SMS Opt-Ins and 6 Easy Ways to Get Them
Getting SMS opt-ins for campaigns can be challenging. Luckily, with a dash of strategy, anyone can get a long list of subscribers to sign up to text.
Opting in to get text messages from a company is a gesture of trust, so it’s vital to gather those opt-ins respectfully and honestly. It’s also necessary to maintain a good relationship with customers.
In this article, we’ll explore what opt-ins are and how SMS senders can collect them with ease.
A Short Guide to SMS Opt-Ins
Before discussing ways to get opt-ins, let’s explain what they are and why you need them. Knowing what they are crucial for any SMS marketing campaign.
Why are SMS Opt-Ins Important?
Opt-ins are needed for any SMS campaign. Cell phone carriers require them for any texting conducted by businesses, be it for support or marketing. In addition to getting opt-ins, the sender must also provide proof.
While getting them can be challenging for some businesses, there are many benefits to opt-ins. For starters, it builds trust between businesses and customers. Emails and constant calls are often considered spam. Meanwhile, texts are usually welcome — and data support this. Over 60% of consumers believe that companies that text them value their time.
Moreover, 71% see SMS as efficient. Around half of mobile users want to get messages from businesses. As such, don’t feel worried about getting opt-ins; they’ll come so long as a cohesive and effective strategy is in place.
Opt-Ins vs. Opt-Outs
Opt-outs are just as needed as opt-ins, at least regarding compliance with The Campaign Registry and other organizations. For any subscriber to truly consent to get texts, they must also be able to stop getting texts. Inserting the “STOP” keyword occasionally is standard, as per the Cellular Telephone Industries Association (CTIA).
Remember that emphasizing written consent is key to maintaining a quality brand image. Emphasize the voluntary element of SMS marketing to keep them interested in getting SMS messages promoting your offerings.
How to Get SMS Opt-Ins
There are many ways to get authentic opt-ins. With some planning, your lead list will be long, prosperous, and reliable.
Pop In for an Opt-Ins
A well-designed pop-up is well-suited for getting opt-ins. It’s straightforward, grabs attention, and explicitly informs the reader about your intentions. Make sure that it’s easy to close so as not to irritate any potential subscribers.
Promotions, Giveaways, and Sales
People like incentives. Giveaways, discount codes, and sales are easily integrated into SMS. For example, one can give away SMS-exclusive coupons. Once signed up, keep them subscribed with more exclusive discounts that reward them for being loyal.
One benefit of promos for getting opt-ins is that they can serve as a valuable metric for analytics, illustrating conversions and leads more tangibly. Experiment with incentives for your audience to better understand what motivates them.
Make sure to send “double opt-ins.” These will be the first text you send and will read some akin to, “Reply YES to learn more.” Doing so ensures that they’re using a real number and they are human.
Consider SMS integrations with HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and other data analysis tools.
Checkout at the SMS Opt-In
E-commerce businesses have an exceptional chance for opt-ins. When a customer buys a product, they’ll want a shipping confirmation. This is the perfect opportunity to get them signed up for text messages. Ask them if they opt-in to receive updates by phone.
Note that, to be compliant, subscribers must know exactly what they’re getting. To solve this, add multiple opt-in categories labeled with the content of their impending texts.
Cue the Content
Tie the SMS campaign to content, like a blog, video, or newsletter. A lot of potential subscribers demand to get something valuable in return for their opt-in, so providing it — such as through content — is a must.
You can also provide gated content to opt-in subscribers, such as eBooks, articles, interviews, and videos. Only let them through once they give you their name and number. Once filled out, they can proceed with consuming content. Just make sure the content is worth it.
Get SMS Opt-Ins with SMS
One of the most easy ways to get SMS opt-ins is by having a prospective person text a keyword to a number. This keyword can be whatever you want, and many choose to have a quippy keyword like “FruitsVegetables” or “SignMeUp.”
To get people to text a keyword, asking them via person, phone call, or email is ideal.
Social Media Mastery
Social media is always a great place to start when searching for opt-ins. Doing so works well in conjunction with gated content, as you can offer previews to build FOMO.
Signing social media followers up for SMS gives brands a better ability to monetize and increase views. For example, creators can update subscribers on fresh posts.
When utilizing social media for opt-ins, use appropriate platforms to get readers to sign up to text. B2B companies and professionals may find LinkedIn more effective because of the platform’s culture and intent. Meanwhile, artists and creatives might make better use of Threads and Instagram’s visual medium.
Many businesses advertise their SMS on their social media profiles. For example, putting “Text YES to [phone number] to learn more!” on a Facebook profile spreads awareness effortlessly. Companies leveraging TikTok and Instagram may find success in posting pictures or videos advertising SMS by leading them to their website or showing a testable phone number.
Optimize SMS Opt-Ins with Sakari
Opt-ins can seem hard to get, but it’s easier with a clear and effective strategy. Use these methods together to create a strong, solid, and long list of SMS subscribers ready and willing to read your texts.
Get the best rewards with Sakari. Our A2P SMS platform has proven results and is well-suited for all your SMS campaigns. With our wide array of integrations and exceptional features available at a reasonable cost, we are the ultimate bulk texting solution. Sign up for a free trial today to see for yourself.
