Dave discusses creative ways to use text messaging with Hannah Khouri and Zack Robertson. They discuss getting customers to opt-in and Constant Contact’s SMS tools, including a new AI feature to help you get started.
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Episode Highlights
Inflection points from the show
[01:08] Texting with Paul McCartney: Dave Charest talks about a memorable text message campaign experience that involves “texting” the one and only Paul McCartney.
[03:54] Why SMS: Hannah gives some background on why Constant Contact felt it was the right time to start offering SMS campaign capabilities to their customers.
[04:20] An advantage for small biz: Hannah feels that small business owners have an advantage over big brands regarding text messaging because they’re naturally closer to their community.
[06:49] Making it all work together: Marketing channels like email, social, and text can all be in your strategy. Dave says texting provides a direct line to the consumer, but how do the other channels fit in?
[09:29] Texting encourages community connection: Oddly enough, Hannah credits text campaigns for getting her out of the house more. When a coupon for a local shop or restaurant comes through, it’s a great excuse to get together with a friend.
[10:57] A new AI content generator for SMS: Zack reveals a new way of adding a personal touch to your SMS campaigns with a new AI tool from Constant Contact.
[14:32] Yes, customers want more text messages: Even though texting may feel very personal and some may be hesitant to intrude, more customers are open to receiving texts from small businesses. Hannah shares the specifics.
[17:19] How Constant Contact stands out: Local numbers are key. Zack shares all the details on what makes Constant Contact’s SMS features stand out.
[21:17] Automation, what?: Hannah helps those new to the text campaign world understand some of the key terminologies.
[23:52] What does success look like?: Hannah shares what metrics you should consider when assessing your SMS campaigns.
[24:56] Get permission: As is the case with email, you need to get permission to text your customers. Hannah talks about compliance and how you can entice customers to sign up. She shares a great example of how her hair stylist uses SMS.
[27:16] Getting creative: Zack describes how electricians, dentists, and others in his community use SMS.