Text to Join

1. Set up your Keyword

Create a short keyword relevant to your business. People remember short keywords rather than longer ones. Ask your audience to text the keyword to your short code (or, 10-digit number.)

Everyone texting your keyword to your short code instantly joins your subscription list. Their mobile number gets collected for your future “text blasts” (mass text messaging.)

2. Configure Your Auto-Reply

When somebody texts to join your subscription list they receive your automated reply, also known as an “SMS autoresponder.” It’s a simple message to the person confirming they’ve successfully opted-in. It can even include an incentive for joining - like an offer or discount. Your auto-reply then collects their mobile number.

Bonus: Collect Analytical Data

When setting up your keyword you can enable data collection features. For instance, ask for their sex, age, and location. The collected data helps you with a future marketing strategy based on target subscribers by their demographics (age, sex, location, etc.)

Sign up For a Text to Join Service

First, you will need a text to join platform like Textedly which allows you to seamlessly send out text to join messages.

Choose a Campaign Keyword

The campaign keyword you choose must relate to your business. A pizza restaurant may choose the keyword PIZZA. A company selling eyewear might choose GLASSES. An automobile tire retail store chooses TIRES. It’s that simple.

What’s the best short word that describes your business? That’s your keyword.

Also, consider including an incentive for signing up like a half off text coupon for their next purchase.

Set up an Auto-Responder

Your auto-responder confirms the person’s successful signup. Also, follow up on the promised incentive for signing up like: “Here’s your coupon” or “Use this code during your next purchase for 1/2 off.” Incentives inspire people to sign up.

Promote Your Keyword

There are plenty of methods for enticing users to subscribe to your text to join campaign, such as:

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  Subscriber-Only Flash Sales or Discounts;

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  Content or Blog Promotion;

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  Weekly or Monthly Tips:

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  Sweepstakes or Contests:
  

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  Event Promotion;
  

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  Thank-You Messages;
  

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  Review Request; and
  

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  Surveys or Polls.
  

Include your keyword, short code, and opt-in benefit in other places to attract new subscribers such as:

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  Receipts;

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  Napkins;

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  Business cards;

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  Company bio on Facebook, and other social media channels;

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  Roll-up banner on walls;

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  Window stickers on your door and windows facing outside; and

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  Word of mouth.

Collect Text Subscribers

As you most likely have gathered, the options for collecting text subscribers are really endless. Here are some ways to build your SMS subscriber list:

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  Catch their attention at your store’s register with a sign and signup sheet;

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  Include a signup option with your online checkout;

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  Display signup sheets at conferences where your company participates; and

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  Advertise on your website.