There are many factors that contribute to your success with text messaging. Follow these simple guidelines for better deliverability of messages.
Keep your messages under 160 characters
Create at least 10 different messages in a template so messages are alternating
Pay close attention to delivery rate. If it goes below 85%, change your numbers or throttle your messages
Create your own unique messages - don’t copy others
Avoid using keywords such as purchasing, random, consider, selling in your first message
Change your templates weekly
Merge “First Name” and “Address” in messages whenever possible
Respond to messages within 3 min
Don’t send links
Limit your send rate
Mobile operators generally only accept up to 10 messages per minute from any long code number (that's no more than a message every 6 seconds). The rule of thumb is that the rate shouldn't exceed what a human could reasonably do if they were using a phone. If you attempt to send more quickly than the desired rate, we will throttle your deliverability so as not to exceed the maximum recommended rate.
Keys To Success
Be personal - An approachable, casual tone works best. People don't respond well to formal messages that sound like they are from a robot.
Use Local Phones - People don't respond very well to out-of-area numbers. Utilize the Market feature, which allows you to set up campaigns in multiple markets with local phone numbers.
Short messages - No one has time for a long text message from you. Get to the point in a couple of sentences.
End Message with a Question - This is the most likely to trigger a response.
Respond Fast - Prompt customer service is always important, especially when it comes to text conversations. When you see a prospect has written back, try to respond within minutes. To achieve this, make sure you plan ahead of time so that your team has availability for follow-up communication.
Don't Text Links - These messages can be flagged as spam, preventing your contacts from receiving your messages, especially the first time you reach out.
Use emojis - That smiley face may catch someone's attention and prompt a response.
Don't go for a hard ask right out of the gate - your initial communication with a contact serves as a first impression - use it to strike up a conversation. Eventually, once you've built a relationship, you can consider more directly asking for what you ultimately need.
Save your scripts - Your team will spend less time drafting responses if they have access to a script library.
Do be nice - You can't underestimate the value of friendly communication. If someone says "no", always respond politely- the gesture may just turn a "no" into a "yes"!
Expect negativity - it comes with the territory. If someone is very hostile, just opt them out so they won't receive your texts.
Don't spend too much energy on the negative contacts - focus your time on building rapport with contacts most interested in engaging with you - this will pay off!