When it comes to texting your customers, timing is everything. The best time to send a text message will depend on your specific business and your customer base, but there are a few general rules to keep in mind.
First, consider any relevant regulations. In the United States, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulates the use of automated text messages and calls, including restrictions on the hours that businesses can contact customers. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these regulations and ensure that you’re complying with them.
Sonar has an Intelligent Timezone Compliance feature to ensure customers avoid sending texts to their customers or prospects during non-business and unapproved hours as stated by TCPA law guidelines. Under TCPA, companies are allowed to text consumers only between the hours of 8am and 9pm in the respective time zone of the recipient.
In terms of the best times of day to send a text message, research has shown that text message open rates are highest during normal business hours. In particular, studies suggest that people are most responsive to messages during the morning. According to this survey, 71% of Americans report looking at their phones within 10 minutes of waking up. It’s important to note, however, that businesses need to respect business hours and should not send messages before 8am.
Furthermore, it’s worth considering the specific needs and habits of your customer base. For example, if you’re targeting busy professionals, they may be more likely to check their phones during the late evening. If you’re targeting younger consumers, they may be more likely to check their phones during social hours in the evening. Boomers, in contrast, tend to wake up one hour earlier than younger generations, so might respond better to early morning communication.
In addition, it’s best to text customers during odd times like 10:43am rather than 10am. By choosing an unusual time to connect, your message is less likely to disappear amidst a sea of promotional messages. On average, Americans check their phones 344 times per day, or once every 4 minutes, so the most important thing is to simply text customers and track open rates to determine the best times for your specific business.
Ultimately, the best time to text your customers will depend on a variety of factors. By considering regulations, open rates, and the needs and habits of your customers, you can optimize your texting strategy to ensure that your messages are being seen and read by your audience.
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