97% of Americans own a cell phone. That’s even more than internet users (95%)! While that might seem like a negligible difference, that 2% of the population amounts to over six million people. If you want to reach your customers wherever they are, their trusty cell phone is your best bet.
It gets better. Most folks check their texts within 5-15 minutes. For appointment-based businesses, that’s not just a stat — it’s a goldmine of marketing opportunities.
You might think, “Can’t I just use my smartphone to text all my clients?”
Sure — if you enjoy having cramped thumbs from texting everyone individually. Your average smartphone isn’t built for sending personalized messages to more than about 10 people at once. Luckily, there’s a smarter way.
Mass texting is a must-have for appointment based businesses. It’s like a superpower that lets you message hundreds of people at once — with reminders, promotions, or just a friendly “We miss you!” The best part? Each message can be personalized, so all your clients feel like VIPs.
So, how do you send a mass text? What software do you need? How does mass texting work? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sending a mass text so you can start engaging your clients right where they are.
A mass text is a message sent to multiple recipients simultaneously via short message service (SMS). It’s like a group message, except a mass text typically arrives independently to each recipient (without any connection to other recipients).
Do you ever wish you could clone yourself to text all your clients at once? Mass texting lets you do just that. It’s like throwing a party, but instead of inviting people one by one, you’re sending out a bunch of invitations with a single click.
But mass texting isn’t just about saving time (though that’s a big perk). It’s a versatile tool that can supercharge your business communication.
If you’ve never used mass texting as part of your communication strategy, here are three reasons you should start:
Let’s face it — nobody has time to text each client individually. Mass texting lets you work smarter, not harder. By sending a mass text or message blast, you can easily contact multiple recipients at once, without adding everyone to a group chat or sending your message individually. You can reach hundreds of people with the same amount of effort it takes to text one person.
It’s like having a personal assistant who handles all your client communication for you. It saves you a ton of time, letting you focus on what you do best — running your business and serving your clients.
No matter how fancy your phone service is, most don’t let you personalize your messages to hundreds of people individually. If you were to send a group text, all of the recipients would get the same exact message. With that setup, you can’t really address your customers by name or include any personal details.
Mass texting lets you personalize each message with the customer’s name. It’s like having a conversation with hundreds of people at once, but each one feels unique and special.
“Hey Sarah” sounds a lot better than “Dear Valued Customer,” right? With mass texting, you can make every client feel like a VIP without breaking a sweat.
If the sheer practicality of mass texting wasn’t enough, consider the stats about SMS:
Compare that to email’s measly 21% open rate, and you can see why the best marketers and business owners choose text messaging.
Plus, the average cost per text is just $0.01 – $0.06. That’s pocket change compared to cost-per-click ads and other digital marketing strategies. In terms of ROI, mass texting is almost guaranteed to drive results.
You might already be sold on mass texting — but be aware that not all mass texting services are the same. The software you pick can make or break your experience. Here’s what to consider when shopping around:
Remember, the whole point of mass texting is to make communicating with clients easier. If your mass texting service is too difficult to use or takes too much time out of your day, what’s the point? Look for software that’s intuitive and user-friendly. It should do most of the heavy lifting for you, allowing you to focus on your clients.
TIP: Look for services that offer a free trial. It’s like test-driving a car. You want to know how it handles before you commit.
When it comes to pricing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some services charge per text or recipient, while others offer a flat monthly fee. Here’s how to decide:
Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best for every user. Think about value, not just price.
Some mass texting services are too basic to be worthwhile. At minimum, your mass texting app should let you:
GoReminders does all this and more. Try sending a free sample reminder text to see for yourself.
Mass texting comes with rules. Whatever mass texting service you choose should make it easy to comply, so you don’t have to worry about legal issues.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) says you must obtain consent from customers and allow them to opt out of future messages (or “unsubscribe”). Otherwise, it’s considered “spam.”
Here’s the first step: Make sure your business is only texting people who have already given you consent. But, just in case someone forgets they gave you that consent, GoReminders has your back. Whenever you send out a blast, first-time recipients will automatically get a compliance message with instructions on how to opt out — free of charge. Plus, we have an opt-in form which people can use to automatically join your list, so they can be included in blasts as well.
