How to Choose Keyword for Your SMS Campaign

What is an SMS Keyword?

An SMS keyword is a word or phrase that people can text to a specific number to opt-in to a marketing campaign. The keyword is typically the first point of contact between the customer and the brand, so it’s important to choose a keyword that is easy to remember, relevant to your brand, and can be easily shared on different platforms.

SMS keywords work by providing customers with an easy way to opt-in to a marketing campaign. When a customer sees a keyword displayed on a website, social media post, or other marketing material, they can simply send a text message with the keyword to a specific phone number to opt-in to the campaign. This is known as an opt-in process.

Once the customer has opted-in, they will receive a confirmation message or an automated reply that confirms their subscription to the campaign. This message may include information about the campaign, such as how often they will receive messages, what types of messages they can expect, and how to opt-out of the campaign if they no longer wish to receive messages.

Customers can also opt-out of an SMS campaign at any time by sending a text message with a specific keyword, such as “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE,” to the same phone number they used to opt-in. This is known as an opt-out process.

It’s important for brands to make it clear and easy for customers to opt-out of their campaigns, as this helps to maintain trust and respect for the customer’s preferences. Additionally, brands should avoid sending too many messages or sending messages that are irrelevant to the customer’s interests, as this can lead to opt-outs and a negative perception of the brand.

Overall, SMS keywords provide an easy and efficient way for brands to engage with their audience and promote their products or services. By following these SMS marketing best practices, brands can build strong relationships with their customers and drive business growth.

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Why are SMS Keywords Important?

SMS keywords are important because they are the first step in building a relationship between your brand and your potential customers. When someone texts your keyword to your number, they are indicating that they are interested in your product or service. This gives you an opportunity to engage with them and provide them with relevant information about your brand.

5 Professional Tips for Choosing an SMS Keyword

Choosing the right SMS keyword requires careful consideration. Here are some tips to help you choose the best SMS keyword for your campaign:

Keep it Short and Sweet

When it comes to SMS keywords, shorter is better. Choose a keyword that is easy to remember and easy to type. Ideally, your keyword should be one word, but if you need to use multiple words, make sure they are easy to spell and not too long. Even something as simple as “DISCOUNT” will work.

Make it Relevant to Your Brand

Your SMS keyword should be relevant to your brand and the campaign you’re running. For example, if you’re running a campaign to promote a new product, your keyword could be the name of the product or a related word.

Choose a Keyword That’s Easy to Share

Your SMS keyword should be easy to share on different platforms, including social media, email, and your website. Make sure your keyword is prominently displayed on your website and in your social media posts so that people can easily find it.

Encourage Action

Your SMS keyword should encourage people to take action and opt-in to your campaign. For example, if you’re running a campaign to promote a sale, your keyword could be “SALE” or “SHOPNOW.” Using capital letters is generally a good call.

Test Your Keyword

Before launching your campaign, test your keyword to make sure it’s working properly. Send a test message to your number to make sure you’re receiving messages and that your auto-reply message is working correctly.

Examples of SMS Keywords

Here are some simple but effective examples of SMS keywords to help with your first campaign:

SALE

If you’re running a sale, use the keyword “SALE” to encourage people to opt-in and receive exclusive discounts.

JOIN

If you’re building a subscriber list, use the keyword “JOIN” to encourage people to sign up and receive updates from your brand.

VIP

Use the keyword “VIP” to create an exclusive club for your loyal customers. Offer them special discounts and promotions as a way to reward them for their loyalty.

WIN

Use the keyword “WIN” to promote a contest or giveaway. Encourage people to opt-in for a chance to win a prize.

INFO

Use the keyword “INFO” to provide people with more information about your brand, products, or services.

Closing Thoughts

Choosing the right keyword is crucial for the success of your SMS marketing campaign. By keeping it short, relevant, shareable, actionable, and by testing it beforehand, you can create a keyword that resonates with your audience and encourages them to opt-in to your campaign. Whether you’re running a sale, promoting a contest, or building a subscriber list, the right SMS keyword can help you engage with your audience and grow your brand.

At CloudContactAI, we offer a plethora of SMS marketing tools to help you create, manage, and track your SMS campaigns. From keywords and auto-reply messages to SMS analytics and reporting, our platform has everything you need to launch a successful SMS marketing campaign.