In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying connected with your audience is key. With email marketing reigning supreme for a long time, Mailchimp has now introduced its SMS program, offering a direct and immediate way to reach your contacts. In this post, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about Mailchimp’s SMS program, based on the insights from a recent YouTube video.
What is Mailchimp’s SMS Program?
Mailchimp’s SMS program is currently available only in the United States. SMS, or Short Message Service, simply means text messages. With this feature, you can send out text messages that are entirely separate from the emails you’re sending. You have control over what the texts say, and your contacts need to subscribe separately. This means they can have two different subscription statuses in your account: subscribed to emails but not SMS, or vice versa. They can also unsubscribe from text messages and still receive your emails. The two channels are distinct within Mailchimp.
Mailchimp’s SMS Program can only be used in 1 Audience. Make sure when you set it up, to set it up in the same audience as your email list.
Integration with Other Platforms
Mailchimp’s SMS program does not integrate with other platforms. This means you can’t automatically sign up your contacts for SMS messages through e-commerce platforms or third-party platforms like Zapier. The only ways to add phone numbers to the SMS field are by importing a file or having contacts sign up through a Mailchimp form. You can also embed Mailchimp HTML signup forms on your website or use their popup forms.
Handling Replies
When someone replies to a text message sent via Mailchimp’s SMS, the reply has to go into the Mailchimp inbox. Mailchimp then sends an email notification to designated members of your organization. You can then log into Mailchimp to reply directly within the Mailchimp inbox, or you can find the contact information separately and reply from your own email system.
Mailchimp also allows you to set up auto-replies triggered by specific keywords. For example, if a customer replies “yes” to a message asking if they are ready to schedule their next appointment, you can have an automated customer journey that follows up with them. However, it’s important to note that these keywords apply across your entire platform. So, you’ll need to put some forethought before selecting which words trigger which automations.
Pricing Structure
Mailchimp’s SMS pricing is based on credits. You purchase credits to send out SMS messages, with each message typically costing one or two credits depending on its length and the presence of emojis (which cost more credits). Currently, you can get 1,000 credits for $2, with most messages requiring only one credit. This pricing structure offers flexibility based on your messaging needs and budget.
Conclusion
Mailchimp’s SMS program offers a powerful way to directly engage with your audience. It provides a separate channel from email marketing, allowing for more immediate and personalized communication and now you’re a bit more prepared for the nuances of the platform.
Note: This was written in April 2024. The Mailchimp SMS feature is constantly being updated and evolving.