Once you have set up your Fanminder account and collected a list of mobile numbers, you are ready to start sending text messages to your fans.

Text message marketing is easy because you don’t have to worry about fancy graphics, fonts or formatting. Messages are short and to the point, and are read by your customers almost instantly.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when creating your text messaging program:

• ALWAYS receive the permission of your fan to send texts.
• Keep it simple, concise and clear. Texts are limited to 160 characters, so include only the basics. More on what to write.
• Make offers exclusive to your mobile list. You can encourage customers to sign up for your mobile fan club by designating “mobile-only” offers.
• Think through a promotion schedule that spans several weeks and that both meets your business needs and engages your customers. More on making a Promotion calendar.
• Get started immediately. Even if you only have a few fans on your list, they are expecting to hear from you.
• Don’t over-send texts to your fans. We typically recommend that you send no more than one text message per week to your list to minimize opt-outs. However this rule of thumb truly depends on the unique characteristics of your business and fans.

Remember the cardinal rule: Deliver value to the phone. Fans unsubscribe when you they don’t feel the content is relevant to them, or you’re sending texts too frequently.

Next: What to send