7 Essential Etiquette Tips for Business Text Messaging

SMS messages are a powerful tool for businesses. They can be used to communicate information quickly and efficiently, and they can reach a wide audience with minimal effort. SMS messages are also highly effective at delivering promotional content and advertisements. With SMS marketing, businesses can target specific demographics with customized messages, increasing the likelihood of conversion. SMS messages can also be used to remind customers of appointments or deadlines, or to deliver updates and customer service notifications. In an increasingly digital world, SMS messages provide a simple and effective way for businesses to reach their customers.

In recent years, SMS has become one of the most popular forms of communication, with billions of messages sent every day. However, SMS can also be a source of frustration and misunderstanding, due to the lack of nonverbal cues. As a result, it is important to be aware of SMS etiquette in order to avoid offending or confusing others.

Some basic guidelines include using proper grammar and spelling, keeping messages concise, and avoiding abbreviations that could be ambiguous. In addition, it is important to be aware of cultural differences when sending SMS messages to people from other countries. By following these simple rules, you can help ensure that your SMS messages are clear and polite:

1. Ensure clients opt-in to receiving SMS messages
2. Include your contact information
3. Proofread your SMS message
4. Don’t spam your customers
5. Personalize your message
6. Always add value
7. Stay within business hours

Etiquette Tip #1: Only Text Customers That Have Opted-In

SMS messages are a great way for businesses to keep in touch with their customers. They can offer reminders about appointments, special promotions, and other important information. However, SMS messages can also be a nuisance if they are sent without the recipient’s consent. In order to protect consumers' privacy and reduce the chances of SMS spam, many countries have implemented an opt-in requirement for SMS messaging with businesses.

This means that businesses must obtain the recipients' explicit permission before sending them any SMS messages. The opt-in requirement helps to ensure that consumers only receive SMS messages from businesses that they have chosen to hear from. As a result, it helps to create a more positive experience for both businesses and consumers.

Etiquette Tip #2: Include Your Contact Information

As with any other business communication, it is also important to include your contact information in the text message. This will allow the recipient to easily get in touch with you if they have any questions or need more information. Including your contact information in a business text message is a simple courtesy that can go a long way in building strong relationships with your contacts.

Etiquette Tip #3: Proofread Before Sending

SMS has a number of benefits for businesses, including its speed and convenience. However, SMS also has some potential drawbacks, such as the potential for errors. That’s why it’s important to always proofread your SMS messages before sending them. A few quick checks can help to ensure that your message is clear and error-free. First, read your message out loud to catch any typos or awkward phrasing. Then, send a test message to yourself to double-check that the recipient’s message looks correct. Finally, reread your message one last time before hitting send. By taking a few extra minutes to proofread your SMS messages, you can help to ensure that your communication is clear and professional.

Etiquette Tip #4: Respect Your Customers, Don’t Spam Them

Spamming includes sending messages that are irrelevant or not wanted, sending too many messages, or not providing an opt-out option. Not only is spamming annoying, but it can also damage your business’s reputation and lead to customers opting out of your SMS messages altogether. To avoid spamming, make sure your SMS messages are relevant and targeted to your audience, limit the number of messages you send, and provide an easy way for customers to opt out if they no longer want to receive your SMS messages. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS marketing campaign is successful and avoids any negative consequences.

Etiquette Tip #5: Personalize Your SMS Message

Your customers are more likely to respond positively to a message that feels like it’s been written just for them. That’s why it’s so important to personalize your SMS messages. Include the customer’s name, mention something about their previous interactions with your business, or simply let them know that you’re thinking about them. A little bit of personalization can go a long way towards building a strong relationship with your customers.

Etiquette Tip #6: Add Value Whenever Possible

In order to maximize the impact of SMS, it is important to add value with each message. This can be done by including helpful information, promoting special offers, providing an update on new products or services, or something as simple as a discount code or a link to an interesting article. Whatever it is, make sure that it’s something that will add value to the recipient’s day. By taking this approach, you’ll ensure that your SMS messages are always welcome and appreciated.

Etiquette Tip #7: Stay Within Business Hours

Business texts should only be sent during normal business hours, as this is the time when most people are able to respond. Sending SMS messages outside of business hours can be disruptive and intrusive. Additionally, SMS messages that are sent late at night or on weekends are likely to be deleted without being read. For these reasons, businesses should focus on sending SMS messages during regular business hours.

Following these tips will help you stay on good terms with your prospective customers and existing clients. Remember to send SMS messages within business hours, avoid spamming your customers, and ensure that they are getting value from your messages. Most importantly, always remember to personalize your messages so that they add value for the customer. By doing so, you can increase loyalty and encourage future business with them.