Why Texting is a Game-Changer for Sales Prospecting
- Andrea Goodman
- Sep 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest—sales outreach has changed a lot in recent years. Cold calls are getting screened, emails are buried in overcrowded inboxes, and it’s tougher than ever to get in front of your prospects. But there’s one tool that’s been making a big impact in sales prospecting: texting. Yup, that’s right—good old SMS.
Here’s why texting is quickly becoming a powerful, go-to tool for sales professionals looking to boost their outreach and connect with prospects in a more direct and engaging way.
The Power of SMS in Sales
The stats speak for themselves: 90% of people read a text message within three minutes of receiving it. Think about that for a second. How many times have you been glued to your phone, with notifications popping up left and right, but ignored an email for days? Text messages, on the other hand, get immediate attention, making SMS a fast and effective way to get in front of your prospects.
Even better? Text messages have a response rate as high as 45%, compared to just 8% for email. That’s a massive difference. The personal, direct nature of texting gets people to respond, helping you keep the conversation going and moving those leads through the funnel faster.
Why Texting Works for Sales
So, what makes texting such an effective tool for sales prospecting? Here are a few reasons:
It’s Personal: Texting feels more one-on-one than emails or phone calls. It’s less formal and doesn’t feel like a mass communication. Prospects feel like you’re speaking directly to them, not just sending another generic sales pitch.
Quick Engagement: People are on their phones all day, so responding to a text feels natural. It’s easy to have a back-and-forth conversation without the delay of email threads or missed phone calls.
It’s Direct and Non-Intrusive: Unlike cold calling, texting doesn’t interrupt the prospect’s day in the same way. It’s a low-pressure way for them to engage on their own time without feeling like they’re being cornered into a conversation.
Faster Conversions: With faster response times and more immediate engagement, texting can move leads through the funnel more efficiently. Whether it’s confirming a meeting, answering a quick question, or following up, SMS speeds up the sales process.
How to Use Texting Effectively in Sales Prospecting
Now, here’s the thing—like any tool, texting needs to be used wisely in sales. You can’t just start firing off messages and expect results. Here’s how to do it right:
Get Permission First: This one’s non-negotiable. You must get consent before texting a prospect. Whether it’s part of the opt-in process on your website or after an initial meeting, always ask for permission before sending that first SMS.
Keep It Short and Sweet: No one wants to read a novel on their phone. Keep your texts concise and to the point. A good rule of thumb? Stick to one main point or question per message.
Time It Right: Be mindful of when you send your messages. No one appreciates a text outside of business hours unless they’ve explicitly said it’s okay.
Make It Personal: Use their name, reference something specific to your last conversation, and show that you’re not just blasting out messages. Personalization is key to building trust and engagement.
Examples of Effective Sales Texts
Introductory Message: “Hi [Prospect's Name], it was great meeting you earlier. I wanted to follow up and see if you had any questions about [product/service]. Let me know if you'd like to set up a time to chat more!”
Meeting Confirmation: “Hi [Prospect's Name], just confirming our meeting for tomorrow at 3 PM. Looking forward to it!”
Follow-Up After No Response: “Hi [Prospect's Name], I just wanted to circle back on our last conversation. Do you have any updates or questions I can help with?”
When to Use Texting in Sales
Texting can be a great tool at several stages of the sales process:
Initial Outreach: After an initial meeting or introduction, a quick follow-up text can keep the conversation going.
Meeting Confirmations: Confirm appointments and reduce no-shows with a friendly SMS reminder.
Follow-Ups: If an email goes unanswered, a follow-up text can help get a quicker response.
Post-Sale: Keep in touch with your clients post-sale for a more personal touch and stronger relationship building.
In a world where inboxes are overflowing and phone calls are getting ignored, texting gives salespeople a direct, personal way to engage with prospects. With its high open rates and response rates, SMS helps sales professionals stand out and move leads through the funnel faster. When used right, texting can become a powerful part of your prospecting strategy.
So, are you ready to start texting your way to more closed deals?
Want some help? reach out today...
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