Why pay for just mass texting when you can have it all? Look for a service that lets you do more for your business. Some features you might choose are:
GoReminders offers all of these features in an easy-to-use interface. It’s the ultimate, easy-to-use appointment reminder/booking/mass texting solution for your business.
Sending a mass text with GoReminders is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
If you run an appointment-based business, you know how necessary it is to be flexible. We get it, too. That’s why GoReminders uses a hybrid credit system for Message Blasts:
With GoReminders, it’s easier than ever to make mass texting a part of your communication strategy — all at prices that make sense.
Crafting an effective mass text isn’t rocket science, but it does require some thought and strategy. Here are some key points to remember:
Remember, your mass text is both a broadcast and a personal message. While you’re reaching multiple people, each recipient will read it individually. Focus on the common ground your clients share, and address their collective interests or needs. Craft your message in a way that feels personal, even though it’s reaching many.
Your mass text should be an extension of your brand, so pay attention to your brand voice when writing a new text.
Would you typically say “Hey” or “Hello?” Would you use exclamation marks to show enthusiasm, or keep it cool and professional? Be sure to also choose a sign-off that matches your brand personality, whether it’s “See you soon!” or something more formal.
Strive for consistency with your brand communication to avoid confusing your clients. But above all, maintain a kind and considerate tone in all your messaging.
NOTE: The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) prohibits offensive content. So even if edgy language is your brand’s thing, keep it clean in texts to avoid fines.
Personalization can significantly boost the effectiveness of your mass texts. Use template tags or personalization fields to insert individual details into your message.
With GoReminders, you can automatically include personal information like the first and last names of your customers. This approach makes each recipient feel like the message was crafted just for them, even though it’s part of a larger campaign.
When crafting your mass texts, it’s crucial to consider your tone, keep the message concise, and use personalized templates. GoReminders’ template tags make it easy to send automatic message blasts that feel personal and relevant. Here are five templates to consider sending for different scenarios:
“Hi {{First Name}}! We’re excited to offer you a special 20% discount on all services booked this week. Use code SPRING20 when you book. This offer ends Sunday at midnight. Book now: [Booking Link]”
This template creates urgency with a time-limited offer and provides a clear call-to-action with the booking link.
“Hello {{First Name}}! We love having you as a client and want to spread the joy. Refer a friend, and you’ll both get 15% off your next appointment. Just have them mention your name when booking. Thanks for being part of our [Business Name] family!”
This template encourages word-of-mouth marketing while rewarding both existing and new clients.
“Important update for {{First Name}}: Starting next month, our cancellation policy will require 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee. We value your business and want to ensure we can accommodate all our clients effectively. Questions? Reply to this message or email us at {{Email}} Thank you for your understanding.”
This template clearly communicates a cancellation policy change while expressing appreciation for the client’s business.
“{{First Name}}, we miss you! It’s been a while since your last visit to [Business Name]. We’d love to see you again. Here’s a $10 off coupon for your next appointment: COUPONCODE. Valid for the next 30 days. Book now: [Booking Link]”
This template aims to re-engage clients who haven’t visited in a while with an enticing offer.
“{{First Name}}, we apologize for any inconvenience. Due to unexpected maintenance, we’ll be closed tomorrow, [Date]. Use this link to reschedule: [Booking Link]
This template addresses a potential issue proactively, offering a solution and expressing appreciation for the client’s patience.
Remember, these templates are starting points. You’ll want to adjust the tone and content to match your brand voice and specific goals.
Mass texting is an essential tool for any appointment-based business, regardless of its size or stage. Whether you’re managing a large client roster, nurturing a small customer base, or just starting to build your business, mass texting offers a lot.
With a great mass texting service, you can:
However, not all mass texting services are worth using. You need a solution that makes it easy to send mass texts at a price that makes sense.
GoReminders is designed from real experience running an appointment-based business. Get everything you need to stay in touch with your clients, improve bookings, and decrease no-shows. Send message blasts (via text or email), set up appointment reminders, and create custom messages with template tags for any occasion.
Get all of this in a software that’s easier to use than your own cell phone.
But don’t just take our word for it. Try GoReminders for free to see how it feels. Send a sample reminder today to see how easy it is to communicate with your clients.
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