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SMS or Email Marketing - Which helps businesses more?

by Keepcalm
40 replies
I have not long since joined the forum and am working my way through the enormous amount of information on the forum!

My plan was to sell SMS service to businesses, but upon researching prices with white label companies in the UK, found the prices here to be very expensive.

So my new thought is to maybe do email marketing for businesses instead, as there may be a better profit margin for me.

But , do you think that email marketing can still help businesses, when SMS is supposed to be much better?

Just looking for some opinions, please.
#businesses #email #email marketing #helps #marketing #sms
  • Profile picture of the author tarquinhall
    Hi Keepcalm, My point of view Email Marketing business is better then SMS Marketing. SMS Marketing have so many rules and terms and condition.I think you can earn more money in Email Marketing business.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
    Its up to you to make the case that it isnt an either/or choice. Business that adapts to WHERE customers are will win.

    I don't think in terms of sms or email. I think HOW those people are comunicating. From what I read about 40% of adults in the US have ditched their home phones and have gone 100% mobile. With that said, both email and sms are accessible on this device.

    So...its the WHERE they are at (on their smartphones) is what is more important to me. Do biz owners think this too? Not likely but that is your task to get them interested. You do this by placing them in their customers' shoes: "Let me ask you John, is your cell phone within reach? Yep and its the same for your customers too. Are you effectively communicating with them in this medium? Because that is where they are!"
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    • Profile picture of the author Keepcalm
      Originally Posted by tarquinhall View Post

      Hi Keepcalm, My point of view Email Marketing business is better then SMS Marketing. SMS Marketing have so many rules and terms and condition.I think you can earn more money in Email Marketing business.
      Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

      Its up to you to make the case that it isnt an either/or choice. Business that adapts to WHERE customers are will win.

      I don't think in terms of sms or email. I think HOW those people are comunicating. From what I read about 40% of adults in the US have ditched their home phones and have gone 100% mobile. With that said, both email and sms are accessible on this device.

      So...its the WHERE they are at (on their smartphones) is what is more important to me. Do biz owners think this too? Not likely but that is your task to get them interested. You do this by placing them in their customers' shoes: "Let me ask you John, is your cell phone within reach? Yep and its the same for your customers too. Are you effectively communicating with them in this medium? Because that is where they are!"
      Thank you for your replies, have not got a thanks button yet.

      Maybe I could get them in to email marketing, and then offer SMS later as an add on.
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    So here's the deal... in 2010 I had a pretty good SMS business, by late 2011 I sold it because I could see the market getting saturated, the profit margins getting lower, and government regulations happening. That's one of the very few, tough decisions I've had to make and get right lol.

    With SMS... it's not right for every business, in fact, it's not right for the majority of businesses. If it's a restaurant, bar, club, something along those lines then it is perfect. If it is for an HVAC company, law firm, mechanic, roofer, etc. it is hard to get any kind of positive return.

    Email marketing would probably provide the best return, and allows the business to stay in touch with customers very affordably and effectively.

    It all depends on the type of business you're going after. Not all services work for all businesses.

    If you do get into SMS... your money is not in the SMS service, your money is in the SMS strategy.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      I think you hit this on the head and proves you've been around the block and while you may have been born at night, it wasn't last night!

      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      So here's the deal... in 2010 I had a pretty good SMS business, by late 2011 I sold it because I could see the market getting saturated, the profit margins getting lower, and government regulations happening. That's one of the very few, tough decisions I've had to make and get right lol.

      With SMS... it's not right for every business, in fact, it's not right for the majority of businesses. If it's a restaurant, bar, club, something along those lines then it is perfect. If it is for an HVAC company, law firm, mechanic, roofer, etc. it is hard to get any kind of positive return.

      Email marketing would probably provide the best return, and allows the business to stay in touch with customers very affordably and effectively.

      It all depends on the type of business you're going after. Not all services work for all businesses.

      If you do get into SMS... your money is not in the SMS service, your money is in the SMS strategy.
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  • Profile picture of the author SMSMobileMarketer
    Both are effective, it's just a matter of strategically using each channel correctly.

