SMS Marketing: How to Make the Most of it this Christmas – 2021
How to Make the Most of Christmas with SMS Marketing 2021
As one of the most important holiday on the calendar, Christmas is a key time for businesses of every shape and size to get their message out. Whether you are selling a product or service or simply out to increase brand recognition, this is the one time of year that it matters more than ever that your brand is seen to be joining in the spirit of things – and SMS Marketing is an obvious solution. So how can businesses and brands use SMS Marketing to increase profits and build their profiles this Christmas? Here are some ideas you can try.
1. Christmas Competitions
Let’s admit it, everyone likes to be in with a chance to win – especially at Christmas. SMS Marketing lends itself perfectly to text competitions, often known as ‘text to win’. The basic concept is that your audience participates in a contest to win a prize by sending an SMS message from their phone to an SMS shortcode – ideal for combining your SMS and print marketing campaigns. With fast entry and instant confirmation, it is one of the easiest possible ways for customers to enter a competition and has proven incredibly popular – especially at a time of year when it is natural to offer gifts. A text to win campaign is a great way to increase engagement with your brand and ultimately drive traffic to your business, be it physical, online or both. They are great for high profile publicity campaigns and can generate a great deal of hype if well thought out.
Another great way of fostering continued customer loyalty is to invite them to join a special VIP club by signing up to your SMS Marketing database this Christmas. It really is as simple as it sounds, but it is a well-known fact that customers who feel they are part of a special ‘VIP’ group are highly responsive to offers and incentives and likely to become repeat customers. Studies also indicate that the cost of retaining customers is considerably lower than that of acquiring new customers – and with SMS Marketing the overheads of maintaining a loyal customer base couldn’t be lower. Retail stores, in particular, have an outstanding opportunity to build a text club database from their festive foot traffic and find out more about the individual consumers who walk into their store and what they think about their products and services.
3. Updates and alerts
Text message alerts (also known as SMS alerts) are a great way to engage with customers with relevant information which keeps your brand top of their minds and makes sure that you do not vanish into the crowd as brands compete to capture the Christmas market. Text messages work for a variety of purposes – from telling customers about your Christmas product or seasonal sales, bursts of news or simply keeping customers informed about an area of interest. SMS alerts can be used on their own or as part of a larger Mobile Club program – see point 2 above. The key is to encourage as many customers as possible to register their mobile details with you at the earliest possible stage of their relationship – and the checkout is a great place to do this. If you have the budget available for the staff, why not even get somebody on the shop floor to capture sign-ups. Just be sure to comply with the PECR rules concerning SMS Marketing.
4. SMS Marketing Customer surveys
Let’s face it, in the modern world everyone has an opinion and people love to share them. So rather than see it as a threat, why not cash in on it in your SMS Marketing strategy? SMS powered customer surveys are a great way to engage consumers in the retail environment, as well as giving you valuable feedback on products or even the customer experience. With retail environments becoming more interactive than ever, mobile marketing is totally natural for developing complete consumer interaction. Consumers carry their phones with them practically 24/7 and check them almost constantly, so interacting with them in the retail environment is as easy as tapping into their mobile device. A customer survey can be a great opener to invite them to join your SMS marketing list. To incentivise participation, consider offering a reward scheme such as a prize draw. It really is a win-win scenario.
5. Season’s Greetings
SMS Marketing doesn’t just have to be about the hard sell. As we mentioned at the beginning, it is a hugely versatile tool for increasing brand exposure and market penetration at this busy time of year. An incredibly simple way to use SMS Marketing is to simply send a message of Season’s Greetings to your customers. By simply appearing in their SMS inbox, you will keep your brand at the forefront, and may well remind customers to check out your products or services simply because they have been reminded of you. Get started with USMS-GH bulk SMS platform.
Bulk SMS Text Messaging: How to Boost Sales this Christmas
Bulk SMS Text Messaging: How to Boost Sales this Christmas
As another Christmas frenzy continues you might be thinking of innovative ways to make the most out of shoppers spending their hard earned money on gifts for their loved ones. 2013 was the year of ‘mobile’, but maybe you didn’t hear about it? It’s never too late. Your customers have access to their mobile phones 24/7; they’re almost never more than an arm’s reach away and 90% of text messages are read within three minutes. Sending bulk SMS text messages to your customers this Christmas might just help sales. The holiday season is an ideal time for you to kick into gear and step up your marketing campaigns. Christmas sales are about more than just having a great ad. Getting your brand into the minds of your customers is crucial for driving sales in the coming weeks. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean spending on consecutive full-page adverts in national newspapers or billboards. In fact, this is a common mistake most businesses make. Instead of spending big in an attempt to outdo your competitor’s `over-the-top’ marketing campaigns, there are simpler marketing strategies with a higher ROI that you could use instead. In 2021 and going into 2022, you will need to take a more integrated approach to drive sales.
