Why does the conversion of an SMS recipient into a potential client happen because of the first successful sentence?
The first sentence of your SMS campaign is the part that the user will definitely pay attention to. This sentence either sparks interest to continue reading your advertising call-to-action, or makes them immediately close the SMS and delete it.
By analyzing effective advertising messages, we can highlight several best ways to start an SMS campaign text that prompts the recipient to read the message in full and converts them into a potential client.
We have prepared 6 ways to write effective first sentences for your SMS campaign.
1 Play with the Client's Surprise
This is one of the most effective methods that lead to increased conversion rates. By using surprise, you have the opportunity to grab the attention of your target audience and change their behavior by writing something unexpected. First, you grab attention with the first sentence, and then you provide more detailed information about your offer. It is this initial surprise that motivates the recipient of the SMS to at least finish reading, or at most, to call back or place an order right away. Why does the surprising first sentence work? Because we, and our brains, are programmed to react to anything new, as our pleasure center, located in the brain, works more effectively when it receives “unplanned” information. Surprise your clients with unexpected things, not planned ones. Everyone craves new experiences!
You can surprise clients with words like “Wow!”, “A bit scary”, “Awesome”, “Last chance”, “If you...”,” “Are you coming with us?” and so on.
For example, “Some scary numbers: 29 out of 30 clients were satisfied with the extreme paintball game at the 'Paintball' club. Be the 30th happy client! Details on the website www.paintball.com”
2 Play with Questions
You can also spark curiosity with your clients by using questions in the first sentence. A question mark instantly activates the human brain and makes us think. The best question for the first sentence would be one that appeals to the consumer's feelings and asks what your client is seeking an answer to. Also, a cool trick: ask a question where, when the client answers, they will wonder if their response is normal and similar to other consumers' answers. A great example of such a question is Bill Jamie's (a famous copywriter) question: “Do you close the bathroom door even when you're home alone?”
For example, “What's your favorite dessert? Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Macaroons, or something else? At 'Friends' cafe, you can try these and 25 other types of desserts. Everyone will find a sweet treat they love! Coffee Street 25”
3 Play with Curiosity
There is a concept called the “information gap” – this is the gap between what we want to know and what we already know. If we don't know something, we feel a sense of loss, and we need to fill that gap with information. You can spark curiosity in a client by providing just a bit of intriguing information in the first sentence, but not giving the whole story. Raise interest without fully revealing the “story”.
For example, “They laughed when I went to the gym. But when I lost the first 5 kg! Gym at Vladimirskaya, 58. Call 0441234567”
This ad doesn't just sell gym services, it makes people want to go and start learning new skills and lose 5 kg!
4 Play with Negative Words
Have you always tried to avoid using negative words and the word “not” in your messages? Well, that's a mistake! Who would have thought, but negative adjectives and verbs work much better than positive ones. This is because people are tired of reading the same words that have become mundane and are used too often. Negative words create surprise and intrigue.
Use negative words in your first sentences, like: “Worst”, “Stop”, “Avoid”, “Fear” and so on. The trick is that after using a negative verb or adjective, you should focus the recipient's attention on something positive.
For example, “Stop complaining about not knowing English. Intensive English courses 'Language' start on June 1. Get 10% off. Time to act www.language.com”
5 Play with Instructions
Everyone wants stability and order in their life. This is why when you share secrets, instructions, tips, rules, and systems that help control the situation, you “guarantee” success for your message! Start your message with words like “How”, “Guide”, “Beginner's guide”, “In 5 minutes” to grab the recipient's attention.
For example, “How to master the key skills of public speaking in 2 hours? Find out at the 'Speak Effectively' training on June 5 at 18:00. Register on the website www.training.com”
6 Play with Numbers
Start your first SMS sentence with numbers, they build trust with consumers and help manage their expectations.
For example, “30 minutes – the time it takes to deliver your order of any size to any part of the city! 'Dostavkin': If we're late by 1 minute, you'll get your order for FREE www.dostavkin.com”
Short Summary
Use these 6 methods to create highly effective first sentences in your SMS campaigns. Test different approaches, look for new ways, and assess the effectiveness of your SMS campaigns.
