Originally Published, March 3, 2016
After you sign up for a Raindroppers account the first thing you want to do is to get your users to opt-in to your keyword. After all, it doesn’t make sense to send out text messages if you don’t have anyone signed up to receive them!
Remember that this is a relatively new technology so it is going to take some time and repetition to train your users how SMS can benefit them. The more ways you show them, the faster they will catch your vision! In order to do this, be sure to use all the tools in your marketing tool box. The good news is you are probably using these tools already! We just want to show you how adding SMS to your toolbox can turn these hand tools into power tools!
These tools in your marketing toolbox can be used to encourage your users to opt-in.
They include:
▪ Print Materials
▪ Websites
▪ Email
▪ Social Media
▪ Events & Rallies
▪ Giveaways & Offers
Printed Materials
More than likely, your organization already has printed materials such as flyers, business cards, palm cards, posters, and banners.
Make sure that an invitation to opt-in to your keyword is clearly printed on all these materials. Then use them as often as possible to invite new users to opt-in!
It’s just that easy!
Websites
Chances are pretty good that your organization has a pretty nifty website! But is an invitation to opt-in to your keyword displayed prominently on your home page? No? Well then, you better get on that!
But let us make it even easier for you. You may not have known that we have a widget that can be put on your website which will collect new opt-ins for you. If you haven’t heard about it, then give us a call and we will provide you with your very own widget and even help you upload it! Awesome, right?
Your email list is an excellent way to get people to opt-in to your keyword!
First, be sure to send out an introductory email explaining what text messaging is, how it works, and how it will benefit their participation in your organization.
Second, continue to ask your members to opt-in somewhere in every email you send out. Be sure the invitation is displayed prominently in the body of the email.
Social Media
Social media is an excellent way to get new users! You can invite these potential users to opt-in by including an invitation to opt-in with every Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram post.
Also, don’t be too shy to ask your current users to posts invitations on their own social media accounts. Consider running a contest to see who can get the most new users to opt-in. Make it fun, exciting, and interesting to opt-in!
Events & Rallies
Events and rallies give you a special opportunity to get a lot of new users to opt-in all at once! Be sure you take full advantage of this opportunity every chance you have.
During a speech or presentation, invite the entire audience to get out their cell phone. Ask them to send your keyword to the number 53445. Make it fun and make a big production out of it! The more engaging you make the process, the more success you’ll have.
Be sure they know the benefits of opting-in. Let them know that they will be the first to know about upcoming events, sales, coupons, giveaways, information, etc. from your organization. Make them feel that by opting-in they are now a part of a special club with awesome perks.
Giveaways & Offers
Giveaways and offers are excellent ways to get more opt-ins! Everyone one want to win something! Run giveaways at events to invite more opt-ins:
“Opt-in today to win a signed copy of this book!”
“Win 2 free tickets to the opening day of our next event!”
Use your imagination and creativity. Every giveaway can yield hundreds of opt-ins if utilized correctly!
Overcoming Resistance
Every new idea is faced with some form of resistance. Your utilization of Text Messaging will not be immune to this challenge. However, any difficulties getting users to opt-in can be overcome with a little bit of preparation, education, and persistence.
Here are some common concerns you may encounter, and how to address them:
Is it safe? I am worried about my data.
SMS is actually safer than email and because the tools are web based, we have provided extra security to protect your data. Click here to read more about our security.
I don’t want to get too many text messages.
Don’t worry! You will be told how may texts messages you will get up front and our organization cannot go over that number.
I don’t see why I need to get texts, when email works just fine!
Many times the information we send you in an email is time sensitive, and because most emails are not read for up to 3 days, the likelihood of you missing an important message are very high! Not so with a text! Most text messages are read within 3 minutes.
What is in it for me?
You will be the first to know what is going on in our organization. You will be able to become more informed, more effective, and more valuable to our organization.
If you need help with your opt-in strategies do not hesitate to call us. We also have an Opt-in Training we can present to you. Call us today to set up a time to help you make the most of your StormFront tools!
Text RAINDROPPERS to 53445 to get the latest information and updates on the tools!