to the messages themselves. It’s good practice to send customers a welcome text when they join your list. It’s also good to personalize your messages and include images and rich media. To learn about rich media, be sure to check out this blog post on MMS and this blog post on RCS!
12. Always include opt-out information
Not only is this a legal requirement, it’s just nice to do. You cannot and should not text customers without their consent. So, you should always make sure customers know how they can unsubscribe. Although you might not realize, this can actually help you get more SMS subscribers by increasing customers’ trust.
Conclusion
So there you have it! That was 12 ways to get more SMS subscribers. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out using our contact page or the teal icon in the bottom right of your screen! Also, if you aren’t a TextP2P user already, be sure to start your 14-day free trial here or request a live demo here. TextP2P is the ultimate messaging solution, for SMS and more! Thanks for reading!
