Text messaging is one of the most popular ways to communicate with your customers, subscribers, or employees. It’s quick, easy, and can be sent to specific geographical numbers extremely quickly.
However, before you start sending text messages to specific phone numbers you have two choices: buy a list of telephone numbers or set up an SMS marketing campaign using an existing customer database.
Well, sms marketing canada would be your choice for small business marketing!
So, let’s see how you can set up an SMS marketing campaign in Canada.
1) Get a list of Canadian mobile phone numbers
You can purchase an online list of Canadian mobile phone numbers if you want to run an SMS marketing campaign targeting specific customers or subscribers. The advantage is that you know exactly who will receive your messages. However, some people may object to receiving unsolicited text messages on their cell phones so be aware of this before you purchase a list.
2) Use an existing customer database
If you have an existing customer database, you can easily import the numbers into an SMS marketing campaign tool. This will allow you to send text messages to a wider audience without having to purchase a list of phone numbers. However, if you don’t have an existing customer database you can set up a free account with an SMS marketing provider. Sign-up is quick, easy and the sign-up process requires only your name, email address, and password to get your SMS marketing campaign up and running.
3) Find an SMS Marketing Provider
To run an SMS marketing campaign you will need to find an SMS marketing provider. There are many SMS marketing companies to choose from, however for this article I have used Textlocal as it’s easy to use, has great customer service, and is relatively inexpensive.
After signing up you will need to sign in to your account then select ‘USAGE’ at the top of the home page click on ‘SMS KEY’ which will take you to a page with your ‘API KEY’ and ‘SMTP SERVER’.
4) Set up your SMS marketing campaign
Once you have your API KEY and SMTP SERVER you will need to set up your SMS marketing campaign. This is done by selecting the ‘CAMPAIGNS’ tab at the top of the home page and then clicking on ‘CREATE NEW CAMPAIGN’.
You will then be asked to enter a name for your campaign, the country you are targeting (Canada), the type of campaign you want to run (one-way or two-way), and the start and end date.
5) Enter your campaign details
You will now need to enter the following campaign details:
- From Name: The name that will appear as the sender of the text message
- Subject: The subject line of your text message
- Message: The body of your text message
- ReplyToNumber: The number that recipients should reply to if they have any questions
- Selection Criteria: Is your campaign one-way or two-way? This refers to whether the message will be sent out to every customer, subscriber, or employee in a group, or if they must reply YES in order to receive the text message. If you select ‘two way’ then this also allows customers, subscribers, or employees to reply to your message and engage in a conversation.
6) Choose the type of opt-in process for your SMS marketing campaign
You will need to select how you want subscribers, customers, or employees to opt into the text messaging service. If you go with ‘OPTION 1’ then they will receive a text message asking them to reply ‘YES’ in order to opt-in. If you choose ‘OPTION 2’ then they will receive a text message asking them to reply ‘STOP’ in order to opt-out.
7) Enter the number of minutes before your SMS marketing campaign sends out a reminder or follow up text message
You can set a reminder or follow-up text message to be sent if a recipient doesn’t reply. The number of minutes before the reminder or follow-up text is sent out can range from 5 to 60 minutes.
8) Set the delivery time and schedule for your SMS marketing campaign
You will need to select when you want your SMS marketing campaign to send out text messages. You can choose to send them out immediately, at a specific time of day, or on a specific day of the week.
9) Preview your SMS marketing campaign
Once you have entered all of the details for your SMS marketing campaign, you will need to preview it to make sure that it looks how you want it to.
10) Select the required data plan
Once you have previewed your SMS marketing campaign and you are happy with it, you will need to select the data plan that is required in order for this to work.
11) Purchase your Textlocal SMS Marketing Plan
Once you have signed up, selected an SMS Marketing Provider, and set up an SMS marketing campaign, you will need to purchase a Textlocal SMS Marketing Plan. This plan will give you the credits that you need in order to send out your text messages.
There are many different plans to choose from, each with its own features and benefits. You can find a plan that is right for your business by clicking on ‘PLANS’ at the top of the home page.
Conclusion: Now that you know how to set up an SMS marketing campaign, you can start reaching out to customers, subscribers, or employees in Canada and start generating leads and sales. Happy campaigning!