    Emails = Routine weekly/monthly newsletters
    SMS = appointment reminders, special one-time promotions

    If you have the right strategy, there's no reason you can't use both channels to help your business.
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    • Profile picture of the author cgamp
      I agree with u
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    • Profile picture of the author cgamp
      Originally Posted by SMSMobileMarketer View Post

      Both are effective, it's just a matter of strategically using each channel correctly.

      Emails = Routine weekly/monthly newsletters
      SMS = appointment reminders, special one-time promotions

      If you have the right strategy, there's no reason you can't use both channels to help your business.
      I agree with you
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  • Profile picture of the author internetmarketer1
    Agree with iAmNameLess. It is really tough to say which one is going to work because every business is different. SMS marketing I believe is best only for a specific type of business that always gets repeat customers. A hardware store that sells old laptops won't benefit from this in any way. A business that offers fixing up iPads and iPhones screens won't benefit from this either.

    In my honest opinion, both are extremely valuable. If you had to choose which one for your client, think about being in their position. Would they get more value from email marketing or SMS marketing?

    I have sold both, and I still have clients who have maintained their SMS and email marketing campaigns even after months of staying up.
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  • Profile picture of the author VandnaSharma
    Hello - They are the best way of marketing. Email marketing will focus on online marketing and Sms Marketing focoued on Mobile marketing. You can send message to the youth generation of your product.
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  • Profile picture of the author isaacsmithjones
    This is just an assumption... But I'm guessing there are some really low-cost phone networks in the US.

    Here in the UK, on pay as you go, you can get over 2000 texts for £5 - that's 0.25p each.

    You can also get some SMS software where you can plug your phone into your PC to send the massages.

    As long as you're not all spammy about it, and you're sending to opt-in lists for your clients, I'm pretty sure 2000 texts will go a long way.

    A simple SMS to opted in pizza customers could yield 5%, and that's being conservative. So sending the message to 200 pizza customers could bring in 10 orders. Assuming these orders each give just £5 profit each, that's £50 PROFIT for your customer.

    And that's only using a TENTH of the text allowance. So the full 2000 messaged could yield much more. So charge your client according to what you can earn them.

    If SMS is gonna get them an extra £500 profit per month, then charge them what you need to. And again, this is being conservative.

    If it's not viable to use an online service, just do it that way.

    But I will add a little warning: If one of the people on your list is out of the country when you send the text, it will charge you extra.


    P.S. I'm sure email will work great, too if done properly. But I'm just saying not to exclude SMS before exploring the options.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
    Everyone immediately looks at SMS within the context of "Marketing". Which you are simply overlooking some other really effective approaches/uses. However you have to think in terms of ahow.busineses can use it to connect with customers instead of simply sending offers or other advertising.

    ...instead if used in customer outreach (I call this customer appreciation campaigns) then sales or new customer acquisition can be a byproduct.
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  • Profile picture of the author isaacsmithjones
    Jamesfreddyc is right... You don't NEED to simply send out "offers" by SMS. If you get creative, there's much more that you can do... E.g. Dentists might do appointment reminders, which can save them THOUSANDS each year, by reducing the number of no-shows.

    Also, I just re-read your post and saw that you were in the UK. You can actually get a cheap, spare phone, and do it yourself when you're starting out. If you get a 3 sim, the MOST a text will cost you is 2p.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
      Originally Posted by isaacsmithjones View Post

      Jamesfreddyc is right... You don't NEED to simply send out "offers" by SMS. If you get creative, there's much more that you can do... E.g. Dentists might do appointment reminders, which can save them THOUSANDS each year, by reducing the number of no-shows.

      Also, I just re-read your post and saw that you were in the UK. You can actually get a cheap, spare phone, and do it yourself when you're starting out. If you get a 3 sim, the MOST a text will cost you is 2p.
      Costs are far more reaching than nonshows!

      How many hours each day does the recptionist at that dental office spend each day manually calling patients to remind them about appointments?

      What is her hourly wage?

