Articles by Anna Davies

In the last decade, text messaging has exploded as a communication tool. The proliferation of smartphones and sophisticated technology has made it easy and inexpensive to use Multimedia Message Services (MMS) to send video and audio clips to consumers. SMS has become a lifeline for businesses who need to not only connect to their customers for mailing list purposes, but to update them on deliveries, provide real time tracking on orders, and otherwise handle real-time situations that may otherwise have needed to be handled in person or over the phone. 

And more importantly: Customers welcome text engagement from businesses. Statistics show that 75% of millennials prefer SMS communications for deliveries, promotions, and surveys. More than a novelty or an occasional-use tool, texting has emerged as an essential for omnichannel experiences. “Text enhances the effectiveness of digital and traditional marketing efforts with just a single text reminder dramatically lifting email open and response rates,” notes Mark Little, Chief…

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As the parent to a kindergartener in a district with all-remote learning in place, I’ve witnessed firsthand the number of learning pods pop up in our neighborhood. Ad-hoc pods are being created in dance studios, gymnastics clubs, and afterschool centers, and parents — faced with the daunting task of juggling work and multiple classroom log-ins for their child — are eager to sign kids up for socialization, learning support, and the chance to get outside of their homes and explore their independence for a bit.

But for small businesses, running a learning pod in the era of Covid-19 is more complex than simple after school offerings. Schools, as well, may feel overwhelmed managing small group “learning pods” on top of administrative questions, and may find text messages the most efficient way to keep everyone in the loop, collate necessary forms and information, and provide a dedicated space for updates and photos. Here, how to use texting capabilities to enhance learning pods.

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What’s worse: An empty auditorium or an empty Zoom room?

Turns out, they’re both pretty cringeworthy. When you’re growing your business (or just getting business done), attendance matters, regardless of whether you’re planning a virtual or IRL event. No-shows waste time, resources, and, in the case of recruitment and hiring events, can leave you short-staffed and scrambling. And while text messages are successfully used by medical offices for appointment reminders, they can be much more versatile across all businesses, increasing engagement, conversation, and customer conversion. Here, how to use simple, automated text messages to make sure people know that where they want to be — is wherever your business is right now.

Reminder Texts Reduce No-Shows

Bottom line: Reminders work. One study at an opthalmology clinic found that appointment reminders decreased no-shows by 38%. Text tools can also provide a way for people to seamlessly reschedule appointments in a timely fashion so you’re not facing a calendar…

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List-servs, community canvassing, social media messaging, and official websites all seem like good ways to get messaging across to constituents. But if your local municipality isn’t using text messaging as a means of communication, you may be missing out on some of the most vulnerable members of your population.

While low-income families may have unreliable or sporadic access to computers, statistics show that up to 96% of low-income families have cell phones and 81% have unlimited text plans. Texting can be a great way to share local resources, provide answers, and connect people to the department that serves their needs. This streamlines administration processes and mitigates frustration. Here, some of the benefits of texting for municipalities and constituents alike.

Texting Preserves Privacy and Safety

The miles-long lines of cars to get Covid-19 tested this past spring has proven that it’s not enough simply to provide a service. People need to be able to quickly and safely access services. They also need to know they are eligible to be able to do so. Texting can provide a pre-screening process as an essential first step to ensuring that a person is…

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Sometimes, it can feel like a "simple" phone call requires just as much maneuvering as a weekend dinner date. Who will call who? When? "Is now good?" And of course, before you actually connect, you both need to wait a few seconds as one or both of you figure out your wireless earbuds. Meanwhile, text alerts and notifications are lightning quick.

Research shows 90% of all texts are read within three minutes of receipt. And with less than 160 characters, texts are easy to read and easy to acknowledge — which is why texting is being picked up by local governments and emergency services. For example, Text-to-911 services are being implemented across the country, allowing people to access emergency services via phone. Domestic abuse survivors can text for help, making it easier to discreetly connect to services. And governments are creating text lines to disseminate…

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