Marketing has been and will always be a vital factor in business, in that if you do not make what you do, known to people, it is impossible to get patronage. Businesses that put in the time, resources, money and effort into marketing rarely regret it. With the rise of technology, marketing over the years has changed, there are more effective ways now to approach marketing.

Email Marketing

This is a form of marketing, where brochures, product information, sales information, discount information, etc., are sent across, by a business, to select members of the public. Most people receive these kinds of emails, after subscribing to receive them, one way or another. Email marketing as the name implies is simply using electronic mail as a medium to market products or services.

Bulk SMS

In the same vein, bulk SMS is also a marketing tool, that involves sending SMS containing product and service information, to a selected group of people at the same time. This is a particularly easy technique as it is capable of reaching a large number of people, with just one click.

Similarities

There are notable similarities, between bulk SMS and Email, as there are notable differences as well. These two concepts are similar, in that they are both messaging devices that send messages and information, from one electronic device to the other. They can both be used as marketing tools.

Differences

Emails are different from Bulk SMSs in so many ways. Bulk SMSs are exchanged via mobile devices, while Emails are exchanged via internet connection. SMS is alphanumeric, meaning that one can send across only numbers or the alphabet, while emails are not; pictures, videos, audios, etc., can be sent via email. Emails are considered more professional, while SMSs are considered personal. SMSs have a 98% read rate, while Emails have a 15-22% read rate. Texting can be done via mobile phones only, emails can be sent using mobile phones, computers, etc. SMS requires a stable cellular network to communicate, while Emails require a stable internet connection.

How to Support Emails with Bulk SMS

Having looked at the similarities and differences between emails and bulk SMS, it is safe to say that they are both effective in their way. Combining both tools can lead to greater marketing results. Below are a few methods of combining email marketing and bulk SMS marketing to achieve a greater result.

• Email prompt; since SMS is more likely to be read than emails, and emails are capable of carrying more information; visual, pictorial, and audio, SMS can be used as a tool to prompt subscribers to check their emails. If a mail has not been opened or read, an SMS can prompt the subscriber to check the information in his mail that might be too bulky to send as an SMS.

• Complementary; some subscribers might prefer receiving email, to receiving SMS. There is no need to commit to only one channel, as using both means greater reach and coverage. Using both channels would give your audience the luxury of choice, as some might prefer one to the other. However, encourage your subscribers to subscribe to both channels, as this would give your business more avenues to reach them.

• Follow Up; Emails might be good to establish first contact or to introduce a product, but when it comes to following up, SMS have proven to be more effective. SMS can be used as a tool to remind your audience to take action on the mail that was sent earlier since SMS drives faster action.

• Gather Review/ Feedback; your business can use SMS to encourage your audience to leave reviews or feedback on your product or services. As stated earlier, it is a good reminder tool.

As good as either of these options are, limiting your business to just one of them is not the best option, as combining both can give you greater reach and greater results. To learn more about the use of Email and Bulk SMS as a marketing tool, visit our website. SmartSMSSolutions is a business that aims to improve communication between businesses and their audience, using simple tools such as; Emails, Bulk SMS and Voice OTPs. To improve internal and external communication in your business, visit our website to create an account and get started.