      Take those two numbers and do the arithmetic to see the cost. Add this to nonshows, last minute cancellations and the time staff spends trying to rearrange the schedule calling to fill empty spots.

      It all adds up that are not really on the minds of prospects.

      Be creative: what about using SMS for delinquent account follow up? THOSE are really delicate conversations to have and a short sms to remind about a payment due can avoid that difficult phone call they would need to make with their customers.
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      • Profile picture of the author Highway55
        Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

        Costs are far more reaching than nonshows!

        How many hours each day does the recptionist at that dental office spend each day manually calling patients to remind them about appointments?

        What is her hourly wage?

        Take those two numbers and do the arithmetic to see the cost. Add this to nonshows, last minute cancellations and the time staff spends trying to rearrange the schedule calling to fill empty spots.

        It all adds up that are not really on the minds of prospects.

        Be creative: what about using SMS for delinquent account follow up? THOSE are really delicate conversations to have and a short sms to remind about a payment due can avoid that difficult phone call they would need to make with their customers.
        Great post, right there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Doud
    Originally Posted by Keepcalm View Post

    My plan was to sell SMS service to businesses, but upon researching prices with white label companies in the UK, found the prices here to be very expensive.
    Please remember your idea of "expensive" and a business owner's may be two different things.

    Many people get hung up on what they think is expensive which leads to under charging and providing substandard service.

    Think of how many business spend hundreds each month on their phone bill.

    Also on SMS and most other marketing the money isn't in the service. They can go out and find the service cheaper. The money is in running the account (do it for them) and the strategy sessions you have with them to figure out what to send, when to send, and how to get people to opt in.
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    • Profile picture of the author internetmarketer1
      Originally Posted by Aaron Doud View Post

      Please remember your idea of "expensive" and a business owner's may be two different things.

      Many people get hung up on what they think is expensive which leads to under charging and providing substandard service.

      Think of how many business spend hundreds each month on their phone bill.

      Also on SMS and most other marketing the money isn't in the service. They can go out and find the service cheaper. The money is in running the account (do it for them) and the strategy sessions you have with them to figure out what to send, when to send, and how to get people to opt in.
      Exactly. Many people get hung up thinking, "this is too expensive for a business. I don't think they'll need it or can afford it."

      The main key concept on doing this for them is your expertise. If you were just selling the service, they can always go out of their way and do it thems les.

      You are trying to sell them your expertise, and your expertise requires a good price. Have coincidence in yourself, and you'll succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
    Everyone seems stuck on using sms as a marketing campaign tool. If you can remove that from your thought process for a second and instead think of it as a tool for ENGAGING customers, as a communication tool that provides genuine value that people will appreciate, then you will truly see the value in using SMS.
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    • Profile picture of the author Celltactics
      Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

      Everyone seems stuck on using sms as a marketing campaign tool. If you can remove that from your thought process for a second and instead think of it as a tool for ENGAGING customers, as a communication tool that provides genuine value that people will appreciate, then you will truly see the value in using SMS.
      ^^this. Sms is most successful when you can show the client how they can engage with their existing customers. So much marketing is focused on new customer acquisition. At least as much effort if not more should be on existing customer relationships.
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  • Profile picture of the author helisell
    Originally Posted by Keepcalm View Post

    I have not long since joined the forum and am working my way through the enormous amount of information on the forum!

    My plan was to sell SMS service to businesses, but upon researching prices with white label companies in the UK, found the prices here to be very expensive.

    So my new thought is to maybe do email marketing for businesses instead, as there may be a better profit margin for me.

    But , do you think that email marketing can still help businesses, when SMS is supposed to be much better?

    Just looking for some opinions, please.
    I've spoken face to face with a lot of small business owners.

    They mostly, prolly 90%, don't have the faintest idea how email marketing can help them.
    Stop dithering around....go into any shop local to you and ask them if they do any email marketing.

    You'll end up in conversation with them very easily and quickly and you'll learn more in 10 minutes from talking to one shopkeeper/owner than a month on here I promise you.

