Day 29: Add Phone Numbers to Send Text Messages
When I set up the opt-in page for this 30 Day Email Growth Challenge—I wanted signing up to be easy with a capital E.
That's why I only asked for your first name and email address—BOOM—you were in.
But I wanted more info including mobile phone numbers to be able send you reminders from time to time.
Why?
Because as a marketer, I know that inboxes are full, but text messages—people read those.
Check out my current inbox right now:
I have over 100X more unread emails compared to text messages 😜 and I'm someone who LOVES emails.
The point is: capturing phone numbers right after someone subscribes—aka when they are most engaged—is a super smart acquisition strategy even if you don't yet know how you'll use the phone numbers to text people.
Here's how you to do it:
🛠️ How to capture phone numbers
Step 1: Email should still be your priority so keep your opt-in form clean and easy. Personally, I only ask for a first name and an email address—sometimes only an email address.
Step 2: Once someone opts in to your newsletter or freebie—immediately send them to a redirect page that asks a few deeper questions. This is the survey I sent everyone to after they signed up for this challenge.
Step 3: In your automated confirmation email—direct people to the survey again to try to capture anyone who clicked away from your redirect page.
This processes is making the ask for information and a phone number not once, but two times at least. Remember, reminders are a gift, not a burden.
Step 4: Once you have your list of mobile numbers, use a text messaging tool to send out messages that let's people opt-out when they want.
For this experiment, I tried a tool called Textla (not sponsored). It was affordable and easy to set up, but keep in mind it will need a few business days to register your number. I believe Mailchimp also has this feature built into their system.
My friend Caroline is actually teaching about text-messaging for nonprofits in a 3-part workshop series that starts tomorrow, Tuesday April 14. In the first session, she will be covering how to choose a platform. You can still sign up but use code: JESS49 for $49 off.
💡 Why it works
People read and answer text messages at a higher rate compared to emails.
The best strategy is when you can provide entertainment, education and inspiration over text messages BEFORE you make an ask.
📊 Results
From my own experience with this challenge—22% of folks who signed up also registered their phone number. The avg. conversion rate is less than 5%.
🧰 Tools Needed
A post sign-up redirect page
A text messaging platform
🗣️ Last thought
According to Mobile Commons, 99% of all text message get read and 90% of them are read within 90 seconds of receiving the message.
They also go on to show how mobile subscribers are often stronger donors.
So, why wouldn't you work hard to try to capture phone numbers alongside email addresses? They are more than worth it.
Tell me—would you incorporate a text messaging strategy?
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