Reportedly, Britons are predicted to spend £10m on their wives, husbands – and prospective partners – on Valentine’s Day gifts, going out and weekends away. Much like Christmas and Halloween, this special occasion see’s consumer’s spending money and planning weeks ahead of the actual date. So, to make sure your customers don’t miss out on special offers you’ve got planned during this love-ly spending spree, please see our top text messaging tips below…
TEXTY INVITES
If you’ve been a little quiet recently, why not reconnect with you customers this Valentine’s Day by inviting them to a special Valentine’s events hosted by your shop, salon, restaurant or hotel. During the gathering provide them with an incentive to join your text distribution list by inviting them to take part in “Text to Win” competitions or “Subscribe to receive amazing special discounts”. This is a great way to build up your database to use for future SMS marketing and promotions.
RAISE THE PROFILE
Of course, you want to make sure your text marketing content is relevant to most demographics for the widest reach possible, so building an accurate distribution list is really important. With your fresh distribution list in hand you could ask them to complete a survey and provide profile data which will afford you with lots of information for sending the best offers and writing the best content over the Valentine’s period, as well as in the future.
Occasional short text surveys will help you keep relevant and up to date information for all your customers’ likes and wants and provide them with offers on products and services they are likely to be interested in throughout the year. Reach out to your customer by asking them to “Text your postal or shipping address to receive free delivery”, “Text your name and age to … ” or even “Register now to receive monthly discounts”.
SMS MARKETING
Special occasions and seasonal offers are a great opportunity for your business to reach out to clients and potential customers. A simple text campaign to all your customers, which includes a promotional code for opportunity to win something special, or exclusive, that they can forward to their family and friends, could work wonders on your sales figures. Why not also share the love during Valentine’s week with romantic mobile content – a celebrity love story, a quote, a poem, a nice discount offer or a free give-away opportunity.
Grab your customers’ attention with personalised messages too, and by including a short code you’re helping provide a method for them to easily take you up on the offers you send. Your customers will appreciate the different approach and may just decide to forward it to their friends to take up on the offer too – what a great way generate business and promote the name of your company too.
REMIND ME 
The weeks before Valentine’s Day are often a busy period for many, some may even forget that Valentine’s day is approaching! So how about a text reminder to help out? A little prompt to collect a gift, or book a special event, may help your customers stay in the good books with their loved ones, and will likely keep them coming back to you in the future. Plus as everyone is so busy general text reminders and confirmations are invaluable.
The options are endless… here are just a few examples…
“Text FLOWERS to 81025 to win a dozen red roses. Opt out text STOP”
“Spread the love this Valentine’s Day. 2 for 1 on hot stone massage this week at Sarah’s Spa. Text LOVESPA to 81026. To opt out text STOP”
“Don’t forget your Flowers or Chocolates this Valentine’s Day. No need to stop at the garage on Friday night – we can deliver it for you. Text MYGIFTS to 81025 for a call back. Opt out? text STOP”
“Dear John, want to surprise you loved one with something different this Valentine’s Day… nothing say’s I Love You more than a hot air balloon flight. Text AIRLOVE to 81026 for an exclusive discount code. To opt out text STOP” …. “Thanks for texting AIRLOVE. Book online at airlove.com and claim your 30% discount with code 12345. As an extra thank you, we’ll also include Champagne and Chocolates during your flight”
“Dear Jane, we know you’re gorgeous already, but we want to make sure you look your best for Valentine’s Day. Book full body spray tan & get free manicure, this week only. Text STOP to opt out”
“Dear John, save a smouldering 25% discount on 1 nights stay at The Top Notch Hotel this Valentine’s Day with presentation of this coupon. To opt out text STOP”
“Still need to arrange your romantic dinner? Why not join us at The Lodge for our 3 course Valentine’s dinner (£35 p/hd). Call us on 01234567891 and claim your free bottle of Champagne by quoting CHAMPERS at the time of booking. Limited spaces available.”
“Your flowers have been delivered to 12 Upton Path at 12:30pm today. Thank you for your business. Happy Valentine’s Day. Text STOP to opt out”
“Thank you for your order. Your Hidden Chef Valentine’s Meal will be ready for your collection at 4:30pm on 14th February 2015. Happy Valentine’s Day. To opt out text STOP”
These are just a few of our idea’s to help you get the most out of Valentine’s Day sales. If you’d like any more information on how TextAnywhere products and service can help you deliver your Valentine’s messages, please call our friendly Customer Service Team on 08451 221 302.
Happy Valentine’s
From everyone at TextAnywhere
TextAnywhere Team