    Go try it...you'll be amazed.
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    • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
      SMS can be effective in many circumstances but I think the difficulty comes in selling it as a standalone service. There are so many industry specific applications that have bundled SMS/TXT services into their offerings, that it is a hard sell for businesses, unless you are reselling specific packages to those venues.

      Now, selling it as part of an entire marketing plan is completely understandable, and there are some integrated marketing platforms that are combining email, sms and postcards into a single platform.

      The example of a restaurant above is even difficult. Bars it can work great, especially sports bars for example, but many of the high end restaurants I work with wouldn't use as a marketing tool. They would use it maybe for wait list, but again, they have specific companies that concentrate on that, or, most likely they are on opentable that provides that tool already.

      It's hard to justify the monthly cost of the reseller plans when there are all these variables out there and its my job to do the best for my customers, not just what is easy or just lines my pockets...
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
        Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

        Now, selling it as part of an entire marketing plan is completely understandable, and there are some integrated marketing platforms that are combining email, sms and postcards into a single platform.
        There are lots of service businesses that do not want all of the wang-bang-gizmos that come with a "Marketing Platform" or the costs associated with all of that functionality --- they just want to send text alerts.

        ...again, you all are so stuck on this SMS-as-a-marketing-tool thing, rather than it as a customer outreach tool, that it is obscuring the opportunities right in front of you.
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        • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
          Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

          There are lots of service businesses that do not want all of the wang-bang-gizmos that come with a "Marketing Platform" or the costs associated with all of that functionality --- they just want to send text alerts.

          ...again, you all are so stuck on this SMS-as-a-marketing-tool thing, rather than it as a customer outreach tool, that it is obscuring the opportunities right in front of you.
          I would have to disagree with you. While my clients may be different then yours, the last thing they want is to have another tool they have to learn and use. My restaurant clients want their staff to concentrate on the food and service, not on another platform that may or may not add value. In fact one of my restaurant clients has pretty much turned down most tech solutions as they are already turning down clients on a nightly basis (including open table).

          One of my dentists doesn't want a separate platform since they need something that is HIPAA compliant and the hairstylist I know want an integrated reservation system that can send a notification out based on the CRM. All of this makes it difficult to lets say, sign up for Lime Mobile since in reality you have to find the platform that works best for each client.

          Email Marketing is the one thing, that at least for my clients adds a ton of value and is easy for them to understand. Done right you can get 70% open rates that easily translates to seats in a chair buying food and wine at a fraction of the cost of SMS. And since its mobile ready emails, its easy to read on your smartphone.

          Where do I think SMS works fantastic? Bars, especially sports bars. Maybe Real Estate Agents if you combine that with a youtube walk through (I just don't do anything with real estate agents as I find most of them to be tools). My pet stores work better with email then SMS.

          Everyone has to find what works best for their clients and for mine, SMS is a tool but way down on the list unfortunately.
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          • Profile picture of the author Celltactics
            Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

            I would have to disagree with you. While my clients may be different then yours, the last thing they want is to have another tool they have to learn and use. My restaurant clients want their staff to concentrate on the food and service, not on another platform that may or may not add value. In fact one of my restaurant clients has pretty much turned down most tech solutions as they are already turning down clients on a nightly basis (including open table).
            If they are that busy you must be doing something right. And why would they even be presented with any tech solutions if they are that busy? Or any solutions at all. Doesn't sound like they need help.

            One of my dentists doesn't want a separate platform since they need something that is HIPAA compliant and the hairstylist I know want an integrated reservation system that can send a notification out based on the CRM. All of this makes it difficult to lets say, sign up for Lime Mobile since in reality you have to find the platform that works best for each client.
            SMS platforms that require a secure login are HIPAA compliant. But can the hairstylist afford the integrated system? Do you sell that integrated system. Have you discussed why what they want may not be the best or most affordable or effective solution?

            Email Marketing is the one thing, that at least for my clients adds a ton of value and is easy for them to understand. Done right you can get 70% open rates that easily translates to seats in a chair buying food and wine at a fraction of the cost of SMS. And since its mobile ready emails, its easy to read on your smartphone.
            I'd have to call bs on the 70% open rate. I might argue the cost but too. Using an autoresponder to send the kind of volume you can accomplish with sms isn't going to be free either. Please tell me what mobile ready email is.

