How to Use Text Messaging to Convert Prospects Effectively

Use Text My Main Number Landline Texting Services to Text Prospects

Schedule Your Texts Strategically Suppose Lisa, an enterprise saleswoman, receives a notification that a new prospect just downloaded her eBook. She then sends a text message to the cell phone number the prospect provided: “Hey Mike! Let me know if you have any questions about the latest fashion trends. — Lisa, Sales Account Executive” If you’re thinking this approach is way too forward, you’re not the only one. A study from Velocify demonstrated that sending a text message to a sales lead before connecting with them by phone reduces the probability of you ever connecting with them by almost 40%. Even if you’re successful in contacting your prospect using a landline texting service, they are 4.9% less likely to ultimately buy from you compared to sales leads you did not text prior to calling. Here’s the twist: What if you call first and then send a text message? This study conducted by Velocify found that prospects who were sent a text message after an initial contact by phone had double the conversion rate. Keeping that in mind, don’t text prospects until you’ve reached out to them by phone first.

Request Permission If you are worried that your prospect will respond negatively to an unanticipated message, ask them for permission to send a text message to them. At the end of Lisa’s first call with Mike, for example, she could say, “Hey Mike, would it be OK if I sent a text to you? Most of my customers tell me it’s quicker and more convenient for them to confirm our meetings via text instead of an email.” This request for permission will probably be positive for a few simple reasons. First, Lisa has established that this is normal practice — she stated that she commonly text messages with other customers. Secondly, she indicated why texting is in Mike’s best interest. This will immediately allow him to picture how much easier it will be to open a text message than having to read yet another email. Last but not least, rules and regulations state that legal parties are only allowed to text opted in customers and Text My Main Number follows protocol to make sure we stay in compliance with all texting rules and regulations. You should also consider your prospect’s industry, buyer identity, and distinct personality. Maybe Mike works in an extremely conventional, extremely regulated industry. Maybe his company does everything by the book, which would suggest that he prefers to communicate over email. Alternatively, if Mike is in a developing space or is a part of an experimental company, he’s probably far more enthusiastic about the idea of text messaging or chatting.

The Right (and Wrong) Reasons to Use a Landline Texting Service to Text Prospects Any way you slice it, spam is spam. Whether it’s spam sent by email, a LinkedIn direct message, or via text. Be very careful about how frequently you send a text message to your prospects and what you say in those texts. Remember that if you abuse your text messaging privileges, they’ll quickly stop trusting you and might ask you to stop contacting them. Every text message you send should have clear intent. Suitable texts include:

1. Checking on your prospect’s availability for a meeting or call

2. Confirming a meeting, call or appointment

3. Sending helpful tips

4. Quickly answer a question they previously asked Unacceptable texts include:

5. Simply “checking in”

6. Questioning why they haven’t answered your email

7. Recapping the features and/or benefits of your products/services without adding value

How to Prevent Sending Bothersome Text Messages Briefness is always significant when interacting with prospects, but it’s particularly crucial when you’re texting. A long text message will fill up the recipient’s entire screen and can be overwhelming. Less is more with text messaging. If your text message is more than 300 characters — and you’re not able to delete anything – then you may want to send an email instead. Upholding professionalism is also crucial. You can use emojis and acronyms to add personality and humanize your text messages but stay professional and keep in mind this interaction is business related. You don’t want to make your prospects feel like they’re back in high school (unless your target audience fits that demographic). To demonstrate the right balance of professionalism and personality, here are a few examples: Not OK: “ayo, Mike! thanks for getting’ on that call today. i have the answers to ur questions about monthly volume. its prolly something we should go over by phone. 😛 Are u free 2morrow at 1 pmish?” Too blah: “Hello, Mike. Thank you for speaking with me today. I have the data you inquired about regarding your monthly volume. The complexity of the information necessitates a phone call. Are you possibly available tomorrow around 1 p.m.?” Just right: “Hi, Mike! I did some digging around and found the answers to your questions about your monthly volume. It’s not the easiest info to outline, so we should probably review it together by phone. Are you free tomorrow around 1 p.m.? Let me know 😊” Finally, don’t send a text message outside of normal business hours. Since texting is such a personal medium, it might feel invasive to receive a message about business at, say, 10 p.m. Also keep your prospect’s time zone in mind– if they are several hours behind or ahead of you, you might inadvertently text message them when they’re sleeping. No one appreciates getting text messages in the middle of the night. Since we offer the best communication channel, Text My Main Number enjoys helping you close on your sales leads. Use our landline texting services to ensure your text messages are qualified, accommodating, and appropriate.a

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