Marketing Automation
11 Reasons You Need SMS/MMS Messaging in Your Sales Cycle
The Secret Sauce
In today’s fast-paced business world, staying connected with potential customers is crucial. SMS/MMS messaging offers a direct and efficient way to engage prospects throughout the sales cycle. This article explores ten compelling reasons why integrating this powerful tool can significantly boost your sales performance.
Gone are the days when a simple phone call or email would suffice in the sales world. In this digital age, where attention spans are shrinking faster than a wool jumper in a hot wash, businesses need to up their game. Enter SMS/MMS messaging – the unsung hero of modern sales strategies.
You might be thinking, “Hang on a minute, isn’t texting a bit… personal?” Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re about to dive into why this seemingly casual communication method could be the secret sauce your sales cycle’s been missing. So, let’s get crackin’ and explore the top eleven reasons why you need to embrace SMS/MMS messaging in your sales cycle.
1. Instant Gratification in a World of Impatience
Let’s face it, we’re living in an age where people expect responses faster than you can say “instant noodles”. SMS/MMS messaging ticks that box with flying colours.
- 90% of text messages are read within 3 minutes of receipt
- Average response time for texts is just 90 seconds
By incorporating SMS/MMS into your sales cycle, you’re essentially giving your prospects a direct line to your business. It’s like having a secret passage in a video game – it gets you where you need to be, pronto!
2. Personal Touch Without Being Creepy
In a world where personalisation is king, SMS/MMS messaging allows you to strike that delicate balance between being attentive and respecting boundaries.
- Use first names in messages for a personal touch
- Send targeted offers based on customer preferences
- Provide personalised updates on products or services
It’s like being the perfect party host – attentive enough to keep your guests happy, but not so overbearing that they’re looking for the nearest exit!
3. Versatility That Would Make a Swiss Army Knife Jealous
SMS/MMS messaging isn’t just about text. Oh no, it’s got more tricks up its sleeve than a magician at a children’s party.
- Send product images or videos via MMS
- Include clickable links to landing pages or special offers
- Use emojis to add personality and emotion to your messages
With this level of versatility, you can tailor your communication to suit different stages of the sales cycle. It’s like having a communication chameleon at your fingertips!
4. Cost-Effective? More Like Cost-Incredible!
In these belt-tightening times, finding a marketing tool that doesn’t break the bank is rarer than a unicorn sighting. SMS/MMS messaging, however, offers bang for your buck that would make even the most frugal business owner do a happy dance.
- Lower cost per contact compared to traditional advertising
- Higher ROI due to better engagement rates
- Reduced need for expensive print materials
It’s like finding a fiver in your old jeans pocket, but on a much grander scale!
5. Integration Smoother Than a Freshly Ironed Shirt
Worried about adding another tool to your already complex sales stack? Fear not! SMS/MMS messaging integrates with existing systems smoother than butter on a hot crumpet.
- Seamless integration with CRM systems
- Automate messages based on customer actions or milestones
- Track and analyse messaging performance alongside other metrics
It’s like adding the perfect puzzle piece to complete your sales strategy picture.
6. Reach Customers Where They Live (On Their Phones)
In a world where people are more attached to their phones than a toddler to their favourite toy, SMS/MMS messaging puts you right where the action is.
- 98% of text messages are opened (compared to 20% of emails)
- Average adult checks their phone 96 times a day
- Messaging works across all types of mobile devices
By using SMS/MMS in your sales cycle, you’re essentially setting up shop in your customer’s pocket. Talk about prime real estate!
7. Time-Sensitive Offers That Actually Get Seen
Ever tried to create urgency with an email offer, only to have it languish unread in someone’s inbox? SMS/MMS messaging is the antidote to that particular headache.
- Send last-minute deals or flash sales notifications
- Remind customers of expiring offers or limited stock
- Prompt quick action with easy-to-click links
It’s like having a town crier for the digital age, but without the funny hat and bell.
8. Feedback Faster Than You Can Say “How Are We Doing?”
Getting timely feedback is crucial in the sales cycle, and SMS/MMS messaging makes it easier than ever.
- Send quick surveys after interactions
- Encourage customers to rate their experience
- Gather valuable insights to improve your sales process
It’s like having a crystal ball that tells you exactly what your customers are thinking. Magic!
9. Nurture Leads Like a Master Gardener
Lead nurturing is an art, and SMS/MMS messaging is your high-tech paintbrush. Use it to create a masterpiece of customer engagement.
- Send regular, non-intrusive updates
- Provide valuable content and tips
- Keep your brand top-of-mind without being pushy
It’s like watering a plant – give it just the right amount of attention, and watch it grow into a beautiful (and profitable) relationship!