            Where do I think SMS works fantastic? Bars, especially sports bars. Maybe Real Estate Agents if you combine that with a youtube walk through (I just don't do anything with real estate agents as I find most of them to be tools). My pet stores work better with email then SMS.
            Since I don't think you actually sell SMS services, how can you be an expert on where they work? Why would a bar need sms? People know what bars sell and they don't typically send out coupons. Serious questions. We have lots of bars here and I am looking for a strategy to get into them.

            Everyone has to find what works best for their clients and for mine, SMS is a tool but way down on the list unfortunately.
            But you don't sell sms right?

            Again not meaning to be rude or claim to have all the answers. I like to argue and really want folks to support their claims.
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      • Profile picture of the author Celltactics
        Originally Posted by OnlineStoreHelp View Post

        SMS can be effective in many circumstances but I think the difficulty comes in selling it as a standalone service. There are so many industry specific applications that have bundled SMS/TXT services into their offerings, that it is a hard sell for businesses, unless you are reselling specific packages to those venues.
        What I hear you saying here is "These guys probably have that industry software that includes sms so there's no point ". Do a little research. Those all inclusive platforms are EXPENSIVE! Most small businesses can't or won't afford them.

        Now, selling it as part of an entire marketing plan is completely understandable, and there are some integrated marketing platforms that are combining email, sms and postcards into a single platform.
        Again expensive.

        The example of a restaurant above is even difficult. Bars it can work great, especially sports bars for example, but many of the high end restaurants I work with wouldn't use as a marketing tool. They would use it maybe for wait list, but again, they have specific companies that concentrate on that, or, most likely they are on opentable that provides that tool already.
        So are you in the email or sms marketing business? It doesn't sound like it.

        It's hard to justify the monthly cost of the reseller plans when there are all these variables out there and its my job to do the best for my customers, not just what is easy or just lines my pockets...
        I guess this answered my question. One client pays my "monthly cost of the reseller plan". Its all gravy after that. But why would you try to sell them something new when you have convinced yourself that they already have it handled. Sorry but that's what it sounds like. And your job should be to what's best for your clients that also lines your pockets. You are running a business right? Trying to make a profit?
        I am not meaning to be rude, so please excuse me if it seems that way. I get the impression that you don't believe in the sms strategy and that's fine. But to come here and give these weak excuses why its not a good fit for your clients is, well ....weak. There are lots of businesses who have an all in one solution and yet still choose to use a small stand alone platform. Why? The reasons are as varied as the types of businesses out there. Maybe because it costs less and my be way more flexible. Who knows.
        The bottom line is you post just sounds like a list of excuses why you can't sell sms to your clients. Its not an easy sell, but when they see what it can do for them, many fall over themselves to sign up. I don't have all the answers. My company is new and just getting traction, but I know of I listened to what you say, I'd just be sitting at home because there is no point.
        And you didn't answer the OP question. I will.
        I think sms is better. Partly because I sell it, and partly because I ignore most emails and read every text I get. I figure most people are the same and there is research to prove it.
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    • Profile picture of the author xlfutur1
      Originally Posted by helisell View Post

      I've spoken face to face with a lot of small business owners.

      They mostly, prolly 90%, don't have the faintest idea how email marketing can help them.
      Stop dithering around....go into any shop local to you and ask them if they do any email marketing.

      You'll end up in conversation with them very easily and quickly and you'll learn more in 10 minutes from talking to one shopkeeper/owner than a month on here I promise you.

      Go try it...you'll be amazed.
      Very true. I would guess more than 90% of businesses don't have a clue how to use either one. Both are just a form of communication, and the content of either will determine their success. SMS is like a laser beam, but simply does not apply to alot of businesses. Email could be used by most all in one form or another, but hardly any use it. Amazing to think how long email has been around, yet business owners still don't know how to use it effectively.
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Mayers
    Personally, I have always gotten the best results with email marketing. SMS is effective, but I'd rather focus on emails. It can do wonders for your business when done properly.

