What is SMS for Contest Entry?

Why Use SMS for Contest Entry?

Why should you use SMS for contest entries? Let’s break it down.

• Immediate Engagement: SMS offers instant delivery and high open rates. People check their texts often, so your contest gets noticed.
• Accessibility: Almost everyone has a mobile phone that supports SMS, making it an easy entry method.
• Simplicity: Entering a contest by text message is easy. It usually means sending a keyword to a shortcode, which makes the process simple for people who want to enter.
• Data Collection: SMS entry lets you gather useful data, like phone numbers, which you can use for marketing later.
• Automation: You can automate replies, entry confirmations, and winner notifications. This saves you time and effort.

How SMS Contest Entries Work

So, how does it all work? Here’s a step-by-step look:

1. Shortcode or Long Number: People send a text message to a shortcode (like 12345) or a long number.
2. Keyword: The message has a keyword (like “WIN” or “ENTER”).
3. Entry Capture: The system gets the message and saves the person’s phone number as an entry.
4. Confirmation: An automated reply often says the entry was received and may give more information.
5. Data Storage: The data is saved for the contest and for any marketing later (if people agree to it).

Key Elements of an SMS Contest Entry System

To run a good SMS contest, you’ll need a few things.

• Shortcode or Long Number:
  • A shortcode is a 5 or 6-digit number that’s easy to remember.
  • A long number is a regular 10-digit phone number.
  • Shortcodes are often better because they’re short and look professional.
• Keywords:
  • Keywords start the entry.
  • Pick keywords that are relevant, easy to spell, and short.
  • For example: “PRIZE,” “DRAW,” “GAME.”
• Automated Replies:
  • These say entries were received, give directions, and share updates.
  • They make the contest better for people entering.
• Data Capture and Management:
  • You need a system to save and handle the phone numbers you get.
  • This system should let you easily export and study data.
• Compliance:
  • You must follow rules like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US.
  • Get clear permission before sending marketing texts.

Benefits of Using Send by Elementor for SMS Contest Entries

How can Send by Elementor help with SMS contest entries?

• Integrated Platform: Send by Elementor has a single platform for SMS and other marketing tools.
• Easy Automation: You can set up automated replies and workflows to easily manage the contest.
• Segmentation: Group your audience to send targeted messages and follow-ups.
• Analytics: Track how your contest is doing with real-time analytics.
• WordPress Native: Send by Elementor is made for WordPress, so it works smoothly.

Setting Up an SMS Contest Entry with Send by Elementor

Let’s go through how to set up an SMS contest entry using Send by Elementor.

1. Install and Activate Send by Elementor: First, install and activate the Send by Elementor plugin on your WordPress site.
2. Configure SMS Settings: Set up your SMS settings, including your shortcode or long number.
3. Create a Keyword: Choose a keyword for people to use to enter the contest.
4. Set Up Automated Replies: Create automated messages to confirm entries and give any needed information.
5. Promote Your Contest: Advertise your contest and the SMS entry details on your website, social media, and other places.
6. Manage Entries: Use Send by Elementor to manage and track the entries you get.
7. Select and Notify Winners: Choose the winners and use Send by Elementor to tell them by SMS.

Best Practices for SMS Contest Entries

To make your SMS contest the best it can be, here are some tips:

• Clear Directions: Make sure the entry directions are clear and short.
• Good Prize: Offer a prize that will make people want to enter.
• Promote It: Use different ways to promote your contest.
• Mobile-Friendly: Make sure your contest works well on phones.
• Follow Up: After the contest, follow up with the people who entered (if they said it’s okay) to build leads.

Challenges and Things to Think About

SMS contests are useful, but there are some challenges:

• Compliance: You have to follow rules like TCPA.
• Spam: Take steps to stop spam entries.
• Cost: SMS messages can cost money, so include that in your budget.
• Privacy: Keep entrants’ data private.

Examples of Good SMS Contest Entries

Need ideas? Here are a few examples:

• Retail: A clothing store asks people to text “STYLE” to a shortcode to win a shopping trip.
• Restaurant: A restaurant tells people to text “DINE” to enter to win a free meal.
• Event: A concert place uses SMS entries to give away tickets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HODlt-lVnMA

Conclusion

SMS is a strong way to run contests. If you follow best practices and use a tool like Send by Elementor, you can connect with your audience, collect useful data, and reach your marketing goals.