Innovative Text Messaging

Text messaging has become very popular, and many text messages are read within a minute. Reach out to us, for an innovative solution that is tailored to meet your business needs. Innovative Text Messaging can provide a hotline for your customers. Media files, including videos and images, can be attached to text messages. Text to win games are fun. Text messages can also be utilized to manage various software applications and web services. Talk to us, we can build it for you.

Texting Pictures

Could candid pictures of people having fun in your establishment from your customers bring more people in the door? Are your customers already are shooting these kinds of pictures? Then invite them to text a copy to you. A hotline will get pictures to you under Terms Of Service. Not under another services TOS. For example, Facebook, TikTok or Instagram.

Hotline 10DLC telephone numbers are setup to receive pictures attached to a text message. Sabrina H3 cloud services makes those pictures available in real time on the Internet. Hotlines support the following video formats: 3gpp and mp4.

Carriers impose size limitations of about ninety seconds in duration on reels that are attached to text messages. Hotlines service includes the Sabrina H3 Cloud to store all incoming message data, media attachments and Hotline Analytics.

The Incentive

Let's play a game. Text a reel to the hotline number to win a prize. What is cool about this game is that it gets your customers to send you videos that you can use if you like them.

How does it work. Phone Numbers represent players in the game. Make the prize worth winning then when you have a thousand players. Generate a random number and use that random number to pick the winner.

Capitalizes on the fact that people are shooting reels with their phones and sharing them with their friends. This hotline feature lets them share those reels with you. Encourage your patrons to capture moments at your establishment. Now you have them providing you with live images in real time.

Candid reels that are shot at your establishment by your customers are a valuable asset for, your business. Now you can use them on your website, in your advertising and post them on your Facebook Business Page, Instagram or TikTok.

Consider these three points:

1. Everyone has a phone
2. People like incentives
3. People enjoy shooting reels.

The game is the incentive for your customers to send reels while they at your establishment. The game builds a community around your business of loyal customers. Have you seen that people are already shooting reels everywhere? Look around your establishment. This game gets them to send you a copy those reels and lets you use them.

Hotlines are a direct line to your customers. Messages and attached media go directly to you, not to a third party social media network. Attached media is organized by file type. There are separate folders for 3gpp reels from iPhones, mp4 reels from Android phones and JPEG for still photos.

The Media License makes it clear in the promotional material that when a player attachs a reel to a text message and sends it to you. That player agrees to the media license. This Media License permits the broadcasting of reels on your website and allows their use in your advertising. Note: This license does not apply unless the message is received with an attachment.

Media License

Use this media license when you promote your Text marketing program:

Permission is granted, free of charge, to the recipient of a text message and its attached media item to handle all data from the text message without restrictions. This includes, but is not limited to, the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the attached media item, and to allow others to whom the media item is provided to do the same, under the following conditions:

This license permits broadcasting, distributing, remixing, adapting, and building upon the material sent via text message in any medium or format. It allows for commercial use and becomes effective when individuals send a text message with a media attachment from their phone. This license does not apply to messages received without a media attachment.

Media items are organized in catalogs based on Telephone Number. The holders of these telephone numbers confirm their ownership of the media items. The telephone numbers of all users will remain confidential. Ownership of the associated media item is retained by the user who owns the telephone number that sent the text message.

SMS Alerts (disabled by default)

Sending automatic outgoing SMS Alert (text messages) carries certain risks. Text spamming is prohibited by law. However, SMS Alerts can deliver your message instantaneously because people read them. Hotline phone numbers can be configured to send outgoing messages, This feature is disabled by default to ensure TCPA compliance. We can work with the carrier to enable this feature upon request. Any enhancements to the basic hotline service are billed by the hour.

Many Point of Sale (POS) systems include an SMS marketing feature that uses a short code number with a keyword. If your POS has an SMS feature, are you using it? We can work with that too. Sabrina H3 Cloud includes a webform to maintain permissions for a TCPA compliant list that you can enable in the future.

A legitimate text marketing list is a significant asset for your business. Provide enticing offers exclusively to the list. Inform recipients to show the message and that the offers will expire soon. Flash promotions can be an effective marketing strategy to attract customers during slower nights.

We have seen many SMS programs fail because the business owners don’t understand the time factor and the size of list are important for success. Today people have texting plans built in to their monthly telephone service, message rates are unlimited just like long distance calling.