    Hope this is of some help.

    -Josh
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  • Profile picture of the author atrbiz
    My vote is for email marketing and here's why...I've been working with a few Restaurants this year, I've built custom sites for them, and setup a strategic email marketing funnel/campaigns. The outcome? It's been a huge success, the Restaurants have real customers coming back in from email campaigns, it's definitely rewarding to hear.
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  • Profile picture of the author davidbatchelor
    Originally Posted by Keepcalm View Post

    I have not long since joined the forum and am working my way through the enormous amount of information on the forum!

    My plan was to sell SMS service to businesses, but upon researching prices with white label companies in the UK, found the prices here to be very expensive.

    So my new thought is to maybe do email marketing for businesses instead, as there may be a better profit margin for me.

    But , do you think that email marketing can still help businesses, when SMS is supposed to be much better?

    Just looking for some opinions, please.
    What is your definition of very expensive for SMS marketing?
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    • Profile picture of the author Keepcalm
      Originally Posted by davidbatchelor View Post

      What is your definition of very expensive for SMS marketing?
      I suppose I was refering to Whitelabel solutions, because I would require the software to collect the numbers and send the text messages from. There are upfront costs just to have whitelabel and then the costs of the actual text messages can be 3p or 4p each. They could go direct to a bulk sms provider and get texts at these prices themselves.

      Would not know what to charge a client so as to give them value and leave me a profit at the end, after all these costs.
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    • Profile picture of the author Keepcalm
      Hope you don't mind me asking more questions.

      But in regards to newsletters for clients, would you suggest getting the clients to create the content for their newsletters, or would you create it yourself? If you create it, how do you come up with what content to use for each one?

      One more thing, if you were creating content for say one hairdresser, would it be acceptable to use that same content for other hairdresser clients?
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  • Profile picture of the author SMSMobileMarketer
    Well you can always create the content as an initial outline and have the hairdresser make their own specific updates to this template.
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  • Profile picture of the author mix87
    depend of your type of business, you may choose email or sms marketing.

    Maybe SMS business is little expensive than email, but it's more effective.

    Your cell phone is always with you, you read message in first 2 minutes. For email you need internet connection, maybe your email will go to Spam folder....
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  • Profile picture of the author davidbatchelor
    Far be it from us to question the power of email marketing. It works well and it deserves the love it gets. What we do question is the misconception which ranks Email as the more effective channel when clearly, as evidenced by statistical data and customer feedback, SMS is the more powerful tool. Surely 2014 will be the year that SMS Marketing takes its rightful place at the helm of the digital communications world.

    One thing is for sure... now is the time to adopt SMS Marketing if you don't already use it. And if you do, now is the perfect time to ramp it up. SMS Marketing is already mature, tried and tested. The fact that its adoption has been slower than many other channels actually presents marketers with an amazing and rare opportunity: A highly engaged and targeted market that is currently being ignored by the competition!
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post

      Everyone seems stuck on using sms as a marketing campaign tool. If you can remove that from your thought process for a second and instead think of it as a tool for ENGAGING customers, as a communication tool that provides genuine value that people will appreciate, then you will truly see the value in using SMS.
      Originally Posted by jamesfreddyc View Post


      ...again, you all are so stuck on this SMS-as-a-marketing-tool thing, rather than it as a customer outreach tool, that it is obscuring the opportunities right in front of you.
      You make a very good point, and I can't disagree with you. Are you currently selling SMS? Currently, I can't justify my existence if I can't bring a positive return, with any service I offer. I see the whole engaging customers, staying in constant communication, etc. more of a commodity because that's something that can't be directly measured in terms of ROI.

      For me... when I was doing SMS, and I still do have 2 clients for it because I really liked them.. I turned down customers who just wanted it as an appointment reminder service. I turned down about 5 dentists, a couple doctors, and a few other services. The reason I did, was because the money wouldn't justify the time. The real money for you as a consultant or provider isn't ever going to be in the service itself, it's going to be in the strategy. SMS strategy to provide a high ROI = more money than selling SMS for appointment reminders or contact activity.

