How to Use B2B Texting to Boost Sales and Communication

SMS Marketing

Jun 26, 2023

Jessie Chantel

Content Manager

Personalized customer experiences have become the standard for all kinds of marketing efforts, and B2B is no exception. B2B texting has emerged as a powerful communication channel businesses use to enhance communication efforts, establish stronger connections, and drive desired outcomes such as lead conversions, sales, and customer loyalty.

B2B clients want to know exactly how your business can provide value to their organization, and texting can resolve some of the most common pain points of B2B selling. Today we’ll review how to use B2B texting and B2B SMS marketing examples to help you get started.

What is B2B Texting?

B2B texting, also known as business-to-business texting, is the practice of using SMS (Short Message Service) as a communication channel between businesses. It has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their clients, partners, and prospects in a concise and easily digestible format.

Unlike traditional communication channels like phone calls and emails, B2B texting offers a more immediate and convenient way to engage in real-time conversations, share information, and drive business interactions.

And text marketing research supports it: 95% of SMS text messages are read and responded to within three minutes of being received. In addition, SMS open rates are as high as 98%, compared to just 20% of emails.

B2B texting can be utilized throughout the customer journey, from lead generation and nurturing to customer support and ongoing relationship management.

What’s the Difference Between B2C and B2B Texting?

B2C (business-to-consumer) SMS messages prioritize promotions and discounts and create a sense of urgency to drive immediate customer actions. The messages encourage customers to make online purchases or visit physical stores.

B2C SMS messages:

Tend to evoke emotions and rely on visual elements
Aim to create brand awareness and foster customer loyalty
Are designed to capture consumer interest and drive immediate engagement

However, B2B SMS messages focus on providing valuable resources, scheduling calls or meetings, and offering tailored discounts for bulk orders. These messages aim to engage in meaningful business conversations and address specific client needs.

B2B SMS messages:

Take a more rational and data-driven approach
Are tailored to the needs and objectives of business clients
Are primarily focused on lead generation and achieving conversions

b2b sms marketing vs b2c sms marketing

Here are some B2B SMS marketing examples vs. SMS for B2C:

B2B SMS	B2C SMS
Hi [Name], this is [Name] from [Company]. We have an opportunity that could benefit your business. Can we schedule a call to discuss this? Reply with YES to confirm.	Hi [ Name], it's [Company]! Get 20% off your next purchase at our store. Show this message at checkout or use the code SAVE20 online. Happy shopping!
Hi [Name], we're offering a special discount on bulk orders for our B2B clients. Reply DISCOUNT to learn more and take advantage of this limited-time offer.	Hey [Name], our new collection just arrived! Visit our store this weekend and receive a complimentary gift with any purchase. Limited stock available.
Hey [Name], we noticed you recently visited our website. Let's discuss how we can address your specific business challenges. Reply CALL to connect.	Hi [Name], thanks for being a loyal customer. Enjoy a free dessert with your next meal as a token of appreciation. Show this text to claim. [Restaurant Name]

B2B Texting Use Cases

Common use cases of B2B SMS include:

Increasing Sales

If you’re starting your SMS subscriber list from scratch, this is an excellent opportunity to see the power of SMS marketing to increase sales. Consider offering a special incentive for customers to subscribe to your text marketing list, like a discount on their first order or a free add-on service.

Hi [Name], thanks for signing up to receive texts from [Business Name]! As a token of our thanks, we’d like to offer you 15% off your first order with the code FIRST15.

Order Management and Logistics

Enabling customers to place and receive orders conveniently is a top business priority. Unlike emails that may get lost in inboxes or online portals that can be confusing to navigate, text messages offer a direct line of communication.

Business: Hi Tom, just following up on your pending order from last week.

Client: I need to order 20 desks and 20 chairs, the same as last time, to arrive at our new location by next week. Please send an invoice and ship it to the following address: [Client Address]

Business: If you order now, your order will arrive by next Monday!

Client: Sounds great. Please place the order.

Business: Your order is confirmed! I’ve sent an invoice to [Client Email Address], and your order is estimated to arrive by [Date]. We will notify you once your order has shipped.

Product and Service Updates and Education

Delivering valuable content is a proven method to retain existing customers, expand your SMS marketing list, and discover new leads.

Hi [First Name], are you hiring new team members? Check out our guide to creating the perfect job description to attract qualified applicants: [Link]

Lead Generation

Lead generation is a crucial aspect of any successful B2B marketing campaign. With an effective SMS marketing strategy, you can leverage high open rates to increase the chances of contacting your target customer base.

Hi [Prospect Name], you recently attended our industry webinar on [Topic]. We're thrilled to have you as part of our network! As a thank you, we'd like to offer you an exclusive eBook that dives deeper into the subject. Reply 'YES' to receive your complimentary copy and unlock valuable insights to accelerate your business growth. We look forward to connecting further!

Client Feedback

Gathering feedback allows you to collect valuable information from clients and identify areas for improvement. The message encourages engagement and strengthens client-business relationships by showing genuine interest in the client's input.

Hi [Name], we value your opinion and would love your feedback! Please take a moment to rate your recent experience with our [product/service] on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. Your feedback helps us provide you with even better solutions. Thank you in advance for your valuable input!

Scheduling Appointments

With an SMS marketing platform like Textedly, you can streamline the process of setting up meetings and reduce it to a few simple text exchanges.

Business: Hi Rebecca, this is James from [Business Name]! Can we meet tomorrow at 11 am to discuss your service bundle?

Client: Sorry, James, can we meet another day?

Business: Sure! What day and time are best for you?

Client: Does Thursday at 10:30 am work?

Business: That’s perfect, see you then!

Closing Deals

The time between when a lead reaches out and when you respond is crucial in converting leads into customers. Eliminate this waiting period with automated replies that reassure potential clients of your prompt attention.

Client: I’m interested in purchasing servers for my new offices. Could you quote me the cost for servers and installation for 3 locations?

Business: Hi, thank you for contacting [Business Name]! Our experts are currently gathering information about our current hardware offerings. In the meantime, check out this blog article about server types and find the one that suits your business best: [Link]

Making Company Announcements

Don't let your clients miss important company announcements such as new product releases or office closures. B2B texting allows you to schedule time-sensitive text messages to keep your clients informed.

Hi [First Name], our offices will be closed for Labor Day on Monday, September 6. We will respond to any requests when our team is back in the office on Tuesday. Have a great holiday weekend!

Read: 23 Professional Text Message Templates & Tips To Inspire You

Start Texting Your Business Customers With Textedly

With the power of B2B text messaging, you can build relationships with your clients and develop customized marketing strategies that offer personalized value to your customer base.

Ready to get started with B2B texting? Textedly’s user-friendly SMS marketing platform enables businesses to easily connect with their clients via SMS with powerful features like two-way SMS, mass group texting and text message data collection.