While email marketing can be a great tool for businesses, today’s companies can’t stop there. In short, SMS tends to be a more versatile communication tool than email. SMS marketing gives you the lightning-fast ability to reach each customer instantly, alerting them of your Christmas special offers and promotions which will drive large groups of traffic, within minutes, to perform an action, whether that action is making a reservation or visiting your website. Whatever the message, there’s no chance of an SMS sitting unopened in an inbox for very long! How many text messages do you receive that you don’t read? Using SMS Marketing you can show your customers you care — building a loyal following that leads to a profitable and sustainable business. You can also engage with your customers by asking for feedback. Not only will this enhance their experience of your product/service, but it may also provide a valuable insight on how to develop and improve your services! Text messages sustain a strong 98 per cent open rate, with the majority of those read within five seconds of being received, so they certainly stand up as a reliable and instant way of reaching customers. Embrace mobile marketing before 2013 is over and boost your sales this Christmas with bulk SMS text messaging from Sendmode.com.
eCommerce: Benefits of SMS API for eCommerce | USMS-GH
Benefits of text API for eCommerce
Texting is omnipresent and has a wide reach. Therefore, you can target a large audience through texts. What makes texting authentic is that it’s personal and direct. As an e-store owner, you can make the most from e-commerce texting. It’s worth the hype as you can learn its benefits and use cases down here:
Payment information texts
When your customer uses their cards to shop online, they deserve a confirmation. Ecommerce texting allows you to send these updates as soon as you receive the payment. This helps the customer keep a record of their payments along with their order number.
If you ever shopped online then you know the excitement and anxiety of receiving the order. The only thing that makes it bearable is the updates that you get. Ecommerce stores can set up an API to send delivery updates. These can be on the day of the delivery so that they are ready to receive the order. Moreover, if there is a delay, send an update on that too. This allows customers to be mentally prepared. Updates fall under customer satisfaction and eventually – retention.
Flash sales/ Time-sensitive offers
As a marketer, you probably know that flash sale and time-limited offers are game-changer. They create a sense of urgency that results in fear of missing out which leads to impulse buying. These offers from favorite brands on favorite products are crazy enticing. You can send coupons and flash sales text to drive enormous sales. Since texts are a powerful engaging tool, they lure customers to your brand. This results in long-lasting customer loyalty.
Promotional texts
You can send promotional texts by using an integrated API. For instance: you can inform customers about new products at your e-shop. Moreover, you can offer them discounts on their purchases. Since text messages are direct and instant, you can receive almost instant ROIs. Moreover, if you use a service like USMS-GH, you can also send out MMS promotions. Another way to go about it is to add the link to your e-store in the message. This way, your audience can make direct purchases.
Customer satisfaction
Customers’ feedback is an integral part of any marketing strategy. Text API offers two-way messaging that helps you take feedback from the customers. Furthermore, you can send surveys and polls to the customer about best-selling products. This way you’ll learn about their opinion and it also has a positive impact. Begin eCommerce texting with USMS-GH. If you haven’t already integrated API to your e-store, it’s time to consider it now. Learn how to register for free and get started. Boost your e-store with enormous sales via eCommerce texting API. Integrate now with USMS-GH and see the wonders of it. USMS-GH gives you a reliable API service to send out messages instantly. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more. Find video tutorials on our YouTube Page: Urhitech Enterprise. For further assistance, feel free to contact support.
Use cases of USMS-GH APIs
Use cases of APIs
Now that we know how API for beginners is clear, it is time to understand the different use cases. APIs can be used in almost every and any industry. With USMS-GH, you can simply integrate the API and run it without a glitch. Moreover, we offer the most affordable prices to send and receive messages. here are a few use cases of our texting API.
