"What is the best way to keep in touch with my existing customers on a consistent basis? How can I keep my customers interested in my products/services? How can I generate repeat business with my current and new clientele that is affordable?

Many businesses, especially small business owners, know that the answers to these questions are vital to their survival in today’s economy. They need to get the word out to the masses about their products/services and upcoming events in order to not only sustain their current level of business, but to expand their clientele and increase their level of productivity.

When a business owner recognizes a lull in their profits and customer retention, it is time to formulate a creative and affordable way to generate repeat business with their existing clients as well as bringing in new customers. They need to establish their own "buzz" in the marketplace as to not get overlooked or "get lost" in the vast and competitive business world.

The best and most affordable way to accomplish this is through text message marketing. Text message marketing, also known as SMS or cell phone marketing, is a quick and affordable way to stay in touch with your customers. To start, you send them a short message asking them to "opt-in" ("opt in" means your customer accepts this form of communication from your business) to receive promotional text messages. This will allow them to receive helpful information about your products/services, sales, and upcoming events your business has to offer.

They also have the option to "opt out" of this form of communication. This gives your customers a choice. People feel better when they are in control. When they are afforded the option to choose how they will be informed of your sales/events, they are more likely to trust you as a business owner. With that trust, they are more likely to continue giving you their business.

Either way, it is a very simple and quick process. All they have to do is reply once to a short text message. That's it. There are no forms to fill out, no surveys to complete, and they do not have to give out personal information. "Isn't this type of advertising considered spam"? No it is not. If your customers are choosing to "opt in", they are agreeing to receive text messages from your business; therefore, because they agreed to this type of information delivery, it is not spam.

If you choose to advertise your business through conventional methods such as a classified ad or TV and radio commercials, you will spend thousands of dollars. This type of advertising not only gives your competition a heads-up by knowing what you are planning (new products/services, sales, events), you also have absolutely no way to track your investment. By choosing to advertise via SMS, you are giving your business the advantage by keeping your competition in the dark. You are also able to discern what promotions/events/sales/ are working and quickly adjust to meet your customer's needs.