7 Rules for Business Texting Etiquette

Texting has emerged as a vital tool for business communication. With its immediacy and convenience, texting allows companies to connect with customers and employees in real-time, fostering engagement and building relationships. However, the power of this medium comes with a responsibility: understanding and adhering to proper texting etiquette. In this blog post, we’ll explore why effective texting is crucial for business success and how clear communication guidelines can enhance customer trust and internal collaboration. By following established etiquette, businesses can avoid unintentional missteps that could damage their relationships and reputation. Let’s dive in!

Texting Etiquette Rules to Know as a Business 

As a business, you often have less flexibility in terms of what you can and can’t say over a text. Here’s our ultimate guide to professional texting etiquette tips for your business and employee communications. 

1. Be Mindful of Your Timing

Because texting is one of the most direct forms of communication, pay attention to the time of day you send a message. For example, are you texting after work hours? If so, do you expect your employees to respond promptly?

Try to avoid texting employees outside of work hours, not only out of respect for their time but also to ensure they don’t miss any important messages.

2. Keep Messages Professional and Clear

Because it’s designed to be short and fast, texting can come across in unintended ways. For example, you may sound harsher or more demanding than you think.

Try to write in complete sentences to avoid sounding rude. Always read your messages aloud to double-check your tone of voice and ensure your message comes across as intended before you hit send. Don’t forget to use polite language like “please” and “thank you.”

3. Limit Texting to Essential Information

When it comes to communicating urgent or high-priority information, texting is an invaluable tool for businesses. Whether it’s sending reminders, confirming appointments, or providing quick updates, the immediacy of text messages ensures that critical information reaches recipients without delay. The value of brevity cannot be overstated; by focusing on essential details and keeping messages concise, businesses maintain a professional tone while respecting their audience's time. This approach not only enhances clarity but also minimizes the risk of miscommunication, ensuring that important messages are understood and acted upon swiftly. As attention spans get shorter and shorter, mastering the art of concise texting can significantly improve responsiveness and effectiveness in business communication.

4. Maintain Consistency Across Channels

Maintaining consistency across communication channels is essential for building a cohesive brand identity, and this holds true for SMS messaging. Businesses should ensure that their text communications align seamlessly with their email and social media messaging, both in tone and content. This consistency reinforces the brand voice, making it easier for customers to recognize and connect with the business, regardless of the platform. When all channels convey a unified message, it not only enhances brand trust but also minimizes confusion among customers. By harmonizing their SMS communication with other touchpoints, businesses can create a more engaging and trustworthy experience, ultimately fostering stronger relationships with their audience.

5. Personalize, But Don’t Overdo It 

Personalization in texting can significantly enhance customer engagement, making messages feel more relevant and tailored to individual needs. Simple touches, like addressing recipients by their names or referencing previous interactions, can create a sense of connection and demonstrate that a business values its customers. However, it’s crucial to strike the right balance—while personalization is effective, over-familiarity can come off as intrusive or unprofessional. Customers may feel uncomfortable if messages veer too far into casual territory, especially in a business context. Thoughtfully personalizing texts without crossing into overly familiar territory can empower businesses to foster genuine relationships that encourage loyalty and trust

6. Use Automation Wisely 

By utilizing features like automated message scheduling, companies can send timely and relevant texts that resonate with their audience without overwhelming recipients. This means businesses can plan reminders, promotions, or important updates in advance, ensuring that messages reach customers at optimal times. However, it's important to use AI and automation in SMS wisely; while it streamlines communication, businesses should avoid sending too many messages or impersonal blasts that can lead to disengagement.

7. Respect Opt-Out Request and Consent 

Respecting opt-out requests and obtaining consent before sending text messages is both a legal requirement and an ethical obligation for businesses. Honoring these requests ensures that recipients feel valued and in control of their communication preferences, which can significantly enhance brand loyalty. Failing to adhere to these rules can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines and legal penalties that can tarnish a company’s reputation. Additionally, ignoring opt-out requests can damage customer trust, leading to negative word-of-mouth and diminished engagement. 

Start Business Texting With Textedly

Adhering to professional texting etiquette is essential for maintaining trust and engagement with both customers and employees. By implementing clear guidelines around urgency, consistency, personalization, automation, and consent, businesses can foster stronger relationships and enhance their brand reputation. Utilizing Textedly’s features streamline SMS campaigns and ensure compliance with legal standards. As businesses navigate the dynamic landscape of text messaging, prioritizing these etiquette rules will empower them to connect more effectively while cultivating loyalty and trust. Embrace the power of SMS with the right strategies, and watch your engagement soar!

Sign up for a free trial of Textedly and start texting both your customers and employees today.