If you’re a firearm retailer or range customer left high and dry by Birdeye’s sudden exit from the firearms industry, then you’re not alone. As of September 1, 2023, Birdeye pulled the plug on its SMS marketing services for firearm brands, leaving many not just looking for a reliable alternative but a partner that can help them transition smoothly.
We’re here to introduce our platform: OtterText—your lifeline. Designed with S.H.A.F.T compliance in mind, OtterText ensures you don’t miss a beat in your Firearm SMS marketing efforts.
We’ll walk you through why our platform is the perfect Birdeye alternative and how to smoothly transition without breaking a sweat.
What is OtterText?
OtterText is a feature-rich SMS Marketing Platform. With just a few clicks, you can create and send out text message campaigns that reach your customers and engage them. It results in a customer engagement boost and increased sales through SMS marketing.
But OtterText offers more than just basic text marketing features. It’s the most reliable partner for businesses in the Alcohol and Firearms sectors. With OtterText, you can send and receive messages without worrying about getting flagged or ruining your reputation due to non-compliance. That’s right—OtterText is fully S.H.A.F.T compliant, offering you peace of mind in an industry where regulations can be a minefield.
Our platform also has a web chat feature similar to Birdeye’s and Google review management, adding even more value to your customer engagement toolkit.
The Pros and Cons of OtterText
Every platform has its strengths and weaknesses, and OtterText is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:
- Firearm Compliance: OtterText is S.H.A.F.T compliant, ensuring you stay on the right side of regulations.
- Free Onboarding and Training: Get up and running without any hiccups, thanks to OtterText’s free onboarding process.
- 1-on-1 Monthly Marketing Advice: Benefit from expert guidance to elevate your marketing strategies.
- Wide Range of Features: From bulk SMS to web chat widgets and age gate plugins, OtterText offers a comprehensive toolkit.
- Competitive Pricing: With cost-effective plans and generous SMS allowances, OtterText provides value for money.
- Responsive Customer Support: Experience 24/7 support with impressively quick response times.
Cons:
- Basic UI Dashboard: While simple and functional, the user interface could be more sophisticated.
- Web Chat Tracking (In Development): Some features are still under development, including web chat tracking.
- No Free Conversation Messages: Unlike some competitors, OtterText doesn’t offer free conversation messages.
Why Compliance Matters And How Does OtterText Handle it?
Compliance is more than a buzzword in the firearms sector—it’s a legal must-have. Slip-ups can lead to fines, legal woes, and a tarnished brand image. So, how does OtterText help you stay in the clear?
- Automated Age-Gating: OtterText’s age-gating feature ensures only customers of legal age get your marketing texts. It’s like having a digital bouncer who never takes a break.
- Simplified SMS Opt-In: OtterText makes the SMS opt-in process a breeze, ensuring you collect consents legally. No more legal gray areas.
- 10DLC Registration: Forget the hassle of registering for 10DLC numbers. OtterText takes charge, guiding you through the registration process so you can focus on your business.
- Ongoing Educational Support: OtterText doesn’t just set you up and wave goodbye. We offer educational resources, webinars, and 1-on-1 consultations to keep you compliant today and prepared for tomorrow’s regulations.
How to Transition From Birdeye to OtterText?
You’re almost at the finish line! To ensure a smooth transition to OtterText, just follow these easy steps:
- Choose Your Plan: Head over to OtterText Pricing and select the plan that suits you best.
- Create an Account: Visit the OtterText Signup Page to establish your new account.
- Complete Your Profile: Add all the essential business details, like your logo, website, and EIN.
- Email Your Opt-In List: Forward your opt-in customer list to the OtterText Sales Team.
- Preferred Area Code: Notify OtterText about your area code of choice for messaging.
- Schedule a Setup Call: Arrange an activation setup call with the OtterText sales team to ensure everything is in order.
- Inform Your Clients: Tell your customers about the switch and share the new opt-in link.
- Upload and Grow: The OtterText team will upload your cleaned and segmented list, paving the way for subscriber growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does the transition from Birdeye to OtterText take?
The transition can be completed in as little as one hour, depending on the complexity of your existing setup and the size of your customer list.
2. Is my data secure during the transition?
Absolutely. OtterText prioritizes data security and ensures that your customer information is transferred securely and stored in compliance with industry standards.
3. What happens to my existing SMS campaigns?
Unfortunately, campaigns from previous software like Birdeye won’t be visible in OtterText.
4. Do I need to inform my customers about the switch?
Yes, it’s good practice to inform your customers about the change in service provider. OtterText can assist you in crafting a message to notify your customer base.
5. Can I keep my existing phone number for SMS campaigns?
Yes, we can port over a number used exclusively for text messaging. We can also move it over for business lines enabled for SMS, but we don’t recommend this for S.H.A.F.T companies.
6. What if I need help after the transition?
OtterText offers ongoing support, including 24/7 customer service and monthly 1-on-1 marketing consultations, to ensure you get the most out of the platform.
7. Are there any setup fees?
No, OtterText offers free onboarding to make the transition as smooth as possible.
8. How does OtterText handle compliance?
OtterText is fully S.H.A.F.T compliant and offers features like automated age-gating and simplified SMS opt-in to help you stay on the right side of regulations.
Conclusion: Make the Smart Switch to OtterText Today
OtterText offers a comprehensive, S.H.A.F.T-compliant solution that takes the guesswork out of compliance and customer engagement. With its range of features, competitive pricing, and top-notch support, OtterText is the reliable partner you’re looking for.
Don’t just take our word for it—experience the OtterText difference for yourself. We’re offering a 14-day free trial to help you get a feel for the platform. It’s the perfect opportunity to test drive our features, assess our compliance tools, and see firsthand how OtterText can elevate your SMS marketing game.
Start Your 14-Day Free Trial with OtterText Now