For reservation systems:
Healthcare workers, salons, and other reservation systems can use the API to manage appointment and their reminders. Simply integrate USMS-GH API into your reservation system. Set your desired triggers and let the magic happen. The system will send confirmations on setting up an appointment. Moreover, when a date is closer, it can also send reminders.
Ecommerce
One of the most common and widely used APIs is in eCommerce. When a customer makes a purchase, a message goes out instantly to inform them. This message can contain delivery times, payment options, and other details. Moreover, triggers such as delivery statuses, the status of the item, and other details are also automated with APIs.
Moreover, if you find that a customer has abandoned their cart, you can use that as a trigger. Send them a message, remind them to checkout. If you need more convincing, provide them with a code that gives them a special deal or discount.
Two-factor Authentication
Another very common usage of APIs is two-factor authentication. As a user, you might have used or received 2FA messages. Two Factor Authentications keep the accounts secure by adding a layer of security to them. When a person signs in to their account, the trigger sends out a message to their given phone number. The code is a one-time use code that verifies the account holder.
Car tracking system
If your car has a tracking system, then you will be surprised to know that it runs on a texting API. For example, if you have set the fence and the car goes out of the fence, you receive a message. This message works as a confirmation of whether you have authorized the movement of the car. If you reply with a negative, the car shuts down on its own. However, if you reply with an affirmative, the car keeps ongoing.
Here are some few Use cases of USMS-GH API. Read more on API from our previous post on SMS API (Texting API) for Beginners .
Use USMS-GH SMS API
USMS-GH API is available for free. Create and account for free with us and get started. You can contact support for further assistance.
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eCommerce SMS API and why you should use it | USMS-GH
eCommerce SMS API and why you should use it
eCommerce texting/SMS API
Even in the global pandemic of 2020, Ecommerce sales reached up to $4 trillion. Hence, it is safe to say that eCommerce is here to stay for a long time. Ecommerce has always walked hand-in-hand with email marketing. However, eCommerce texting has taken flight and businesspeople now realize that it seems much more convenient than any other channel. Since the open rate of messages is up to 95%, it makes sense to send e-commerce texts for updates and transactional messages. Haven’t heard of it before? Read on to know what wonders text API does for eCommerce sites. Let’s get into the details of it.
Why use eCommerce texting?
SMS marketing is an effective and powerful platform for every business. Almost everyone has a mobile which increases the instant-read factor. Even if someone has a simple phone, they can receive text messages. Hence, the open rate becomes higher. Texts are always there on the phone, at least they catch the attention of the customer when a notification pops up. If not at the moment, texts are read later which is why they have the highest open rate. This is how businesses get all the engagement from. Ecommerce sites can increase sales and efficiency because of their improved customer experience via text API. Another reason why you should pick eCommerce texting is for transactional messages. Transactional messages are done against a trigger. This means that when a customer makes an action on your e-store, like buying something, you can set up an API to instantly send a confirmation message.
Customer management, sales, and marketing work side by side. Customer management is as important as marketing. As texts are direct, they are perfect for engaging customers. Apart from enticing customers, text can be used for a better customer experience. It’s the best way to keep in touch with customers, especially for eCommerce sites. You can text them the moment they purchase from your e-shop till they receive their order. There are numerous ways how you can make a good impact on customers. The first thing to remember is that potential customers should be happy with your services. This can only happen if they are satisfied with their experience with your e-store. Remember, a satisfied customer will more likely to purchase again from you. Moreover, you can convince them to opt-in for promotional messages. This way you will get a new high intent lead. An improved customer experience is crucial for your business progress. There are many ways you can do that. You can send order status texts or you can ask for feedback.
Use USMS-GH SMS API
USMS-GH API is available for free. If you are interested in using an eCommerce API from USMS-GH, Create and account and get started. You can contact support for further assistance. Coonect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Find video tutorials on our YouTube Channel, Urhitech Enterprise
SMS API (Texting API) for Beginners pt 2 | USMS-GH
SMS API (Texting API) for Beginners pt 2
In our previous post, we discussed what an SMS API is. In this post, we will further elaborate on APIs and how they can be used. The end-user only sees one interface. Behind the scenes, many APIs are working together and integrating with SMS solutions to provide a seamless and unmatched experience.
Key Features
Why use Our Bulk SMS “SMS API”.
USMS-GH Bulk SMS-enable your website, application or customer relationship management platform with our SMS API. USMS-GH SMS API offer comprehensive documentation. Our API supports Unicode and long messages. Allows for multiple webhooks to create and customize any workflow.
