Text Message Marketing for HVAC Companies: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Give me an honest answer to this. Suppose it’s a hot summer day, and suddenly, the air conditioner stops working! What’s the first thing your customer does? Do they look for a flyer or open a magazine? Of course not. They grab their phone. Now, if your HVAC company sends a helpful message like: “Need AC Repair ASAP? Our experts are just a click away. Click on this [Link] to book now!”

BOOM!

It establishes an instant connection, and you can expect an instant response.

This is why text message marketing for HVAC companies is useful. With approximately 114,555 HVAC contractors in the US and counting, you must update your communication strategy to distinguish between a sale and another cold lead quickly.

Whether you’re starting your HVAC business or looking for some fresh ways to stay ahead, HVAC SMS marketing can be your helping hand. In this guide, we have discussed everything you need to know about text messaging services for home services businesses, such as HVAC companies. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

What is Text Message Marketing for HVAC Companies?

Text message marketing means sending promotional or service-related messages directly to your customers’ mobile phones. You can send the following types of SMS messages to your customers for your HVAC business.

• Maintenance reminder text
• Seasonal service offers
• Sharing helpful tips like changing filters before summer
• Collect feedback after service
• Following up after service
• Notifying about emergency availability

As SMS marketing offers a 98% open rate and a 45% response rate, and most customers prefer it, you should include it in your overall marketing strategy. It lets you reach customers the quickest way. Besides using SMS automation, you can send messages to thousands of contacts in seconds. However, ensure you use the STP marketing approach to segment your contacts and craft personalized messages for your HVAC SMS marketing campaign.

Why SMS Works: The Value of Text Messaging for Home Service Businesses

As per the study, 78% of potential customers make their purchase from a business that responds to their inquiry quickly. For example, Eva moved from Florida to Minnesota, and her heater breaks and the snow starts to pile up; whoever resolves the issue quickly is the hero. Therefore, responding quickly will reward you with loyalty through repeat business. And, if you’re wondering how to respond quickly, SMS is an ideal communication channel.

Nowadays, most people are glued to their phones and as per the studies, text messages are read within 3 minutes. It means your HVAC SMS does not sit in an inbox, but it gets noticed right away. Here is why text messaging for home services like HVAC works perfectly.

• Text messaging is instant. Customers get your message fast.
• SMS is simple. No login or app is required.
• You can directly communicate with your customers, as it is a more personal approach.
• You can send quick updates and reminders using SMS, which shows you care.

So, if you’re looking for powerful marketing ideas for HVAC companies, SMS should be at the top of your list.

How to Get Started with HVAC SMS Marketing

Here is the beginner’s roadmap to start with HVAC SMS marketing.

• You need to choose an automated text messaging platform, such as Textdrip, for your home service company. Choose the platform that allows you to do bulk texting, scheduling, automation, personalization, and opt-in/opt-out compliance. You should compare text message costs before you pick any SMS service provider. Select the provider that aligns with your requirements.
• You cannot text people unless they give you explicit permission. So, start collecting phone numbers on your website, during service calls, in follow-up emails, through social media promos, etc. You can offer a discount or a free AC checkup to increase sign-ups. Ensure you follow SMS compliance and have clear opt-in/opt-out options.
• Define your goals so your text messages have a purpose. What do you want to achieve with your SMS efforts? Do you want more bookings, reduced no-shows, or repeat business?
• Ensure your text messages talk like a human, not a robot. Keep your messages short and clear. For example, “Hey Emily! Just a reminder. Your HVAC checkup is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 AM. Reply YES to confirm.”
• Send messages at the right time. Consider your customers’ time zones and preferences. You can’t blast messages at 3 AM. Send messages during the mornings or afternoons.
• Analyze open rates, click-throughs, and conversion rates. It will help you understand what works and refine your approach based on performance. Also, you can send follow-up message asking for customer feedback. Almost 87% of customers read online reviews before taking service from local businesses.

Top SMS Marketing Ideas for HVAC Companies

Here are a few marketing ideas for HVAC companies using SMS.

