Why SMS works for small business
Small businesses in South Africa have the same access to bulk SMS as large corporations — and often see better results because their customer relationships are more personal. A local restaurant, salon, school or retail shop can reach every customer instantly for cents per message.
Getting started with no technical expertise
SMSMessenger’s web platform requires no technical knowledge. Sign up, import your contacts from an Excel spreadsheet, type your message and send. Most small business owners are sending their first campaign within 20 minutes of signing up.
Building your contact list the right way
Under POPIA, you need consent before sending marketing SMS. Collect mobile numbers at point of sale, on your website contact form or by asking customers to SMS a keyword to a short code. Always tell customers what they’re signing up for.
What to send and how often
For most small businesses, 2–4 SMS messages per month strikes the right balance. Effective content includes: monthly specials and promotions, appointment reminders, important business updates and loyalty rewards. Avoid sending more than weekly unless customers have specifically requested frequent updates.
Measuring results
Track redemption of any promotional codes included in your SMS, monitor reply rates for two-way campaigns, and ask customers how they heard about your promotion. SMSMessenger provides real-time delivery reports for every campaign.
