Elevate Text Marketing with Images & GIFs in Vagaro

So, we know that text marketing is a must-have for any business because of the historically high open and click-through rates of text messages. But have you ever thought that you could boost engagement with your text campaigns even further if you could include an image of your product or service, or just something visual to get people even more excited? Well, you're right. In fact, with visual marketing texts now officially in their toolbox, Vagaro users can easily upload and send images/GIFs in their text messages, adding urgency to everything from Daily Deals and seasonal specials to simple appointment reminders and more.

Let's take a look at what text marketing images can do for your marketing and retention, followed by a list of best practices for using images in your text marketing.

(AND if you like the examples featured below, help yourself to Vagaro's SMS library of images and GIFs, chock full of great images to include in your next text marketing campaign!)

The Big Picture: Some Text-istics

Marketing text messages have very high open rates (around 98%), and most people respond to them in a matter of minutes [1]. Now, think of adding photos or other imagery as a way to boost those already impressive stats. The more visual a text, the more engaging. There's plenty of data out there that the more engaging, the more likely it is to convert or be shared.

For starters, texts with images give you a bigger canvas to work with, so to speak. Text-only messages have limited space (about 160 characters is the suggested maximum), while visual messages don’t have a standard limit. The maximum size depends on the cellular service carrier and the device—phone, tablet, etc.—receiving the message.

Moreover, adding the right image lends personality and personalization to your text messages and can enhance immediacy, in part by stoking FoMo. If you’ve got an eye for a good image, then text marketing tools, like Vagaro’s, make it easy to add an image to your text campaigns. It also enables you to include your business’s brand visuals into texts, another way to put your signature stamp on all of your messaging, no matter where it is. Consistency, as they say, is key.

If done right, what you have is the perfect balance of show and tell. So, how would you make the most of these visual texts?

Campaign Ideas

When it comes to certain message types, plain text will always do the trick. Traditional text messages are still very effective for short, time-sensitive things, like updates, alerts, and appointment reminders.

But sending images and other multimedia elements can make for more appealing and engaging messages, especially marketing campaigns and highly personalized client text messages. Think about all the instances in which your message can benefit from a visual element—like showcasing products or services or significant promotions that catch the eye.

Examples include:

Flash Sales

Ex. "FLASH SALE ALERT! 24 hours only - 40% off all hair color services! Book now before spots fill up. Reply STOP to opt out.

Holiday promotions

Ex. Mother's Day: "Celebrate Mom with our Mother's Day package: Cut, color & style + mini facial for $150 (save $40). Gift cards available!

Holiday Season: "Holiday glam packages now available! Look stunning for every party this season. Includes: cut, style, makeup application & nail polish for $120.

Branded Appointment Reminders

Ex. 24-Hour Reminder: "Hi ___! Reminder: Hair cut & highlights tomorrow at 2 PM with Jessica. We can't wait to see you! Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule.

Before-and-after Transformations

Ex. Hair Transformation: "TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY! Look at this amazing color correction by our master stylist Anna! Ready for your own makeover? Book a consultation today!

Loyalty Rewards Announcements

Ex. Points Milestone: "Congratulations Lisa! You've earned 500 reward points. Redeem now for a FREE express facial (value $60) or save for bigger rewards! Points expire in 6 months.

Follow-Up Messages

Ex. Asking for a Review: "Hi Jessica! Thank you for visiting us yesterday! We hope you love your new look! Share a selfie and tag us for a chance to win a free service. Your next appointment is 25% off!

Tips for Using Images in Texts

A picture is worth a thousand words. You just want to make sure that the images you send invoke the right ones. A confusing, blurry, undersized, oversized, or incorrectly branded image screams one word in particular: unprofessional.

To prevent this, we’ve provided the following simple checklist to guide you:

ALWAYS Choose Quality Images

Remember, this isn’t a set of (questionable) emojis or GIFS you’re sending to a friend. Just as you would on your website, use clear, high-resolution, professional images and pair these images with:

Strong subject lines and clear
Personalized messaging
Fonts that are easy to read on mobile screens
Colors that align with your brand

Make Images Relevant

Make sure that the image you use, whether it’s mostly a photo or a photo within a design, is both relevant to your text message and relevant to your clients.

Optimize Your Images

Texts with images are larger than their word-only counterparts. Make sure you’ve compressed or otherwise optimized an image file for mobile viewing before using it. This ensures quick text message load times—and interested recipients. There are many free image compression tools available online.

Some other quick tips for clear and optimized images in your texts:

Keep image size at 500KB or less.
Images in the JPG and PNG format are widely supported. JPGs are particularly useful if you must use a larger photo that needs to be made much smaller.
Choose a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is a common display ratio for mobile devices.
Commonly used image dimensions include: 640 x 1138px, or 1080 x 1920px, which align well with the 9:16 aspect ratio mentioned above.
Portrait or square formats work well on most devices.
GIFS (animated images) should be smaller than regular, still images. For square GIFS, choose 480 x 480px, or 640 x 640px. For portrait, 480 x 720px.

Monitor Your Results

As with anything, check the performance data of your text messages. Maybe that “amazing” summer transformation photo you used to announce your “beach season bundles” wasn’t as...transformational as you’d hoped. Pull up your reports and figure out what’s working and what isn’t.

By seamlessly incorporating captivating images, GIFs and videos into your campaigns, you can skyrocket open rates, boost engagement and generate conversions like never before.

References