To do SMS marketing free of cost, you can explore a few strategies and tools that require minimal to no investment. Here are some steps to get you started:
Build a List of Contacts:
- Gather phone numbers through your website, social media channels, or in-person events.
- Ensure you have permission from contacts to send them SMS messages to comply with regulations like GDPR and TCPA.
Use Free SMS Marketing Tools:
- Some platforms offer free trial plans or limited features at no cost. Examples include:
- Twilio: Offers a limited free credit for new users.
- TextMagic and EZ Texting: Provide free trials with limited message sends.
- Free SMS tools are often limited, so use them strategically for important announcements or special offers.
Leverage Google Sheets and Scripts for Automated SMS:
- Google Sheets can be used to organize your contact list.
- Integrate SMS services like Twilio using Google Scripts to send SMS messages from your Google Sheet, allowing for easy management and automation.
Use WhatsApp and Other Messaging Apps:
- Many SMS-style apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal offer broadcast or group messaging features that you can use for free if your audience is open to using these platforms.
Optimize and Schedule Your Messages:
- Plan out your SMS marketing campaign to make each message count. With limited free resources, focus on sharing valuable content, promotions, or updates.
Analyze and Adjust:
- Monitor engagement, open rates, and conversions from your SMS campaigns. Free tools may have limited analytics, so you can also use URL shorteners (like Bitly) to track link clicks.