10. Analytics That Would Make a Data Scientist Swoon
Last but not least, SMS/MMS messaging provides a treasure trove of data to help you refine your sales strategy.
- Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates
- A/B test different message formats and content
- Identify patterns in customer behaviour and preferences
It’s like having a secret window into your customers’ minds, without the creepy factor!
11. Supercharge Your CRM with SMS/MMS Integration
Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re about to turbocharge your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system! Integrating SMS/MMS messaging with your CRM is like giving your sales team a pair of rocket-powered rollerblades – it’ll take your customer interactions to a whole new level of awesome.
When you seamlessly blend SMS/MMS messaging into your CRM, you’re essentially creating a one-stop-shop for all your customer communications. Imagine having a bird’s-eye view of every interaction, including those snappy text exchanges, right there in your contact records. It’s like having a photographic memory, but without the need for endless sudoku puzzles to keep your brain sharp!
Here’s why this integration is a game-changer:
- 360-degree view of customer interactions: See SMS/MMS conversations alongside emails, calls, and other touchpoints.
- Context is king: Your sales team can pick up exactly where they left off, armed with the full context of previous interactions.
- Personalisation on steroids: Use CRM data to tailor your messages for maximum impact.
- Time-saving magic: No more toggling between different systems – everything’s in one place.
- Analytics bonanza: Track the effectiveness of your SMS/MMS campaigns alongside other metrics.
But wait, there’s more! By adding SMS/MMS messaging to your automated workflows, you can create a symphony of perfectly timed, personalised messages that guide your prospects through the sales funnel smoother than a buttered-up bowling ball.
This integration isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the secret sauce that can take your sales cycle from “meh” to “marvellous”! So, if you haven’t already jumped on this bandwagon, it’s time to hop aboard – your sales figures will thank you!
Your Ticket to Sales Success: A Handy Checklist
Ready to harness the power of SMS/MMS messaging in your sales cycle? Use this checklist to get started:
- Choose a reliable SMS/MMS service provider
- Integrate messaging with your existing CRM system
- Segment your customer list for targeted messaging
- Create a messaging calendar aligned with your sales cycle
- Develop a library of message templates for different scenarios
- Set up automated messages for key touchpoints
- Train your sales team on best practices for messaging
- Implement a system for tracking and analysing message performance
- Regularly review and refine your messaging strategy
- Always comply with data protection regulations and obtain proper consent
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Isn’t SMS/MMS messaging too informal for B2B sales? A: Not at all! When used professionally, it can be a powerful tool for building relationships and closing deals.
Q: How often should I send messages to prospects? A: It depends on your sales cycle, but generally, aim for quality over quantity. Don’t bombard your prospects – think strategic touches.
Q: Can SMS/MMS messaging replace other forms of communication in sales? A: It’s not about replacement, but enhancement. Use it alongside other methods for a well-rounded approach.
Q: What types of messages work best in the sales cycle? A: This can vary, but generally, personalised, value-adding messages tend to perform well. Think updates, offers, and helpful tips.
Q: How do I measure the success of my SMS/MMS messaging strategy? A: Track metrics like open rates, response rates, and conversions. Also, gather feedback from your sales team and customers.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Miss Out on This Game-Changer
In the ever-evolving world of sales, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. SMS/MMS messaging isn’t just a trend – it’s a powerful tool that can revolutionise your sales cycle. From instant communication to personalised engagement, the benefits are clear as day.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to step up your sales game and give SMS/MMS messaging a go. Your future self (and your sales figures) will thank you!
Ready to supercharge your sales cycle? Click here to learn how our SMS/MMS messaging solutions can transform your business today!
Top 10 Marketing Ideas To Drive Your Success in 2022
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands competing for your attention. A big part of marketing is building relationships with your customers, and social media is an excellent way to do that. It also helps you learn what your customers want and get feedback on your products and services. However, between all of the different channels available, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for your business.
Here are the top 10 marketing ideas you can use in 2022:.
1. Send Hand Written Or Personalised Notes
With social media, you can create a personalised message and send it to your customers. You can also send them a virtual hug or make them feel special by sending them a personal note.
This is a great way to connect with your customers and get them excited about what’s coming. It’s also a great way to show that you care about their needs and want to offer excellent customer service.
If you’re looking for ways to show that you care, then sending out handwritten notes is the best way. If you add in some of your business logo stationary, this will add an extra touch of appreciation!
2. Run A Competition
Running a competition is an excellent way to engage with your followers. Social media has made it easy for brands to post photos or videos asking their customers to vote or comment on which one they like best.
This is a great way to get ideas from your customers, and it can also increase brand awareness.