      Now... That may very well be different since the competition in SMS has thickened. Offering a different purpose could give you an advantage versus all the marketers but it doesn't mean that the money will ever be right or like it was 4 years ago.

      I miss doing SMS... it was pretty fun for me.
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
        IAm --- ironically I lost my long reply attempting to type from my phone. Lol... I will expand a bit later but I wanted to mention:

        A client that employs customer outreach with sms is somone who knows the value in maintaining good customer database. This is the type of businessman I want to work with as they qualify themselves for other services. Heh!
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      • Profile picture of the author jamesfreddyc
        Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

        You make a very good point, and I can't disagree with you. Are you currently selling SMS? Currently, I can't justify my existence if I can't bring a positive return, with any service I offer. I see the whole engaging customers, staying in constant communication, etc. more of a commodity because that's something that can't be directly measured in terms of ROI.

        For me... when I was doing SMS, and I still do have 2 clients for it because I really liked them.. I turned down customers who just wanted it as an appointment reminder service. I turned down about 5 dentists, a couple doctors, and a few other services. The reason I did, was because the money wouldn't justify the time. The real money for you as a consultant or provider isn't ever going to be in the service itself, it's going to be in the strategy. SMS strategy to provide a high ROI = more money than selling SMS for appointment reminders or contact activity.

        Now... That may very well be different since the competition in SMS has thickened. Offering a different purpose could give you an advantage versus all the marketers but it doesn't mean that the money will ever be right or like it was 4 years ago.

        I miss doing SMS... it was pretty fun for me.
        Yes and it's my entire business at the moment. But that is because I am the developer-turned-into-howthehellamigoingtosellthisthing person. Costs are incredibly low, it's all intellectual property and maintaining it is very inexpensive -- so it's basically all profit with very few customers and I have had time to devot to learn how to sell and market.

        I think you are right about being a commodity however there are so many niche markets that may not have or have actually thought about implementing a system like ours (it's NOT just a "SMS Marketing" platform). And it's not an integrated system for a particular niche -- we are just a no-frills, easy to use, lightweight, lightfootprint, heavy value webservice --- so we have *some* wiggle room to combat the commodity thing. Admitedly it's tuff.

        Also -- because it's subscription based of monthly billed subscribers, the income componds each month with new accounts. That is, as long as they stay the inflow builds upon the previous month's.

        Appointment reminders is a great "in" but all clients would benefit with an upgrade to more allowable messages (higher priced package) so that they could send out an offer or two as well as the alert messaging. But this is also why I keep harping on the notion that if you are focused so much on "SMS Marketing", then you will miss a ton of opportunity. I don't want to announce the specific niches but there are some great opportunities outside of the well known dental practice. Heck -- I don't even call them guys.

        Anyway probably a rambling response but hope to give up something worthwhile.
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  • Profile picture of the author ATAC
    I have built my business around selling SMS marketing to local business so I have to say SMS and there is no comparison when done" Right"!

    I will tell you why..

    With SMS marketing you can build a list of that businesses customers for them very fast and market to them in the same week if you do it correctly..

    The customer loves it along with the customers customer loves it and you will love it ..
    Its a win ,win and win..
    See mobile is speed and you can do things with mobile that you can not do online..
    Example ..
    When you leave your house ?
    What do you take with you ?
    Answer..
    Your key's and your cellphone....

    You can reach their customers wherever they are and a SMS message has an 97% chance they open it and it creates an action !

    Compared to an email which has maybe a 7% chase that you open it ... Not read ...Open it ..Maybe they might read it ...

    So you decide ....
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    This all-in-one marketing platform saves me over $7,000 per year. See how:
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  • Profile picture of the author BobyRurka
    From my experience Email marketing gives more possibilities.
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  • Profile picture of the author eric157
    friend,
    I think both of them work on there best both of them have there different posititve points. I have used personally a webservice which is based on sms named textmybiz i am truly satisfied by service.......
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