Increasing event attendance can be challenging, but leveraging the power of bulk SMS can make a significant difference. With high open rates and instant delivery, SMS marketing is an effective tool for engaging your audience and driving them to your event. Here are 33 tips to help you maximize attendance using bulk SMS, along with pro tips to make each tip a success.
1. Build a Targeted List
Gather phone numbers from various sources, including event sign-ups, newsletters, and social media followers. Ensure your list is relevant to your event’s audience.
Pro Tip: Use double opt-in methods to ensure your recipients are genuinely interested and comply with legal regulations.
2. Segment Your Audience
Divide your contacts into segments based on demographics, past event attendance, or interests to tailor your messages more effectively.
Pro Tip: Use your CRM or email marketing tool to segment your list automatically based on user behavior and preferences.
3. Use Clear and Concise Messages
Keep your SMS messages short and to the point. Include essential information like event name, date, time, and location.
Pro Tip: Use simple language and avoid abbreviations that might confuse recipients.
4. Personalize Your Messages
Address recipients by their first names to make the message feel personal and engaging.
Pro Tip: Personalization can extend beyond names. Use past event attendance or purchase history to tailor messages.
5. Create a Sense of Urgency
Encourage quick action by using phrases like “Limited seats available” or “Register by [date].”
Pro Tip: Set clear deadlines and use countdowns to add urgency to your messages.
6. Include a Strong Call to Action
Direct recipients to take specific actions, such as registering for the event or confirming their attendance.
Pro Tip: Use action verbs like “Join,” “Register,” or “Confirm” to make your CTA more compelling.
7. Send Timely Reminders
Schedule messages to go out at strategic times, such as a few weeks before the event, a few days before, and on the day of the event.
Pro Tip: Use automation tools to schedule your reminders in advance and ensure consistent communication.
8. Avoid Overloading Recipients
Balance your message frequency to keep your audience informed without overwhelming them.
Pro Tip: Stick to a maximum of three reminders: one initial, one follow-up, and one final reminder.
9. Leverage Personalization Beyond Names
Customize content based on the recipient’s interests or past interactions with your events.
Pro Tip: Use data analytics to understand your audience’s preferences and tailor your messages accordingly.
10. Optimize Message Timing
Consider the best times to send messages based on your audience’s habits, such as during lunch breaks or early evenings.
Pro Tip: A/B tests different sending times to find the most effective time for your audience.
11. Provide Clear Event Details
Include all necessary event details in your messages, such as venue address, parking information, and any special instructions.
Pro Tip: Use bullet points for easy readability if your SMS tool allows for it.
12. Use Shortened URLs
Incorporate shortened links to provide additional information or registration pages without taking up too much character space.
Pro Tip: Use reliable URL shorteners that also track click-through rates for better analytics.
13. Follow Up After Registration
Send a confirmation message after someone registers, reiterating the event details and any important information.
Pro Tip: Include a calendar invite link to help attendees add the event to their schedules easily.
14. Send Last-Minute Reminders
On the event day, send a final reminder with any last-minute details or instructions.
Pro Tip: Include a contact number or email for any last-minute questions or issues.
15. Incorporate Incentives
Offer special incentives, such as discounts or freebies, to encourage recipients to attend.
Pro Tip: Clearly state the value of the incentive and how to claim it at the event.
16. Highlight Key Speakers or Activities
Promote any notable speakers, performers, or activities that will be featured at your event.
Pro Tip: Use high-quality images or videos (if supported) to make these highlights more appealing.
17. Use SMS for Event Updates
Keep your audience informed about any changes or updates to the event schedule.
Pro Tip: Send a quick SMS update if there are significant changes to avoid confusion.
18. Enable Two-Way Communication
Allow recipients to respond to your SMS messages with questions or confirmations.
Pro Tip: Use SMS platforms that support two-way messaging and set up auto-responses for common questions.
19. Integrate with Other Marketing Channels
Complement your SMS campaigns with emails, social media posts, and other marketing efforts for a cohesive strategy.
Pro Tip: Ensure consistent messaging across all channels to reinforce your event details and promotions.
20. Leverage Event Management Software
Use software tools to manage your SMS campaigns and track responses effectively.
Pro Tip: Choose software that integrates with your CRM to streamline data management and segmentation.
21. Monitor and Analyze Performance
Track delivery rates, open rates, and engagement to evaluate the success of your SMS campaigns.
Pro Tip: Use analytics to identify trends and areas for improvement in your messaging strategy.
22. Test and Refine Your Messages
A/B tests different messages to see what resonates best with your audience and refine your approach accordingly.
Pro Tip: Test one variable at a time (e.g., message length, CTA) to clearly see what impacts engagement.
23. Use Emojis Sparingly
Incorporate emojis to add personality to your messages but use them sparingly to maintain professionalism.
Pro Tip: Ensure the emojis are relevant to the event and audience and don’t overuse them.
24. Ensure Compliance with Regulations
Make sure you have permission to send SMS messages to recipients and provide an opt-out option.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with local regulations (e.g., GDPR, CAN-SPAM) to avoid penalties.
25. Send Exclusive Invitations
Make recipients feel special by sending exclusive invitations to a select group of contacts.
Pro Tip: Use phrases like “Exclusive Invite” or “VIP Access” to highlight the exclusivity.
26. Leverage Social Proof
Include testimonials or quotes from past attendees to build credibility and excitement.
Pro Tip: Use brief but impactful testimonials and ensure they are genuine.
27. Promote Early Bird Registration
Encourage early sign-ups with special discounts or benefits for those who register early.
Pro Tip: Highlight the limited availability and added value of early bird registration in your message.
28. Use SMS for On-Site Updates
Send updates and reminders during the event to keep attendees informed about schedule changes or important announcements.
Pro Tip: Keep these messages timely and relevant to the immediate needs of the attendees.
29. Provide Value in Every Message
Ensure each message provides value, whether it’s new information, a reminder, or an incentive.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself if the message benefits the recipient before sending it.
30. Keep It Professional
Maintain a professional tone in your messages to build trust and credibility with your audience.
Pro Tip: Proofread your messages for errors and tone before sending.
31. Follow Up After the Event
Send a thank-you message after the event and include a link to a feedback survey.
Pro Tip: Offer a small incentive for completing the survey to increase response rates.
32. Encourage Social Sharing
Ask attendees to share their experiences on social media and use a specific hashtag to increase visibility.
Pro Tip: Create a unique event hashtag and promote it in all your communications.
33. Continuously Build Your Contact List
Keep growing your contact list by collecting phone numbers through various channels and obtaining explicit consent to send SMS messages.
Pro Tip: Offer valuable content or incentives in exchange for phone numbers to build your list quickly.
Conclusion
Bulk SMS is a powerful tool to increase event attendance. By building a targeted list, personalizing your messages, creating urgency, and following best practices, you can effectively engage your audience and boost turnout. Implement these 33 tips and pro tips to maximize the impact of your SMS campaigns and ensure your events are well-attended and successful.