One company that successfully used this strategy was the clothing retailer Puma. The company has over 2 million followers on Instagram, and when they asked people to vote for their favorite Puma sneaker in a social media contest, they got more than 1,000 comments in just 24 hours!
3. Launch New Products or Services
If you’re launching a new product or service, social media is the perfect place to tell your story. You can build anticipation for your launch around an announcement on social media, then promote your product or service to get people excited.
You can also use social media to show off how your business operates. If you’re running a restaurant, post pictures of the food and interior design. If you’re selling software, share screenshoots of your app in action. Showing customers what they’re going to experience when they buy from you makes them more likely to buy in the first place!
4. Get Personal With Your Content
The best way to get your customers engaged with your business is through content. But, how can you get personal? One of the most effective ways is by sharing your personal stories.
You may not think that you have anything in common with your business’s target audience, but that’s not true! You probably share interests and experiences with them. For example, if you’re trying to reach moms, then you should share stories about being a mom yourself. Share photos or videos of yourself with your kids or mention them in posts. Showing the human side of you will make it easier for people to relate to what you’re saying and want to hear more about what you have to offer.
5. Create A New Irresistible Offer
Social media is an excellent way to create new offers and discounts for your customers. You can use it to promote birthday or anniversary specials, or other promotions that are relevant to your business.
For example, let’s say you’re the owner of a bakery. Along with posting about the delicious cakes you offer, you can also post about upcoming deals like Mother’s Day breakfast in bed or Father’s Day dinner at home.
6. Host An Online Event
If you’re looking to reach a large number of consumers, hosting an online event is the best way to do it. It’s great for making announcements and demonstrations. You can also use your social media channels to advertise that you’re hosting the event and get people interested in participating.
Hosting an online event:
- is a great way to make announcements and demonstrations
- allows you to advertise and get people interested in participating
- gives people who need your product or service a chance to ask questions or make requests
- helps create relationships with customers
- makes your company feel more accessible
- provides a platform for new employees to showcase their skills.
7. Spark Curiosity In Your Brand
If you want to be successful on social media, it’s important to spark curiosity.
Social media is all about building relationships and providing value. Brands can use social media as a platform for two-way communication with their customers. In order to be successful, you need to spark curiosity in your brand.
Here are a few ways that brands can do this:
- Create a username that stands out from the competition
- Include real-time updates
- Include behind-the-scenes content
- Offer giveaways and discounts
8. Update Your Website
While not strictly social media, it is a great way to use your website to build rapport with your consumers.
You should update the content on your website regularly to keep up with all of the latest developments in your industry. Use this space to promote some of the new products or services you have, but also give customers the opportunity to interact with you.
For example, you might post a picture of someone who has just had success using one of your products and then ask them to share their story on social media. This will get them engaged in your business and promote your product or service at the same time!
9. Get More Online Reviews
Getting honest feedback from your customers is one of the best ways to grow your business. Social media gives you the opportunity to get more reviews by creating a new review tab on your website, or even integrating social media with your customer service system. This way, it’s easy for potential customers to leave feedback about their experience with you.
10. Ask Questions
You can grow your followers by asking questions. It’s a simple strategy, but one that works well.
This strategy works because people love to answer questions. You can easily find out what your customers want and get feedback on your products or services through the answers they give you. This is also an opportunity for you to get to know your customers better and build stronger relationships with them.
A popular question to ask is “What are you looking for in a product?” If someone replies, then you know that they are looking for something specific. You might have that same thing available! You could then offer them a free trial of the product they’re looking for, if it’s within your budget.
Let’s chat about implementing the top 10 marketing ideas today.
Top 10 Tips to Streamline All of Your Time-Consuming Business Processes
When you’re going through a digital transformation, there’s one area that should get more attention than anything else: your business workflows and business processes.
Your workflows are the most fundamental way that you conduct business. They govern how you work on a day-to-day basis. Yet they can also be just as much of a handicap as a tool for success. It all depends on how you approach them.
And if you’re trudging along through your business workflows, you’re approaching them the wrong way.
Here are our top ten tips to streamline your most time-consuming workflows and turn them into an asset.
1. Create a Master Business Process Flow
The first step seems simple: create a master business process flow. In other words, visualize and write down how your business process actually works.
The keyword is seems.
What we’re talking about here is business process mapping, which is a visual representation of every step a business takes from start to finish. In doing so, you document the entire process.
This is an important step, as it forces you to conceptualize every part of your business–including some that might not have occurred to you. The simplest way to get started is to think in terms of inputs, processing, and outputs.
2. Detail Each Part of the Process
This brings us to the second, related tip. When you map your process, you need to detail each and every part.
