SMS messaging is a text message that is less than 160 characters and does not contain any multimedia content such as pictures, videos or audio. SMS messaging is the most popular form of communication today. According to a study from Pew Research Center, it is estimated that 18.7 billion SMS messages are sent daily, with 81 percent of Americans reporting they send text messages regularly. So why don’t many businesses use this channel to communicate with their customer base?
SMS messaging is the most cost-effective marketing channel available to club owners. With a 98 percent open rate, and 83 percent of messages being read within 3 minutes, text messaging services cost mere pennies per conversation. Imagine being able to send one mass communication to program participants to remind them of a class offering, or confirming appointments with a single click of the mouse rather than spending hours calling members.
In a recent interview, Benji Ecker, the general manager of College Park Athletic Club, said, “Never has it been easier to get updates and information to an entire class or member group in real time. Emails can be missed, but everyone opens a text message.”
Not only can SMS messaging save staff time, but it can also improve your bottom line and foster retention by offering members an easy and convenient option for managing registrations with registration confirmations, reminders and cancellations. SMS messaging helps automatically reduce no-shows, so instructors can fill classes and availability, providing efficiency for your club. Most importantly, SMS allows you to provide a concierge-level member experience by personalizing communication.
Increase revenue, reduce costs and engage members with the most efficient and cost-effective marketing channel available. Take your club to the next level and reach your members where they are with SMS messaging.
Emily Zelko is the director of marketing for Club Automation. For more information, email info@clubautomation.com or visit clubautomation.com/sms-messaging.
