The Do’s and Don’ts of Marketing via Texting

When it comes to texting as a marketing platform, a lot of Nonprofit marketers are hesitant. It's understandable. Texting seems like some sort of invasion of privacy, but it's not. We are currently living in a world where we heavily rely on our ever evolving technology.  That means, the norm is being altered all the time too. Texting has been a huge success for marketers because messages are being read through and responded to. With this being said,

You are 8 times more likely to get a response from a text message than a voicemail or email. (Bloomerang)

Whether the response is good or bad, you're learning. If the response is good, you are seeing increased participation within your organization. If the response is bad, then there is room for improvement. Texting etiquette is something every Nonprofit marketer should learn right now.

The Do's

1. Do organize within your organization who is in charge of sending what messages, and when they are sending the messages to avoid bombarding people.
2. Do use a platform that there is the capability to two-way text.( Check our resources page information on our recommendation, High Level).
3. Do keep your message short and to the point.
4. Do send greetings, such as “Happy New Year”, “We hope you are doing well during these times.”
5. Do use texting as a reminder for main events/fundraisers.
6. Do use this as a way to keep in touch with members of your organization during these times.

The Dont's

1. Don't overuse the texting. Some things should remain an email.
2. If a user asks you to stop texting them, respect that and be sure to make that change immediately.
3. Don't use texting as your first way of communicating with a prospect.
4. Don't use your personal cell phone number.
5. Don't send more than one text message a week (unless your initial text turns into a conversation).
6. Don't only text to fundraise.

Just like any other marketing platform, there is room to learn. We encourage you to start texting within your organization, and see how it goes. Keep these do's and dont's in mind, and it should be smooth sailing. Remember, there was once a time when organizations felt like social media was an ‘inappropriate' way of communicating. Now think about your organization's current marketing…