Are you using text messages to keep in touch with your clients? Well, your competitors probably are! Did you know that you can use either StudioPlus Spectra or myStratus to send SMS text messages to your clients and receive their replies?

“Our clients love our SMS Texts! We use it for all appointment confirmations and reminders. And whenever we can’t reach a client on the phone, we send them an SMS Text instead.  They love it!” – Staci Albritton, Albritton Photography

“SMS Texts is the MOST effective way to communicate with seniors.  They might not read their emails, but will always read their texts.” Lana Ervin, Ervin Photography

Here’s just a small sample of how you can use text messages to keep in touch with your clients…

Confirmations and Reminders

• “Hi Sarah. Your photo shoot has been booked for 10:00 am, May 15th at The Studio! See you soon!”
• “Hi Kate. Just one more day to your photo shoot on 12/7/2013 at 10:00 am at The Studio! See you soon.”

Thanks You’s

• “Hi Karla. Thanks for coming in for your photo shoot today. Your images look AMAZING! We’ll let you know when they’re ready for you to see.”

Order Followup

• “Hi John. Your order is ready for pickup at The Studio. Your pics look great! Call us at 555-555-5555 to schedule a time to come in.”
• “Hi Judy. We hope you love your new pictures! If you like us on Facebook, we’ll enter your name for a free 8X10.”

Announcements

• “Hi Tammy, it’s Tina at The Studio. We posted your images online so you can share them with your family and friends! Check your email for your login details.”

Ambassador Programs

• “Hi Marissa! Just a reminder that we need your ambassador lists in by this Friday. You’ve almost earned your free Elite Session!”

Promotions or Special Offers

• “Hi Kim! Congratulations! You won the drawing for a complimentary photo shoot at The Studio. Call me at 555-555-5555 to book it. Thanks, Todd.”
• “Hi Jessica! Just checking to see if you would like to use the photo session voucher you received when you picked up your new car at the BMW dealership.”
• “Hi Tom! We’re offering 50% off Christmas photo shoots this month at The Studio. If interested, give me a call at 555-555-5555. Thanks, Mary”

Surveys

• “Hi Nicole, it’s Amanda at The Studio. I’m thinking of doing some sessions at the old Marley Farm this spring. Would you be interested in something like that?”

In order to build successful relationships with your clients and prospects, you need to engage them where they spend the most time – on their smart phones. You can get started with just a few easy steps.

1. Sign up for a StudioPlus SMS text messaging plan to use with either Spectra or Stratus. Text messaging plans can be adjusted when necessary and canceled at any time.
2. If you’re using Stratus, that’s it! When you sign up for a messaging plan, we automatically enable your texting features in Stratus and you’re ready to go.
3. For Spectra users, there are a couple more steps. You’ll need to:
• Enter your account name and password in your Spectra Studio Preferences.
• Enable the SMS Text Inbox Processor job in the Spectra Control Center.
4. Then, with either Spectra or Stratus, you can create SMS templates that can be used over and over!

Here are a few more resources you may find helpful:

+ Setting up SMS Text Messaging (Spectra)
+ Getting Started with SMS Text Messaging (Spectra)
+ Setting up SMS Text Messaging (Stratus)
+ SMS Text Messaging video (Stratus)