There is little doubt that organisations that use SMS contests as a way to increase their bulk text opt-ins generally experience higher participation and retention rates.  The use of such concepts requires very little effort, and with proper technology, facilitating responses and compiling information is automatic.

This guide should help you create your own bulk texting contest, and give your subscribers a little something to get excited about:

Step 1:  Setup your Autoresponse Keyword

Keywords are the key in the bulk text universe, and using them to facilitate responses is essential.  An added benefit is that it helps to induce keyword responses on future releases, giving you access to incredible testing and profiling opportunities

Step 2:  Create Your Subscription Keyword

You’ll be bulk texting to some mobile users that are not currently participating in your mobile campaign.  Be sure that you have a keyword option set up that allows them to easily opt-in and receive mobile messages from your organisation in the future.

Step 3:  Facilitating Responses

The subscription keyword created in Step #2 is the important element of the SMS contest concept.  Once they text your short or long code with the Autoresponse keyword from Step #1, you can ask them to text the subscription keyword to receive special offers in the future.  Once they do, they’ve opted-in!

Because your customers are responding to a specific contest you are running, they are establishing contact with your mobile campaign.  Once they have responded with the first keyword, making your offer is a simple step that can generate incredible opt-in results. 

We have witnessed this strategy time and again, and because of the startling success rate, felt it prudent to share it.  All essential ingredients that make the mobile platform so versatile are present, and once keywords are used, encouraging similar participation in the future is simple!