True or false about text message marketing

It's been noted on this blog that text messaging could become a new avenue for marketing ideas.

Recently, podium.com talked to Neil Patel, founder of Neil Patel Digital. He is known for his work in digital marketing and social media and as the creator of Ubersuggest.

Patel was asked about seven myths related to text message marketing. You can read his responses in the entire report here. Here are some of those myths with my thoughts.

Myth: Text message marketing isn't effective

Statistics have shown that 98% of all text messages are opened, and 95% of SMS messages are opened and responded to within three minutes of being delivered.

Compare that to average email data. The average open rate for emails is 18%, and engagement is much lower than that. On average, email click rates are between 2-5%. And this is not including recent changes to privacy policies with email providers such as Apple Mail.

Myth: Text message marketing is only effective for big companies

Local businesses have the upper-hand in one area that is tougher for big companies to meet: personalization.

Local businesses and likely their owners are embedded and involved in the community. Several reports over the last several months are showing consumers want more engagement, and, more importantly, personalization.

Those supporters of local businesses are often more loyal because of the trust built.

Myth: Text message marketing is a one-way street

Again, text messaging provides personalization and trust-building opportunities. The key to keep in mind is the same as with email marketing. The person has to opt-in to being contacted via text, which data shows they are more willing to do so than with email. But, equally important is to not bombard them. Learn what your customers want and, more importantly, how often.

Myth: Text message marketing is spam

Like previous myth, text message marketing isn't spam ... as long as the person or persons opted into it. Be mindful of that. If you're not sure, there are plenty of resources to help you understand the legalities of text message marketing, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act or TCPA.