In today’s digital age, where staying connected is important, SMS marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for engaging with older adults and promoting senior living community events.
According to AARP’s 2024 Tech Trends and Adults 50+ report, 79% of older adults are embracing technology to stay connected with loved ones. This trend is underscored by the increasing ownership of smartphones, smart TVs, and wearables, particularly among individuals aged 60–69 and 70-plus.
However, despite the growing adoption of technology, there remains a digital literacy gap among older adults. Only two-thirds express comfort with their digital skills, and this comfort decreases with age.
For senior living communities looking to harness the potential of SMS marketing, bridging this gap is crucial to ensuring the success of their marketing efforts.
Read this quick guide to gain powerful insights on how you can effectively utilize SMS text messaging to promote community events while accommodating varying levels of digital literacy among your target audience.
Mastering the Art of Event Nurturing With SMS
With so many options competing for attention, getting the word out about your community’s events can feel like an uphill battle. Use these SMS marketing to supercharge your community events, drive attendance, and foster meaningful engagement with potential residents:
Start With Permission
Before you send any SMS messages, it’s important to get permission from your customers first. Make sure they’ve agreed to receive communications through this channel.
Provide them with the option to subscribe to SMS text voluntarily through an RSVP form, ensuring they feel in control of their communication preferences. By starting with permission, you build trust with your leads and show that you respect their privacy and choices.
Another option is to ask how they want to be communicated with, either SMS, Email or Phone call on the same form.
Build Anticipation
One of the keys to a successful event is building anticipation among your audience. Start by creating excitement for upcoming events through a carefully crafted teaser message sent approximately a week before the event date.
But don’t stop there! To truly captivate your recipients, include a tantalizing highlight or sneak peek of what’s to come at the event. Whether it’s a special guest appearance, an exclusive activity, choose something that will entice recipients and leave them eager to attend.
Craft Engaging Messages
Keep your SMS messages short and interesting, sticking to the character limit (usually 160 characters). Include important details like the event date, time, and location. Use clear and friendly language that encourages action.
Let recipients know why they should come to the event in a way that’s easy to understand. By keeping it simple and engaging, you’ll grab their attention and make it more likely they’ll join in.
Five Future SMS Examples to Inspire You
From gentle reminders about upcoming events to exciting announcements about new ones, SMS is a highly versatile marketing tool. Let’s look at five examples to inspire your future strategy:
- “Celebrate the art of summer with our poolside happy hour! Enjoy refreshing drinks, snacks, and sunshine. Tomorrow, 3-5 PM. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- “Mingle with neighbors! Join our coffee social in the lounge. Thurs, 10AM. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- “Get moving! Fun & gentle chair yoga class this Friday, 11 AM. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- “Learn about fall prevention! Expert speaker Tues at 2PM in the activity room. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
- “Community open house today! Stop by 2-4 PM for tours, refreshments, & more. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”
Technical SMS Text Messaging Marketing Tips for Senior Living
From optimizing campaign management to ensuring legal compliance, the following practices contribute to a more successful and sustainable approach to promoting events.
- Comply With Regulations: Stay informed about SMS marketing regulations and compliance requirements in your region. Familiarize yourself with guidelines related to consent, message content, and frequency of communication to avoid potential penalties or legal issues.
- Track Your Results with Confidence: SageAge partners with you to provide in-depth analytics for your SMS marketing campaigns. We’ll help you monitor key metrics such as open rates, response rates, and overall engagement to optimize your strategy and achieve your goals.
SageAge: We Speak Your Language. We Deliver Results.
Elevate your senior living marketing strategy to new heights with SageAge. Say goodbye to SMS stress and entrust your campaigns to industry experts with a proven track record. With our wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge, we’ll take your marketing efforts to another level of success. Contact our team online or call 877-439-7243 to unlock the full potential of your senior living community’s marketing initiatives.