Text Message Marketing Ideas and SMS Tutorial from a garden

First some quick stats and facts
Roughly 90% of cell phones in the U.S. have unlimited texting and 97% of US adults text (Pew Research)
The FCC is also a lot more strict about SMS spam versus email, which means it continues to have a lot less spam than other mediums.
Text messaging allows 160 Characters and also allows multimedia texts
Platforms charge a WIDE range for sending and receiving text messages (.002 to over .03 depending on volume. The base cost is paid based on carrier fees, note carriers don’t charge for received messages but platforms do.

Quick simple ideas
Alert messages like urgent campaigns, limited coupons or deals
Reminders about dates or events. Reminder its tax season, or Mother’s day is coming up here are some ideas.

Helpful messages in a moment “don’t forget to breath”
Games and quizzes, people love instant replies
Click to mobile web, basically like an email
Inspiring pictures, note this more expensive
Text-to-give for donation events streamed or in person
Using keywords as call-to-actions in your audio content. Different keywords texted into a number can be used to customize the reply. So you could use a day of the week, month, celebrity name or type of animal. Be creative and then play with what the reply should be.
Personal story narratives and window into the personality of your organization. Many celebrities use this as a way of sending fans more meaningful messages.
Ask for open feedback about your company or product.
Survey your audience.
Ok now let’s dive into terms you should know when using these text messaging tools.
SMS: stands for short messaging system, basically another name for a text message. An SMS is generally sent from one mobile device to another over the cellular network. SMS is a text-only standard first formalized in 1985 in the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standards.
MMS: Stands for Multimedia Messaging System, this is similar to texting but is for messaging that includes pictures/videos/audio and extends the SMS core messaging. This commonly costs extra and depends on the recipient’s phone plan and software.
Short-Code: A five digit phone number that can be used to send or receive text messages. Commonly used for marketing because it is easy to remember. Organizations can share these through providers or register (and pay for) for unique codes through the Common Short Code Administration.
Long-Code: A 7 digit number that may be used to send and receive text messages from. If you have a phone, you have one of these. And, if you’re looking for a good time call 867-5309.
Shared long/short-code: A shared code means that the provider uses one registered number and allows multiple organizations to use it. They manage the conversations through keywords that people use to opt-in and initiate conversations. IE TextMarks uses the shared code 41411, and then let’s people park keywords that may be texted into it.
Unlimited Texting: A common plan that allows people to send/receive unlimited texts. Note that 10% of people don’t have this and will be charged per text, which is why Mobile opt-in rules must be followed.
Mobile opt-in: A message exchange that allows users to register to receive messages over SMS. Requires a message the covers the following:
{who and what the organization is} Alerts! Msg&data rates may apply.  {Message frequency} Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.
Web opt-in: A form that allows people to register to receive text messages and “opt-in” to messaging – required by the FCC.
Carrier: Phone companies like Sprint, AT&T, Virgin, Verizon, etc.
ASP: Approved service providers. The Mobile Giving Foundation has a list of ASPs and manage giving relationships with carriers.
Now that you have the tools and the terms, it’s time to get started! Have you seen some awesome nonprofit mass-texting campaigns? Share them with us at @WholeWhale.