Want to build deeper relationships?
Try text messages.

Open a new line of communication

We built an Email & SMS Text Opt-In Widget so that customers and members that want to receive text messages from their financial institution can do so.

As an institution, you can:

• Collect text opt-ins if you only have an email opt-in.
• Collect email opt-ins if you only have a text opt-in.

How it works

When Peoples Bank of East Tennessee customers opened a checking account, they received an email. They received additional reminder messages over the next 28 days. All of the messages linked customers to their personalized microsites that guided them through the steps to opt-in to receiving texts and fully activate their accounts.

Our Email & SMS Text Opt-In Widget was embedded on the first page of the personalized microsites. Customers followed a simple opt-in process:

• Enter their mobile number
• Receive a text message, and click on the link
• Verify that they intend to opt into receiving text messages from the bank

50% of customers opted into text messages

Of the new checking account openers that saw the opt-in widget, 50 percent gave their consent to receiving promotional text messages, opening up a new line of communication for Peoples Bank of East Tennessee. Future campaigns that include the opt-in widget will boost that figure.

Tips for getting started with text messaging

We work with banks and credit unions of all sizes and know that many institutions aren’t yet leveraging text messaging. Here’s our advice on how to get started:

1. Capture consent

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires companies to capture express consent from consumers before texting them. 
If you haven’t already done it, modify your institution’s digital and branch account origination processes to capture consent for text messages during account opening.

For existing customers and members that haven’t opted-in to texts, use our Email & Text Opt-In Widget to bridge the gap.

2. Tell them what to expect

Make sure that customers and members know how you plan to use text messaging to communicate with them. Be up front about the types of messages they will receive and how often you plan to text them.

3. Use text messages sparingly

According to a study done by Simple Texting, 60 percent of consumers reported that too many text messages are the top reason they would unsubscribe. Use text messages when you want to help customers and members access something that they truly value. Sending more than one text per week can cause a spike in opt-outs, and you could lose a valuable communication channel.

In summary

When banks and credit unions can leverage the power of text messaging to communicate with customers and members, they have a lot to gain. Four in five people open every text message they receive, and most do so within 15 minutes of receiving a message. 
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Giving people an easy way to opt-in to receiving text messages can really pay off. Peoples Bank of East Tennessee asked new checking account openers if they wanted to receive promotional text messages. 50 percent of customers that were asked gave their consent during a single campaign.
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The Digital Onboarding engagement platform helps institutions leverage text messaging to deepen relationships. To learn more, explore the platform or request a demo.