If your business hasn't implemented SMS marketing software as part of your outreach campaign, it's time to seriously consider doing so.

In a recent study conducted by SAP and reported by Forbes, 82 percent of consumers expressed a wish for their retailers and service providers to make communication easier, and 70 percent felt that SMS text messaging would be a welcomed way to get their attention.

Texting is by far the most preferred method of contact reported by consumers, in part because it is instantaneous, clear, efficient and unobtrusive. Emails often go astray or are ignored: Those surveyed reported that they were 76 percent more likely to read a text than an email. Texting has emerged as the victorious method of communication, and it's time for businesses to embrace this fact as much as individuals already have.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your SMS campaign:

  • Call to action: Make sure your call to action is clear, so consumers know exactly what they should do to fulfill a certain promotion or sign up for a newsletter. Put your keyword in all caps without quotations. For example, say, "Text SHOESTYLE to 74678 for 30% off your next purchase."
  • Measure: Record the customer response to your SMS strategy. To do this, calculate customer opt-out rates and also the delivery success rates of your messages. Keep track of sales numbers after you implement your campaign to see if you're gaining any traction. Keeping a close eye on performance will help you polish your method so it's perfect for your customers.
  • Trigger response: After a customer texts your company, the trigger response message should be sent immediately. Any type of delay risks eroding customer loyalty and trust, compromising the effectiveness of the campaign.