The Stemless Blog

Log In

5 Types of Text Messages for Your Business

SMS, MMS, Long code, Short code, Toll-free, pick the right type of text messages for your retail growth marketing strategy

There are many different ways to message our contact list of customers. We have emails, texts, tweets, TikToks and telegrams. As a business owner, how are you to decide which method of communication works best for your customers?

With a 98% open rate, text message marketing is definitely our preferred method of communication. However, text message marketing is not without its options.

Let’s take a look at what kinds of text messages you can use for your business.

1.      SMS

SMS, or short message service, allows users to send a message that is up to 160 characters long. Because they’re short, conversational SMS marketing is kept simple and direct.

Not only that, they’re also extremely accessible because anyone with a mobile phone can read your SMS marketing campaigns.

SMS messages are ideal for successful text-to-join campaigns, order tracking messages, and bulk sms marketing.

2.      MMS

MMS, or multimedia messaging service, allows you to send messages that contain media like pictures, videos, or gifs to your customers.  If you’ve sent a meme or reaction gif, then you’ve already sent an MMS.

Many large companies are currently using MMS messages to showcase their products or services virtually to their brand-loyal customers. Your marketing strategy will benefit from using MMS because marketing that includes visual communication is 43% more persuasive than those who do not.

In the example below, you see [ Stemless Client Example] sending customers who opt-in to receive marketing text messages exclusive deals and announcements. Because this text includes an image, it’s classified as an MMS.

What’s the difference between SMS and MMS?

Almost all devices support SMS and MMS, so you don’t need to choose one over the other.

There are two key differences that separate SMS from MMS messages. The first is that MMS messages can contain media other than text whereas SMS messages are limited to text only.

The second point of differentiation is that SMS messages can only be sent to other mobile phones. MMS messages can also be sent to computers or laptops, in addition to traditional mobile devices. 

It is important to note, however, that both SMS & MMS messages fall under the category of “text messages.”

3.      Long code messages

An SMS long code is a 10 digit number that can be used to send marketing text messages, plus send and receive calls. This can be a powerful tool to help establish a consistent brand presence.

Long code messages are also likely to be perceived as more personable, not like talking with a chat bot. Using long code messages to boost brand will also help you provide a more personalized customer service experience.

4.      Short code messages

Short code messages are easy-to-remember, 5 to 6-digit numbers used to send both SMS and MMS messages to your customers.

When your business uses short codes, your customers can text a custom keyword to opt-in for your brand’s messages.

For example, if you own a gym, your customers can text “GAINZ” to 42469 to receive updates or promotional news.

Short codes are also a great tool for bulk sms marketing because you can use them to send high volumes of messages. With short code, you can send 500+ messages per second, making it the perfect text message marketing option to reach large audiences.

5.      Toll-free texting

With toll-free sms texting your business can focus on sending and receiving text messages from toll-free numbers, while building your brand’s credibility.

86% of consumers said that they perceive businesses with a toll-free number as being higher quality. The most commons uses for toll-free texting are:

  • Sales
  • Customer support
  • Marketing ad campaigns

Toll-free texting also makes it easier for you to manage your business communications. When your business is growing, having a toll-free number eliminates the need to have more than one number. This creates a more solid brand image for your customers, aiding in the quest for brand loyalty.

The major benefit of toll-free numbers for your customers is that they’re free to call. So your customers can reach you directly from their phone numbers at no cost to them.

How to pick the right type of message for your business

All types of text messages can provide your business with different benefits and be used throughout your marketing campaign to boost your brand’s visibility.

Some of the factors for you to consider when choosing what text message marketing strategy to implement for your business are:

  • Cost
  • Deliverability
  • Message size
  • Message content

A good text message marketing strategy will include a combination of both SMS and MMS messages. Partnering with a mobile marketing platform can help you make informed decisions for your small business’s successful marketing campaign.

Power Up Your Text Message Marketing Campaign with Stemless

Even after you choose what type of message to send for your marketing campaign, there are still many variables to consider. The message, the content, the time and day it’s sent, who it’s sent to.

As a data-driven platform, Stemless knows that our retailers’ customers are reading messages. But we also want to show you how your customers interacted with your messages and how those messages went on to affect customer purchase habits.

Once you understand how your campaign is performing, you need the ability to improve it by tweaking and then measuring whether those tweaks worked.

Ready to see what a few tweaks can do for your text message marketing campaign?

Schedule a demo with Stemless Co today to see how we can help boost your business.