Mobile users are texting more frequently.
It's no secret that texting has become a popular way to communicate in recent years. As mobile phones have evolved to include built-in and touchscreen keyboards, it's become easier to send and receive text messages. One of the most common misconceptions about texting is that it's exclusively used by teenagers and younger people who want to connect with their friends and family. While it's true that texting a popular means of communication among younger consumers, it is actually catching on with older generations as well. Here are a few signs that texting may actually be more popular than you originally thought.
Mobile Usage Is Increasing Across All Age Groups
A recent study estimates that while younger Millennials are the most connected age group, mobile ownership has actually increased across the board in recent years. In 2014, 58 percent of American adults owned smartphones, and a staggering 90 percent owned a mobile phone. It's not just younger generations who are using mobile either. Pew Internet estimates that 88 percent of 50-64 year olds have mobiles, and 74 percent of those over 65 have cell phone access as well. These stats are good news for business owners interested in reaching more customers via mobile marketing.
Number of Total Texts Sent and Received are Impressive
2013 data obtained from Internet research firm Experian shows how prevalent text messaging has become in the United States. While those in the 18-24 age demographic sent and received the most texts per month by far, 2,022 and 1,831 respectively; data also shows that consumers over 35 years of age are also using text messages as a communication tool more often. Those in the 35-44 year age demographic sent and received 831 and 726 messages, while mobile users ages 45-54 sent 525 texts per month and received 473. This data suggests that older generations are becoming more comfortable with communicating via text.
The Amount of People Who Read Texts is Staggering
It's also worth noting that open rates for text messages average around 98 percent. This figure is almost unheard of in the marketing world. For comparison's sake, email open rates are approximately 22 percent. If you are looking for a way to ensure that your marketing message is heard, consider working with a mobile communications provider to get started with your first text message campaign. Most companies allow you to easily track open rates and review how your marketing effort is performing relative to your total mobile subscription list.
Text messages open rates are quite high.
A common misconception among business owners who are reluctant to get started with text message marketing is that texting is used exclusively by younger generations. This simply isn't true now. The proof is in the numbers. Smartphone use is increasing across the board, the number of texts sent and received is on the rise, and text messages have a 98 percent open rate on average. If you are interested in exploring how your business can benefit from text message marketing, try Club Texting for free today.