5 Creative Ways to Integrate SMS in Your Video Content Strategy

Hey everyone! Today we're diving into the world of video marketing and how to take it to the next level.

You know those little text messages we all love (or maybe sometimes love to hate)?

Well, SMS marketing boasts incredibly high open rates and feels super personal.

In video marketing, where it's all about connecting with your audience on multiple channels, SMS can be a game changer.

Who knew a simple text message could be such a powerful tool for video content?

We'll explore 5 creative ways to integrate SMS into your video strategy, boosting engagement and making those viewers feel like they're part of the action.

1. Interactive Polling & Quizzes
   1. Become a Quiz Master
   2. Live Polling Power
2. Exclusive Content & Early Access
3. Live Chat & Q&A via SMS
   1. Texting Throughout The Video
   2. Dedicated Live Chat Session
4. Gamification & Reward Systems
   
   1. Keyword Texting
   2. Points & Rewards
5. Personalized SMS Follow-Ups
   1. Thank You & Recommendations
   2. Bonus Resources

1. Interactive Polling & Quizzes: Texting Your Way to Engagement

Let's ditch the one-way street of video and turn things interactive with SMS!  Imagine viewers actively participating in your content through text messages.  Here's how:

1. Become a Quiz Master

Craft a trivia quiz related to your video topic. Pose questions throughout the video and have viewers text in their answers.

The one with the most correct answers (or the fastest texter!) wins a prize. This injects a fun element and keeps viewers hooked.

Example:

You're creating a video about the history of pizza. Throughout the video, you can sprinkle in trivia questions like:

(Video): "Did you know the first documented pizza originated in...?" (Show options on screen)

(Text on screen): Text "A. Ancient Greece" or "B. Medieval Italy" to answer!

Viewers text in their answers, and at the end of the video, you reveal the correct answer and announce the winner (chosen randomly or based on the fastest correct answer) who will receive a prize like a free pizza or a branded pizza cutter.

2. Live Polling Power

Demonstrating a new product?

Use live SMS polls to get real-time feedback.

Ask viewers to text in their preferences on features or colors, allowing them to influence the video direction.

This fosters a sense of community and shows you value their input.

Example:

You're showcasing a new line of athletic wear in your video. As you demonstrate a pair of running shoes, you can ask:

(Video): "Which color scheme would you prefer for these running shoes? Text 'A' for blue/green or 'B' for black/red!"

The results of the live poll appear on screen as viewers text in their votes.

This allows you to gauge audience preferences and potentially highlight the more popular color option in the rest of the video.

Main Benefits:

• Boost Engagement 
• Provide better Audience Insights 
• Create Community Connections

2. Exclusive Content & Early Access: Text In for VIP Treatment

Want to reward your loyal viewers?  SMS can unlock exclusive content and early access, making them feel like VIPs!

Here's how:

• Offer viewers a glimpse into the making of your video with bloopers, outtakes, or extra footage not included in the main cut. Text "BEHINDTHESCENES" to access this exclusive content.
• Text in a keyword like "LAUNCHDAY" to get early notification of a new product launch or snag a special discount code before anyone else. This creates a sense of exclusivity and makes viewers feel valued.

Main Benefits:

• Creates a sense of exclusivity, 
• rewards loyal viewers,
• incentivizes them to opt-in for future communication

3. Live Chat & Q&A via SMS: Texting Your Questions Live!

Take video Q&A to the next level with live SMS chat! Here's how to turn viewers into active participants:

1. Texting Throughout the Video

Encourage viewers to text in questions during the video using a specific keyword.

Address some questions live (adding excitement) and answer others in a dedicated follow-up video (showing you value all inquiries).

Example:

You're creating a makeup tutorial video.

Throughout the video, you can say:

"Have a question about this smoky eye look? Text 'SMOKEY' to [your SMS number] and I'll answer some live!" 

Address a few questions during the video, like blending techniques, and promise to answer others in a follow-up video titled "Smokey Eye Q&A."

2. Dedicated Live Chat Session

Host a live chat session after your video premieres.

Announce a specific time and keyword viewers can text to join.

This fosters a real-time interactive experience where you can answer questions in detail and have a back-and-forth conversation with your audience.

Example:

You've just premiered a video about travel hacks.

In the video description end screen, announce a live chat session one hour later.

Mention the specific time and keyword viewers can text to join, like "TRAVELCHAT" to [your SMS number]. 

During the live chat, answer questions about budgeting tips, hidden gem destinations, or packing essentials, creating a dynamic back-and-forth conversation.

Main Benefits:

• Creates a real-time interactive experience 
• increases audience participation and 
• allows for deeper audience connection.

4. Gamification & Reward Systems: Text Your Way to a Win!

          
Turn your viewers into video game players with SMS gamification!  Here's how to add a fun layer of competition and rewards:

1. Keyword Texting

Sprinkle keywords throughout your video.

Texting these keywords unlocks bonus content, like bloopers or deleted scenes, or enters viewers in a contest for a chance to win a prize.

This keeps them engaged and hunting for the next keyword.

Example: 

You're creating a video about dog training tips.

Scatter keywords throughout the video, like "SIT" or "STAY."

Announce that texting these keywords unlocks bonus content, like behind-the-scenes footage of training your own dog, or enters viewers in a contest to win a free dog toy bundle.

This keeps viewers engaged, watching closely for the next keyword opportunity.

2. Points & Rewards

You've created a series of workout videos.

Set up a points system where viewers earn points for texting in answers to exercise form quizzes, participating in live polls on workout routines, or completing daily activity challenges.

Reaching point milestones unlocks rewards like discounts on workout apparel, early access to new workout videos, or exclusive access to a live Q&A session with a fitness expert.

This encourages viewers to revisit your video series and actively participate to climb the points ladder.

Main Benefits:

• Boosts engagement
• Encourages repeat viewership, 
• Adds a fun element to video content.

5. Personalized SMS Follow-Ups: Keep the Conversation Going After They Watch

Don't let the engagement end after your video! Use SMS to send personalized follow-up messages that keep viewers connected:

1. Thank You & Recommendations

Send a quick message thanking viewers for watching and offer recommendations for related content on your channel.

This personal touch shows appreciation and encourages further exploration of your content library.

Example:

After your video on healthy breakfast recipes, send a text like:

"Thanks for watching about breakfast! Feeling inspired? Text 'MOREBREAKFAST' for our top 5 smoothie recipes!"

2. Bonus Resources

Did you mention helpful resources or links in your video? Text them directly to viewers for easy access, saving them time and effort.

Example:

In your video on travel hacks, you mentioned a money-saving travel app. Follow up with a text like:

"Save on your next trip! The travel app I mentioned is [app name]. Text 'TRAVELAPP' for the download link!"

Main Benefits: 

• Creates a personal connection with viewers
• Keeps them engaged with your brand
• Promotes further content discovery.

Conclusion

SMS isn't just for sending appointment reminders anymore!

By incorporating the above 5 creating ways, you can unlock a new level of audience engagement, create a more interactive video experience, and turn viewers into loyal fans.

So why not experiment and see how SMS can take your video content to the next level?