Build Your SMS Lists In Store

If you’re in the process of trying to build your SMS contact lists, and you operate a bricks and mortar outlet, one of the smartest things you can do is encourage customers to opt-in while they’re in your store. Think about it: their mind is already on your business, you can impress them with personal, real-world customer service, and offer them something exclusive to an in-store sign-up.

By using a strategic combination of displays, product tags, coupons, receipts and floor mats, you can display your SMS marketing campaign all over the shop – and win new sign-ups in the process.

If you’re new to SMS marketing, it makes sense to look at some success stories to see how to do it. Clothes retailer H & M rolled out a new initiative at the end of last year that doled out coupons in exchange for opting in to receive text alerts. Leveraging the Christmas increase in foot traffic to their advantage, H & M successfully used SMS to collect both email and mobile opt-ins.

To make these strategies work, it’s important to take time over the design and placement of ads. But above all, you must offer real value if you expect to receive customer’s personal information in return. Provide an attractive incentive, along with reassurances that customers will only be contacted in an appropriate and respectful manner, and in-store visitors will be much more likely to opt in to the list.

Remember also the importance of social media when it comes to developing affective mobile strategies. Integrating in-store advertising with coupon offers and social media campaigns like contests and polls can really boost your subscriber database.
Focus on the following elements to build successful SMS marketing lists:

• Ad Design: Must be attractive and easy to read
• In-Store Ad Place placement: Make it noticeable and non-intrusive
• Great Incentives: Compel customers to engage with special coupon codes and exclusive promotions
• Social Media Integration: Make the campaign viral with social integration