Bulk text messaging is undeniably the most effective way to reach your existing customers. Unfortunately, many businesses are not taking advantage of text the way that they could be. In this guide, we’ll talk about why you should get started bulk texting and share some specific examples of how real businesses are using it. 

Why you should start using bulk text messaging 

Here are three reasons why every business should consider getting started with bulk text messaging. 

  • It’s what your customers want:  Nowadays, people are communicating with their friends and family members via text. They want to be able to do the same thing with businesses. 
  • It helps you get in touch with your existing customers: While we’re often focused on attracting new customers, bulk text messaging is an easy way for businesses to engage their existing customers. 
  • It’s affordable: Unlike other marketing channels, you don’t need to pay for every click and every open that you get for text messaging. It’s cheap! 

Am I allowed to bulk text my customers? 

Bulk texting customers is completely legal, provided that you comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. (TCPA) For more information, check out our guide on getting customers to opt-in. 

Bulk texting examples 

Not sure exactly how bulk texting can help your business? Let’s run through 13 examples of how businesses are using it today. 

Changing business operations 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw that many of the businesses using the Birdeye platform used text messaging to communicate changes in operations. 

Hey (customer name), we’re reopening our business next Wednesday. Click the link below to hear about the safety precautions that we’re taking to protect your health. 

New product/service

If you just started offering a new product or service, send a text to make sure that your existing customers are aware. 

Hey (customer), we are now offering massage therapy and we want valued patients like you to be the first to know. Respond to this text message so we can talk about booking your first appointment. 

Promoting company-wide offers 

Got a sale or a discount coming up? Make sure that all of your existing customers know about it. 

Hey there, We’ve got a great sale going on right now. From today until February 25th, we’ll be selling all items at 10% off. 

Promoting an event 

If you have any kind of event coming up, text your customers an invite. 

Hey (customer name), we’re having a workshop next Friday at 7 at our office and you’re invited! Reply with “RSVP” if you can make it. 

Newsletter invitation 

Got an email newsletter that you want to promote? Encourage customers to sign up via text message. 

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first one to know about promotions, discounts, and upcoming events. Click here to subscribe: domain.com/subscribe

New sale opportunities 

If you’re in a space like real estate where you rely on a few sales for revenue, consider promoting your listings to your texting list. 

Hey (customer name), we have three new listings in the Forest Hills neighborhood. Visit ourdomain.com for more information. 

Promoting customer loyalty

Want to build more loyalty for your existing customers? Consider offering exclusive deals for your text messaging list. 

Thanks for being a loyal customer! Show this text next time you come in and get 15% off your next purchase. 

Holiday closures 

If you’re closing down due to a holiday, you can send a text message ahead of time to let your customers know ahead of time. 

Hey (customer name), we just wanted to let you know that we’re closing down our store from December 24-January 1. Happy holidays!

Schedule a consultation 

If you’re in a space where you offer your clients calls and consultations, consider using your text messaging list to drive interest. 

It’s almost tax season! Respond “Yes” to this text message and one of our representatives can give you a call and give you tips on how to prepare. 

Promote your content 

Text messaging can also help you build deeper relationships with your customers through engaging content. 

Want to hear 5 fun facts about flossing? Respond with “FLOSS” so we can send you our list. 

Let customers refer your business 

Happy customers are often happy to refer your business to family and friends, but sometimes they’ll need an extra push. Reach out to them for referrals via text. 

Love our business? Tell your friends by giving us some love on social media. 

Customer surveys 

Texting is an opportunity for you to collect feedback about your business. Try texting survey questions to customers to get a gauge of overall customer satisfaction. 

Hey there, thanks for choosing (Business name). On a scale of 0-10, how likely are you to recommend us to a friend or family member? 

Cancellation

While you never want to cancel an event, things happen. In times like these, you can use texting to make sure that your customers don’t end up coming to an empty room. 

Unfortunately, we will have to cancel today’s event because our speaker has fallen ill. Apologies for the inconvenience. 

Choosing a bulk text software 

If you’re looking for software that can help you get started with bulk text messaging, consider Birdeye. Birdeye’s platform allows you to text hundreds of customers at a time. But that’s not all. Birdeye also allows businesses to communicate with website visitors via website chat, automatically send review requests, and send improve operations with customer surveys. More than 150,000 businesses use Birdeye to be found, be chosen, and be the best business in their area.