Time limited offers remain one of the most effective marketing tools on the planet. Consumers just can’t resist acting on exclusivity and the chance to snap up something they want before it’s gone. That’s why you see this marketing technique used across the board, from TV and radio to print ads and product displays - and now on mobile via text message marketing.
If you’re looking for a way to grab more attention with your mobile marketing strategy, here’s how to create time limited text message offers that really deliver.
What’s Your Time Limit?
For maximum impact, you want to get the the balance just right between:
- A time limit that’s short enough to get customers excited and create a feeling of urgency.
- A time limit that’s practical, making sure you give customers enough time to actually visit your business in person or online to use the promotion on offer.
The type of offer and the sector you operate in will help you determine the right kind of timescale for your customers. For online businesses, time limits can be as short as ‘For Today Only!’, as it’s quick and easy for people to hop online and visit your site. For businesses like restaurants, giving a day or two’s notice gives people time to plan and book.
Mobile is Different - Mobile is Fast
When people get an offer via text, they act fast. With high open and read rates, text message marketing makes it easy for customers to act on offers immediately. This means you need to think about your mobile time limited offers differently from offers placed in print ads, for example. The immediacy of SMS is perfect for last-minute deals - but if your time limit is too long it makes it all too easy for customers to forget all about it.
Crafting Your Message
You have limited space, 160 characters, so make your call to action short and sweet. Recipients typically only need to know a maximum of three things:
- Your offer
- Its time limit
- How customers redeem it
‘2-for-1 mains this Wednesday’ or ‘Free online shipping for the next 48 hours!’ keeps things short, direct and delivers all the info you need. You want to avoid people having to scroll down through your message reading lots of text. Time limited offers are designed to grab attention, and short, punchy texts do this best.
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