Yes, every part.
That means each and every customer and staff-facing interaction. If it’s an interaction, it’s part of your business process, and it needs to be visualized and documented in detail.
This is what allows you to understand how your process works. It’s easy enough to just write down a step and call it even, but that lends itself to disregarding the finer points of what makes each step tick. Instead, take the time to detail each step. In doing so, you have to think critically about how each step really works–and where it doesn’t work.
That way, you can shed light on some areas you might not think about, and identify inefficiencies you might have otherwise overlooked.
3. Describe & Visualise How the Best Process Would Flow
Once you know how your business process currently works, you can think about how it could work better.
What should your BOS (Business Operating System) look like? What should your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) look like? What are your ideal workflows?
This brings you to the next important question: how can your current workflows and processes evolve from where you are now to where you need to be? What needs to be streamlined and cut? And what tools do you need to get the job done?
4. Research All the Technology Providers
You could try to develop those solutions on your own, but that would be inefficient. And since we’re here to streamline your processes and simplify your workflow through digital transformation, your best bet is to turn to an expert third-party provider.
The good news is that there are a lot of options. The bad news is that you have to find the right one for your organization.
As you look into business operating systems and business management software, ask yourself:
- What are my top three most important solutions?
- What are the most important areas to drive efficiency?
- What needs to change to make each step in my process more efficient?
- How can this tool help me drive efficiency?
- Are there extra features that I need?
- Are there extra features that I don’t need?
Just as you detailed your business processes and workflows, document the details of each potential solution.
5. Create a Request for Proposal to Send to Suitable Suppliers and Consultants
Next, you have to create a request for proposal (RFP) to send to potential suppliers. There are three points to keep in mind when writing an RFP:
- Figure out what you want
- Figure out what you need
- Figure out what’s possible
There’s a happy medium between what you want, what you need, and what’s possible. Think of it this way: there’s no reason to buy a Ferrari when a bicycle messenger could get the job done just as well. Itemize what you want, balance it with what you need, and streamline it with what’s possible (i.e. budget or operating constraints).
6. Analyse All Vendor Submissions
Got your RFP sent out and your submissions in front of you? Time to sort through your options.
Before you do anything else, do a preliminary check for completeness and clarity. Any omissions or ambiguities should be clarified by the vendor. If there are any submissions that just aren’t the right fit, or just aren’t very good, now is the time to discard them.
From there, create a spreadsheet detailing your business requirements (this should be easy to do based on the RFP triage you did earlier). This will allow you to score all submissions using the same grading scale and objectively assess who is the best fit for your needs.
Next, assign an importance value and a performance value for each requirement to weigh them. This should be on a scale of one to ten, unless a feature is so important that you would immediately discard a vendor who didn’t have it.
Next, go through each submission with a fine-toothed comb. Performance value will likely be the hardest to score–this is when you score the vendor based on how well they perform for each requirement. Once you have a complete scoring sheet, calculate each vendor’s score.
7. Select a Winner
Your analysis gives you the tools you need to select high performers. From there, you can weed out the winner based on price, suitability, experience, and local support.
Look for a vendor that matches your budget, provides the right experience, matches your company well, and, of course, has plenty of local support to help in case something goes wrong.
8. Implement a Pilot Solution
You’re not done yet!
Once you’ve chosen a winner, it’s time to craft and implement a pilot solution with a limited number of super-users to provide proof of concept. Think of it as the test flight for your solution. This gives you a chance to iron out all the kinks, resolve any major problems in advance, and reaffirm that this solution is the right fit to streamline your business processes.
Give the pilot run a few weeks of earnest effort. That way, you can get past the initial adjustment period and ensure it really works.
9. Approve and Roll Out to All the Business
If it passes with flying colours, you’re ready to roll it out to your whole business.
Work with your vendor to craft a multi-stage rollout plan. This gives you a chance to train your employees, make sure the new process is well-understood, and ensure strong adoption across the board. Make sure to listen to issues as you go so that you can make adjustments.
10. Review and Readjust Accordingly
Once the solution is firmly in place, don’t break out the champagne. You have to keep on reassessing your solution to make sure it continues to be a good fit and continues to maximize efficiency.
The good news? You already have the tools to review and readjust and improve. Just follow the same initial steps you took at the start of this process and score the solution. Then, make adjustments as needed.
The Smarter Way to Manage Your Business Processes
At the end of this process, your digital transformation should deliver a BOS and CRM process that dramatically improves your business’s past inefficiencies. Instead of processes and workflows that slow you down, you’ll have a system that drives success. All it takes is careful attention and dedicated effort. You’ll be amazed by the difference.