1. Create a Seasonal Service Campaign

You can plan SMS campaigns around the HVAC service cycle, like spring for AC maintenance, fall for heating, and mid-summer for emergency repairs. Generally, seasonal needs drive HVAC demand. So, a proactive SMS approach helps you book appointments before your competitors. So, build the content calendar with key service reminders and use an automated SMS marketing platform to send reminders for seasonal tune-ups. You can even use urgency to boost early bookings.

Source: Link

Source: Link

Here is the seasonal HVAC SMS campaign calendar that you can use.

2. Service Plan Upsell

You can promote your HVAC maintenance contracts or annual service plans via SMS. It helps you convert your one-time customers into loyal customers. You can target recent customers with a value-focused message, promote the cost-saving benefit of subscribing, and include a link to an FAQ or plan comparison page for details.

For example,

3. Lead Generation Via Text-to-Subscribe

You can grow your HVAC lead list by launching a text-to-subscribe campaign. This allows potential customers to join your list simply by texting a keyword to a short code. You can promote this option across your website, social media, print ads, and even during service visits. It’s a quick and easy way to capture leads and start building a direct communication channel.

For example, you can display a message like:

Once users subscribe, you can follow up with automated messages, seasonal offers, or service reminders to keep them engaged.

4. Use SMS to Reduce Cancellations and No-Shows

You can automate appointment confirmations and reminders to minimize missed service calls and rescheduling hassles. Send reminder text messages 24-48 hours before appointments. Allow your customers to confirm or reschedule directly via SMS. Also, automate the follow-ups for unconfirmed appointments.

5. Integrate SMS With Other HVAC Marketing Tools

Use SMS to improve your email, social, and ad campaign performance. You can use SMS to send reminders to check email, respond to offers, or attend events. In short, you can use SMS as a direct line whenever attention spans are short.

Here is how you can do this.

For example,

6. Run HVAC Giveaways Via Text

If your customers are happy with your service, they are more likely to be your loyal customers. You can use text messages to send quick satisfaction surveys after service calls. It’s a great way to collect feedback, improve your service, and show customers you care. However, keep the survey short. Include two to three questions, and you can offer a thank-you coupon to boost future bookings.

For example,

HVAC Marketing Tips for Effective SMS Campaigns

If you want your messages to bring you the desired results, follow these HVAC marketing tips.

• Send personalized messages by including customer’s name or the last service they received. You should make them feel like you remember them. So, instead of sending “Book Now” send “Hi Josh! Are you ready for your annual AC checkup?”
• Follow the SMS character limit. Don’t include more than 160 characters of text in one message. If you cannot include everything in one text message, trim it down.
• Use clear call-to-action like Reply YES, Click to book, or Call now. Remember, clarity brings conversions. So, tell people exactly what to do.
• No one wants to receive a text when they’re sleeping or having dinner. So, send messages on weekday mornings or afternoons.
• Always get opt-in consent before sending a text message. Also, include clear opt-out instructions such as “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” Follow SMS marketing regulations to enjoy a high conversion rate.
• Don’t bombard people by sending too many messages. One or two text messages per week are enough. If you send more than that, you risk annoying people.

SMS is one of the best HVAC Marketing Tools

You have most probably used tools like Google Ads, Flyers, Facebook posts, and Referral programs. However, usually, people ignore SMS HVAC marketing even though it is direct and more effective. Combine SMS marketing with other HVAC marketing tools to create a strong and connected strategy.

For example, you can promote your text opt-in on your website, invoices, social media, and emails. It helps you build your SMS list and grow your business faster. Do not forget to check out text message cost options. Some providers charge on a per-message basis, while others offer monthly plans.

Still not convinced? Please read our blog on why text message marketing is crucial for home service businesses.

Take Your Marketing From Cold to Cool With Textdrip!

Attracting new customers and retaining existing ones can be challenging in a word-of-mouth industry like HVAC. However, SMS marketing for HVAC companies helps cut through the noise through targeted engagement. So, your business will remain top-of-the-mind when customers need HVAC services. Besides, it is affordable, easy to start, and brings real results.

Using an automated SMS marketing platform like Textdrip, you can send seasonal reminders, test promotions, and automate your maintenance texts. The platform has impressive features like contact segmentation, schedule messages, two-way texting, drip campaigns, etc.

So, next time when you want to plan your SMS marketing campaign to boost your HVAC business revenue, give texting a try with Textdrip’s FREE Trial.