Retail stores can utilize text messaging in many ways to drive store traffic.  Here are some examples:

• Provide limited time offers and coupons.
• Update customers on incoming shipments:  of a certain designer, of hard to find products or seasonal merchandise. 
• Remind customers of events that you are hosting.

What would your customers appreciate receiving via text messaging?

 

Create a Contact List...

Promote the availability of your new text messaging campaign at your business. 

You may want to give this campaign an air of exclusivity by handing out a business cards to your best customers or you may choose to openly promote it to everyone with in-store signage.  It's up to you, only you know your business and what your clientèle will respond to.  Clients can register for your campaigns right from their phones by texting a key word like "join" to your short code.

Mobile River can also provide a web widget for your website that will allow customers to join right from your website.

 

Once you have built a contact list, it's time to start promoting your business.

Remember that these customers are likely your best customers.  You want to get them back to visit the store more often and you want to offer them something special.

• Coupons exclusive to this group
• Announcements of a new product
• Exclusive event invitations

 These are just a few examples.  Your business is unique and you will likely have some of your own ideas.  Be creative and make the campaign reflect your uniqueness.  Always view your promotions from your customers' viewpoint.  Everyone thinks of themselves first.  Your customers will receive your message with one question "What's in it for me?"