If you are a traditional bricks and mortar business I believe you will find SMS marketing to be an extremely useful tool for bringing in new customers and for building up customer loyalty. Increasingly retailers are having to look for new ways to generate footfall due to the decreased spending power of consumers and much more competition from multi-nationals. A SMS marketing solution can help independent business people set themselves apart from the large chains and drive up profits, even in an economic downturn. Here's how:

1. SMS text marketing is ideal for retailers of all sizes and types wishing to run promotions, offer discounts and increase customer loyalty and retention.

A retailer, by advertising its SMS service, will build an opt in list of consumers interested in their products and services. This database of names and mobile numbers begins to grow when a consumer texts in a special keyword to a mobile number supplied by the SMS company. The retailer then uses their SMS account to send a special promotion out to their opt in database. It's a good idea to make exclusive offers to the list because the more a retailer makes their customers feel important they are likely to increase loyalty and repeat business.

When customers receive a text they then can bring the text into the store and present it for redemption against the special offer. Viral marketing also comes into play here because customers who feel the offer is of real value will naturally forward on the text to their friends.

2. A SMS marketing solution can also be used for delivering important information. This includes simple thank you messages and for time-sensitive information such as appointment changes. For example, a car dealer can notify customers when their vehicle is ready for pick up and pharmacies could text customers when their prescription is ready.

The list of benefits of SMS marketing is endless because when a retailer has a steadily growing opt in list of interested customers they simply need to respect and nurture that list and make sure all SMS messages are welcomed. This is achieved by offering genuinely great value to the database. Don't overdo it, although contacting your list regularly is fine when you continue to offer great value and important information.

Customers will be keen to buy from a retailer who treats them like their best friend. This approach will set them apart from competitors including the large multi-national chains.

Roy McDonald is the founder and owner of Txt Solution, a specialist provider of the UK's leading Online SMS service, providing simple, reliable, low cost text services to over 100,000 businesses, clubs and organisations.

To sign up for FREE now and get started immediately using one of the best tools to market your business or service, visit http://www.TxtSolution.com