Telephone Communication Protection Act (TCPA)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) - 47 U.S. Code § 227 - includes restrictions on the use of telephone equipment and applies to text messages.

TCPA require expressed written consent before an individuals telephone number can be included in an automated Fax, Text, or robocall marketing list. It also specifies that sending the keyword STOP or CANCEL will promptly remove that telephone number from the list. TCPA states that It is necessary to indicate how often they get messages and that “carrier data and message rates may apply” when subscribing to a text marketing program. Typically, individuals tend to subscribe to fewer then five of these programs.

Keep in mind that legitimate messages perceived to be spammy will cause people to opt out of your program. Make your text club a VIP club, with exclusive offers for the members of the text club.

Express consent can be obtained in written form, either on paper or electronically. For example, a checkbox on a web form (not enabled by default) or a two-step process using text messages can be utilized. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) law distinguishes between two types of consent:

Prior Express Consent:

This is the guideline for informational calls, such as appointment reminders and fraud alerts. When you provide your phone number to a business, you typically grant them express consent to reach out to you regarding your business relationship. For instance, sharing your number with a pharmacy indicates consent for them to send you a text notifying you that your prescription is ready.

Prior Express *Written* Consent:

This requirement sets a higher standard for all marketing robocalls and robotexts directed to a cell phone. The agreement has to be in writing, which can include an electronic signature or a checkbox on a website. It must be presented as a separate disclosure from other terms and conditions and must clearly state that you consent to receive marketing calls and texts from a specific seller using automated technology. Additionally, it should clarify that agreeing to this is not a prerequisite for purchasing any goods or services.

Data Dictionary

SMS Alerts

• Hot Line: ( 10 digit number )
• Time: ( Timing is important )
• Message Body: ( 140 - 160 characters )
•   Header: Your Business ID
•   Text: 10 words or less like a telegram.
•   URL: A trackable link to more information on your website.
•   Footer: Reply: Stop 2 Opt-out (Msg/data rates may apply)
• Picture Attachments: ( Reels or Photos )
•   Picture: ( formats: 3gpp, mp4, jpeg )
•   Meta Data: ( GPS Location )

Tips on how to run an effective text messaging program from people in the marketing profession. Reporting from: Forbes Communications Sep 13, 2023, 01:15pm EDTDec 05, 2024, 05:55pm EST https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescommunicationscouncil/2023/09/13/19-innovative-ways-to-use-interactive-sms-to-engage-customers/

1. Proactively Communicate New Offers And Benefits

SMS messaging is important for customer acquisition and engagement. Companies can be proactive in informing customers about new offers and how to take advantage of additional benefits. Being proactive and putting the customer first increases engagement. A credit card issuer could encourage people to use the rewards they earned by sending them a text, for example. This provides value and increases trust. - Gaurav Bhatia, PenFed Credit Union

2. Give Clear And Easy Choices For How To Respond

Customers value their time and choose convenience over effort. Sending them proactive SMS text messages tailored to their preferences and previous purchase history could be a great way to encourage repeat business while engaging with them in a highly personalized manner. Give the customer clear and easy choices for how to respond, and make sure you tailor your follow-up communication accordingly. - Astrid Pocklington, Enghouse Interactive

3. Send Customers Best Practices Or Tips And Tricks

Send best practices or tips and tricks to customers. We find that exclusive content that can only be received on certain channels drives interest. All of your customers want to know how to use your tool more effectively, which is why I like sending tips and tricks! - Sarah Danzl, Skillable

4. Boost Foot Traffic Through Flash Sales And Incentives

It depends on what you’re selling and your audience. Small brick-and-mortar businesses, for example, can use SMS texting to drive business through flash sales and special incentives to drive foot traffic and boost sales during slow days. - Vince Venditti, American Residential Services

5. Send Out Surveys For Immediate Feedback

Send out surveys! Surveys are a great tool to obtain immediate feedback on not only the customer experience, but also their pain points, needs and so forth. - Caroline Lyle, NMFTA

6. Keep It Light And Entertaining, But Informative

Remember that text communication is brief, succinct and to the point for most consumers. Follow that same pattern with your SMS strategy; keep it light and entertaining, but informative. People get enough garbage in SMS from spam, annoying neighbors and people they want to avoid. Have fun with it, but make it a message worth opening. Oh, and go easy on the emojis—don’t be like your Aunt Martha! - Kathleen Stockham, South College