Reliability
We offer a reliable service through our direct relationships with local and global aggregators and networks.
Easy Integration.
Our use of easy integrate API makes implementing your Bulk SMS integration easy.
Get Started
USMS-GH API is available for free. Create and account and get started. You can contact support for further assistance. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Find video tutorials on our YouTube Channel, Urhitech Enterprise
SMS API (Texting API) for Beginners pt 1 | USMS-GH
SMS API for Beginners
Applications Programming Interfaces may sound very technical, but it’s not that difficult to understand. You are using APIs almost every day when you use different applications. Of course, you are not the one doing the work, but it is around you all the time. This guide will work to understand API for beginners. Moreover, we will still to texting API for beginners and everything you should know to use it.
What is an API?
Before we jump into details, let us talk about what is an API.
An API is an interface that acts as the messenger between two software. The communication allows the two software or applications to exchange data to create an action.
The best example is the following. Imagine you want to send a letter to your friend. You use the postal service. They send you a reply with the same service. Here the postman is the API. Your friend and you are in the same place, the messenger is the postman.
Just like the postman, APIs share information between apps, websites, and software programs.
How to use an API?
Now that you know what is an API, it is time you know how to use it. For example, you are building a food application. The application lists down all the restaurants near a customer’s place. You give the option and they can select the one they like. You take a small commission for it.
To have this type of service, you need a digital map that will help you. This is very time-consuming and also expensive. Instead, you simply use Google Maps API. Integrate it into your system and you have the digital map.
In this example, the API added a layer of functionality to a new product. In another example, you can simply share something on your social media. The website connects with your social channel and sends the information out as a post.
You can also integrate an API between two software for live updates. This allows the users of the two software to get all the information updated live and on the spot.
API for beginners – How does it work?
Now that we have an idea of what are APIs and how they work, let us talk about texting/SMS APIs. To understand how texting API works, we have a couple of concepts surrounding API that we need to learn first.
The first is the API Keys. API Keys are a code that helps in identifying how the application is used. In this case, your USMS-GH account. It helps monitor the different activities in your account.
The next is the API Parameters. API parameters help to determine the actions to take. For example, if you want to send a message when a person places an order, you tell the API Key.
The third is the Webhooks. Webhooks allow the automation of actions. These are triggers that help send messages when an action is taken. For example, if your eCommerce store has an abandoned cart, a message will send out with a discount coupon. Webhooks also help in forwarding messages when your customer replies to them.
These three main concepts are exactly what APIs are and how they work in the background.
Use USMS-GH SMS API
USMS-GH API is available for free. Create and account and get started. You can contact support for further assistance.
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2FA: Where can it be used?
2FA: Where can it be used?
Two factor authentication is really important these days. Data breaches exposed 36 billion records in the first half of 2020. Moreover, 68% of business leaders feel their cybersecurity risks are increasing. Now that everything is online, cybersecurity risks are increased even more. 2FA is really important in these cases.
Log in forms
When you log in to your account, a PIN code is sent to the user after successfully entering the username and password. This PIN code is sent to the number you have entered during the 2FA activation process. Once the user enters the sent PIN code, it shows that the real owner is trying to log in. After that, the user can have access to the account.
Phone number confirmation
When you enter a phone number during user registration, a pin is sent to the phone number. This makes sure that the phone number entered is the correct number and not some fake number. The user gets this PIN on the given phone number, by entering the PIN, you can successfully get registered. This way, the application or webpage confirms the phone number.
Account setting update
This is something everyone will relate to. Nobody wants to go with the struggle of entering the password every time they want to log in to the account. Instead, they use the ‘remember me ‘ option. This can be hassle-free but if we think of worst-case scenarios, what if your computer ended up in the wrong hands? It will be really easy for the hacker to get access to your account in no time. This is where the 2FA comes in. If the hacker changes the original email, it won’t change unless he has also stolen your phone. In this case, you’ll get the PIN code text and you can quickly regain access to your account.
Transaction Update
When you do any financial transactions online, a PIN code is sent to your number in order to verify the user. Most of the banks use the 2FA services to provide a secure environment to its client. Hence, 2FA makes sure that there’s nothing wrong with the account and transaction. It helps protect the account and decreases the risk of account hijacking.