Need Help streamlining your business processes – Let’s Talk.
Zoho One: The Business Operating System
Digital business management is an absolute necessity
If your company wants to remain competitive in the modern marketplace. No matter what business sector you may inhabit — and no matter its size — the advantages of having a suite of digital resources to manage that business are manifold.
Yet there are complications associated with using digital tools to manage your company. In many instances these tools, while robust, are limited by their role.
This can often result in a business having to employ a number of different stand-alone digital solutions in individual silos, making business management needlessly complex, cumbersome, and often expensive. This can sometimes place access to digital business management squarely out of reach for all but the largest companies with the resources necessary to bear these costs.
But what if there was some way to integrate all these functions together without breaking the bank? You don’t have to imagine what that would be like; the Zoho One all-in-one business operating system is here, available at a price that won’t strain your resources and ready to transform the way your company does business.
Robust and Capable Tools, All Under One Roof
There are literally dozens of digital business management solutions available on the market, all of which do varying jobs of providing you the tools you need to keep your company firing on all cylinders.
Zoho One is no exception to this, and its massive suite of CRM tools provide you with the deep, robust functionality you need to manage lead generation, communication, follow-up, and conversion. What differentiates Zoho One from other SaaS providers is how truly well integrated all these tools are.
Fully Integrated
When Zoho says “fully integrated”, this isn’t just lip service. Gone are the days of managing multiple silos — thanks to Zoho One, gone are the days of having to maintain various unconnected ecosystems just to manage different aspects of your business.
From task scheduling and client communication to document management and even social media functions, Zoho One provides it all; unlike other CRM suites that lack capabilities, Zoho One’s in-app solutions and deep integration with existing third-party apps such as Mail Chimp, Office 365, and G Suite make it easier than ever to access crucial data and functionalities to support your day-to-day business tasks.
The result is a fully immersive experience that can’t be beat. Deep mobile functionalities such as instant notification, offline data access, and even GPS-enabled navigation and location tracking make access to Zoho One a seamless CRM tool suite that will revolutionise the way your company does business. The best part is yet to come, however; Zoho One manages to do this without straining your resources.
Functionality and Access at an Affordable Price Point
All of Zoho One’s functionalities make it a highly attractive solution for companies looking for a capable business operating system. You’d expect to pay a premium for access to such a robust CRM environment, but this is yet another example of how Zoho One differentiates itself from its competitors. In fact, unlike some other SaaS cloud-based business management options, Zoho One is remarkably affordable in comparison.
Great Value
The value that Zoho One provides only increases when you take into account the sheer amount of features you gain access to at such a reasonable price. The truth is that Zoho One offers access to more than 40 integrated apps for just one low price.
Gone are the days of having to pay for multiple digital management solutions in multiple, isolated silos that can’t be integrated with one another, all for a resource-stretching premium that needlessly inflates your company’s overhead costs.
Zoho One provides the greatest value for companies looking for an all-in-one solution by providing access to every app in Zoho’s arsenal for a rate of just $50 per user per month. This is a true bargain, one that can’t be beat anywhere.
As if that wasn’t enough, Zoho One also provides high levels of back-end support for technical management that offers detailed back end capabilities for role provisioning, identity management, and other large-scale deployment issues by providing IT managers access to a full-featured Admin Panel.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find that kind of functionality anywhere else!
Providing Risk-Free Peace of Mind
Migrating to a new CRM or even adopting one in the first place is a major undertaking. It’s only natural to be reticent when it comes to taking the plunge and fully committing to a digital management system for your business. It’s the kind of decision that can make or break a company. It can be difficult to make an informed decision without first being exposed to the environment, but many SaaS providers require a full commitment before providing you access.
This is, again, where Zoho One differentiates itself from its competitors. With our partnership with Zoho, Informatix can provide you a variety of trial options for you to test drive Zoho One to see if it’s the ideal solution for your business. Whether it’s a free 30-minute consultation, a detailed demo, a free 30-day trial, or a combination of all three, you can rely on Informatix to expose you to all of Zoho One’s capabilities in a risk-free, pressure-free environment.
Informatix is Your Premier Zoho One Access Provider
Informatix knows what it takes to run a successful business. Our adaptive CRM implementation approach means we listen to your needs, analyse how your business operates, and understand its specific requirements before implementing systems, processes, and workflows that are specifically designed to get the best out of your people and systems.
Our partnership with Zoho is an integral component of how Informatix provides you only the best digital business management. We’re confident you’ll see the value of Zoho One immediately. Contact us today and we’ll be thrilled to show you just we can transform your business with the help of this revolutionary all-in-one business operating system.
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