Did you know that people are up to eight times more likely to engage with SMS marketing than email? Or that text messages have an open rate as high as 98%? These statistics are why creating the perfect SMS welcome message matters. Not only does a lovely intro set the tone for your brand, but it can also become a significant revenue booster for your business.
A welcome message is exactly what you’d expect: it’s the first text sent to new subscribers, introducing them to your mailing list. This message often contains information on the type of content subscribers will receive, how to opt-out, and a special offer.
But how does a welcome message increase the interest of your new subscribers?
⚡️Short, sweet and personal
One way to be engaging is to leave your customers wanting more. Give your new subscribers a taste by keeping the message brief, concise and straight to the point. For bonus points, make the message personal. Address your new subscribers by their name, for example. This will strengthen your bond from the start.
⚡️Convey gratitude
Be positive in your welcome message, and thank your new subscribers for opting into your communications. A little “thank you for joining” or “we’re grateful to have you here” goes a long way.
⚡️Who doesn’t love a special offer?
Offering exclusive deals, like a discount, in your SMS welcome message can encourage your new subscribers to make their first purchase. If you’re offering a discount, make sure to include a discount code and be clear about how much your subscribers will save.
⚡️Emphasise your core values
In your welcome message, it’s appropriate to introduce your brand, what you stand for, and what you do. But don’t write an essay on it, as tempting as it may be. We’ve discussed how your texts should be kept short, and because there’s lots to pack into a text, you’ll need to save words.
Embrace your creativity here. You can illustrate your brand’s mission with a GIF or image (which would turn your SMS into an MMS) or challenge yourself to condense it into a single sentence. The key here is to make your customers feel connected to your brand.
⚡️Can’t forget a CTA
A CTA — or call-to-action — is a must in your welcome message and in every other message you send from now. A CTA provides a clear next step for your subscribers to take, like making a purchase or visiting your website. Because SMS texts are concise and straightforward, they guide the recipient to take action now rather than later. Adding a CTA at the end of your welcome message will encourage active participation from the get-go.
⚡️Include SMS opt-out options
It’s best practice to inform your subscribers how they can opt out of communications for legal reasons and to respect their privacy. By being transparent about your opt-out options:
- Your subscribers will gain more trust in you
- It will help maintain your positive relationship
- Ironically, it’ll actually reduce unsubscribers because your subscribers will feel like they have control over their communications
- You avoid potential complaints or legal issues
We hope you feel inspired to create the best SMS welcome message possible. If you need additional help, we are always here to advise and guide you through the process. Just reach out to us, and we’ll Zap right into it!