2FA (Two Factor Authentication): Why Every Business Should Have It
2FA (Two Factor Authentication): Why Every Business should Have it.
Why Should Every Business Have Two-factor Authentication (2FA)?
Are your accounts safe with just passwords? Are your financial data and sensitive client details safe on your online portals? Think again because there are cybercriminals who are far cleverer and smarter than you think. Technology is evolving every day; it takes only a few minutes to steal your sensitive information. Remember, hackers, don’t care how big or small your business is. In fact, they usually target vulnerable small businesses. Most users think their passwords will keep their accounts safe. However, in this modern era, nothing is impossible. Hackers can rob your information under your nose without you even knowing about it. This is the part where two factor authentication comes in. It adds an extra layer to your security. What else does it do? Let’s get into the details of it.
What is two factor authentication?
Every year we get to know about high-profile data breaches. However, to put an end to these devastating attacks, businesses need to know the importance of 2FA. Two factor authentication referred to as 2FA provides your account an extra layer of security. Users get verified by 2FA and gain access to specific applications. This is used to protect user’s credentials and sensitive data. With 2FA, the account or device will ask for a numeric token sent to your phone number. You have to enter that code and your password will grant access to your account. It’s an additional confirmation to grant access to the account. 2FA decreases phishing attacks and identity theft. If the hacker somehow gets hold of your password, they can’t get access to it unless they have your phone or security pin. Two factor authentication enhances security. However, it still does not ensure 100% safety.
If you have enabled 2FA, it’s nearly impossible to get into your account. Even if the hacker got your password, they can’t get through it because of the second identifier. The second factor tends to do something that only you know. Hence, this makes 2FA more safe and secure options for organizations. Once a user enters his username and passwords, 2FA asks for additional information to verify the user. This includes something like; a pin code that only you know, or a security question. Moreover, it can also be based on physical self like facial, fingerprint, and voice recognition. Setting a 2FA means that you have to configure security questions or enter your mobile number. Moreover, you can also register for third-party applications or enter your biometric data. This adds more security to your account. With this, 2FA will ask you a security question, security pin, or biometric data. This makes log-in passwords more strong. It typically means that only the user can answer those questions.
Use USMS-GH for your 2fa
USMS-GH is an efficient platform for you to use for setting up your 2FA. It is user friendly and easily integrated. There is an API available for integration. You can also contact us to do the integration for you.
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Benefits of using two factor authentication (2FA)
Benefits of using two factor authentication (2FA)
There are plenty of businesses out there that are ready to invest in a 2FA implementation. This is because they know that it will cost them less than the hack of their computer can cost them. Your sensitive business information can be robbed within few seconds. It’s better to be more cautious about it and implement 2FA in your businesses that will prevent such cases.
Well-built Security
Even if your accounts and other sensitive information are password-protected, they can still be hacked. It’s fine to bear the one-time expense and activate 2FA than letting the hacker steal. 2FA decreases the risk of data breaches.
You can permit your employees to work from home as the pandemic is still not over. Knowing that your data is safe with 2FA, your employees can access the corporate systems without any fear of data breaches. They can access it from any location or device. This results in productivity. You can speed up your work more efficiently without any risk.
Reduce fraud
Identity fraud is at its peak recently, more because of the pandemic, there has been a financial crisis literally all over the world. It can be dangerous for businesses as it can steal the trust and credibility of the company. By activating 2FA, there will be little to no chances of data breaches. Therefore, your brand’s reputation will be secure as well. Moreover, customer relations will strengthen up.
Reduce operating costs
Most businesses spend a lot of money to send notifications to their users of suspicious activity on their accounts. It could also include password reset texts. Perhaps, you might notice that it costs lots of money. Why not activate 2FA that will make your users’ accounts safe so that you don’t need to send notifications to them. This helps in not wasting much money on other operations. Believe it or not, activating 2FA will justify the reduction of your operating costs.
Empower Your Passwords with USMS-GH
According to the stats, 60% of the small companies go out of business after a cyber-attack. You see, they are vulnerable enough to attack. You can empower your passwords with USMS-GH API. All you have to is integrate the text API into your systems and you are good to go. You can guard your company’s assets with two factor authentication. Do not waste time thinking… It costs relatively low.
Learn how to register to get started with USMS-GH SMS marketing. For further assistance, contact support. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more.