7. Drive Loyalty With Data-Driven Messages

Generic SMS text messages are easy to deploy because they are short and a highly consumable communication method; however, they’re not effective. Segmenting audiences and sending data-driven offers and messages relevant to past engagements with the customer is more meaningful and creates brand and customer loyalty. - Tiffany Staples, Celebrus

8. Send Exclusive Discounts, Promotions And Reminders

For our clients, SMS continues to be a powerful way to engage with customers and boost sales. Businesses can use text to send exclusive discounts, promotions and reminders about upcoming sales. While this might be a classic way to get people to interact with your brand, it continues to be effective for building a loyal customer base. - Cade Collister, Metova

9. Offer Tech Help And Other Solution Support

SMS texts, though personal, can backfire if misused. The channel’s value lies in offering solution support. Modern customers favor texting for accessing tech help or connecting with their success manager, rather than for making calls. - Rashmi Bijai, OnBoard

10. Let Users Personalize Their Experience With Keywords

One of our customers uses SMS to build deeper relationships, humanize their brand and create market distinction. This company really invested in its SMS onboarding experience and lets users personalize their experience with keywords. Users can share what they are interested in receiving from the brand on that channel and build a customized experience based on their unique interests. - Adriana Gil Miner, Iterable

11. Offer A VIP Experience With Sneak Peeks And Teasers

Offer your most engaged customers a VIP experience by sharing sneak peeks, teasers or previews of upcoming products, services or content through SMS. This creates an exclusive connection, builds anticipation and rewards their loyalty with a first look into what’s coming next from your brand. - Jawaher Al-Khuzaei, GWC

12. Build An Invite-Only Community For Customers

The use of SMS, especially in B2B marketing, should be of high quality and personalized. It’s not the right channel for general messages. SMS can be used to build an exclusive customer community for your top advocates, such as an invite-only group where customers can message each other directly, ask questions and share best practices. The moderator can drive engagement through polls and questions. - Rekha Thomas, Path Forward Marketing LLC

13. Boost Customer Service And Follow Up Post-Sale

SMS texting is great to use for boosting customer service and as a sales follow-up tool, which will help drive customer loyalty. For example, send a thank-you note to a guest after they make a hotel reservation that includes the appropriate information for check-in. Or, you could send a welcome note after a customer has purchased a product. Avoid using SMS to sell or promote products, as most people hate what I call “in-your-face selling.” - Parna Sarkar-Basu, Brand and Buzz Marketing, LLC.

14. Set Up A Contest That Uses SMS Entries

Consider setting up a contest that uses SMS entries. Not only can you get access to a customer list and contact info for a communication method that they use extremely often, but you can also surprise and delight them by offering instant-win prizes. - Roshni Wijayasinha, Prosh Marketing

15. Do Real-Time Campaigns Based On Localized Events

Utilize real-time campaigns based on depersonalized data and external events. For example, let’s imagine a weekly grocery shopping situation. While browsing the supermarket aisles, you receive an SMS based on the local weather forecast (a heat wave is coming) with a bundle for water, sunscreen or whatever else is needed in your region to survive heat waves comfortably. SMS is very personal, and you should provide real value. - Iryna Manukovska, XME.digital

16. Let Customers Answer Quizzes To Earn Points

A unique idea to engage customers via SMS is to create personalized quizzes or trivia games. You can send questions related to products or services you offer and let customers reply with answers. Correct answers earn points, redeemable for discounts or offers. This educates the customer, adds an element of fun and encourages brand loyalty. - Sowmya Moni, Incture

17. Send A Series Of Educational Texts

We have found that sending informational content that provides real value without trying to sell is the most effective and credible way to approach this media. We have found great success in creating content in a series, where each text allows you to build on the prior one, while simultaneously giving the reader a reason to look for your next text. The key is not to sell, but to educate. - John Gumas, Gumas Advertising

18. Create A Sense Of Urgency Or Exclusivity

Companies can build engagement with their customer community through SMS by creating a sense of urgency or exclusivity. Sharing time-sensitive and behind-the-scenes updates, new offers and sneak peeks via SMS makes customers feel privileged and part of an exclusive community. The immediacy of SMS can help companies deliver real-time information, creating excitement and anticipation. - Anthony Kennedy, ION