SMS is too cool for school

Back to school marketing

School may be out but it’s time to step up your marketing game.

In the midst of the Summer holidays, parents are already looking for ways to keep the kids entertained. Once the summer vacations, weekday trips and Summer club antics are out of the way…the hard pre-school hunt for the best and cheapest uniforms, stationary and merchandise begins – where does your brand fit in?

51% of these parents admit to finding it stressful to find things to do, so how does your business solve their problem?

If you already have the data then why aren’t you using it and if you don’t, why aren’t you collecting it?

Consider using SMS to influence kids or parents visiting your store by printing a unique keyword on leaflets or labels to be texted to enter a competition or for a discount code. This will not only help you build a better database of numbers but initiate customer participation.

20% of parents are already actively searching for vouchers and coupons to help save money on keeping the children entertained or happy. (Mums in the know). Think about the time (and money) you could save Mums and Dads by using mobile to deliver a discount straight to their handsets.

“Keep the kids entertained with 10% of family tickets at the zoo until 31/08/2015. Book now by clicking here https://bit.ly/1eSMTfc

“The “Best Summer ever” just got better – keep the kids happy with 50% off toys online until 31/08/2015 Use promo code SCHOOLSOUT”

The good news is that, when it comes to kids and parents, there are more similarities between the two consumer groups than you may think.
The rise of the smartphone from the ashes of the desktop has changed consumer influence. Incorporating mobile into your marketing efforts offers a huge opportunity to reach customers of all ages.

Whether a brick-and-mortar shop or online brand, mobile enables retail and leisure marketers to engage and activate consumer spending.
81% of 13-18 year-old phone owners own a smartphone with 24% admitting they check theirs continuously (Pew Research) while 89% of Mums own a smartphone which is always kept at arm’s length. (Converse Digital).

As 90% of these smartphone Mums have their phone by their side while shopping in store, it is the perfect device for a spot of SMS marketing for your products or services. (Punchbowl)

Exclusive offers, competitions, shopping tips and support by mobile, nurture ongoing communication and relationships between consumer and brand.
…and then you have the back to school preparations.

Parents spend on average of £250 per child preparing for the new school term (Santander) with the total cost of kitting out UK school children in 2014 standing at £2.5 billion (The Guardian).

This means that there’s plenty of marketing to be done and money to be made in the back to school period.
Whether you sell back-to-school merchandise and services, are a spa or gym or just a humble boutique, SMS is the perfect springboard for marketing your product.

Take the following example of a spa:
• Consider your target audience? Mums and Dad
• What’s their need for your product? Relaxation
• What problem are you solving? The stress of the school holidays
And then the perfect SMS:

“…And breathe, the kids are back at school & we’re offering 15% off all couple treatments at the Day Spa this week only. Call 0115 **** *** & use code BK2SCHOOL”

Back-to-school is big business, no matter what you’re selling and SMS can help.
Call 0117 205 0202 or sign up with Text Marketer today.