A text (SMS) campaign is designed to build a database of phone numbers for future use. 

• Target The Customers/Members You Would Like To Reach – The power of marketing with text messages is that it allows you to reach the customers you want to reach. Figure out who they are before you design your campaign.

• Setup a Means To Collect Numbers – There are two ways to collect phone numbers. You can direct your customers to opt-in by sending a message with your keyword to a short code and you can collect customer phone numbers using a web widget.

• Choose A Keyword – A Keyword is a short word (which may include numbers) that customers send a text message to, in order to join your list. An example would be: 'Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our text messaging list.  When you select a mobile marketing firm to work with, such as Monhonk Mobile, we allow you to use our shared Short Code. This code is 313131 (or 393939 for Canada). Feel free to give this a try! Text "MAJA" to the number 313131 (or 393939 for Canada) and see what happens.

• Choose a Good Call To Action (CTA) – You want to offer your customers value in return for joining your database. A typical CTA might go: "Text KEYWORD to SHORTCODE to join our text messaging list and receive 10 percent off your next purchase at our boutique".

• Design Your Promotional Efforts – Your mobile marketing campaign can stand alone or it can compliment your existing marketing campaigns.

• Keep It Simple – When you send out a mass message, keep it simple. You have 160 characters. Use them wisely. And always send a test message to yourself.

• Always Allow Your Customers To Opt-Out – When you first text your customers you need to let them know how to Opt-Out from receiving future text messages. This is usually accomplished by replying STOP to one of your messages.

• Track Your Results – When you run a campaign you are going to collect a lot of data – response rates, time of day, and other data points. Use that data to design your next campaign and you’ll achieve even greater Return On Investment (ROI).