Have you ever considered text messaging your current clients or future prospects? If you haven’t, you might want to try it out.

Consider this: According to international nonprofit trade association CTIA, over two trillion text messages were sent in 2012. That’s a breakdown of more than 171 billion per month! Other research puts this figure as high as nine trillion in 2012. Either way, it’s clear we live in a world that utilizes text messaging as a primary source of communication. In fact, Americans will send and receive an average of 35 text messages per day.

With four billion mobile phones in the world, and 80% of users sending texts, the chances your clients (ideal or current) use this service are very high.

Here’s one more very intriguing fact you should find motivational:

Multiple studies show that 95% of text messages are opened and read within minutes of being received.

This should be reason alone to try texting the consumer. You know the chances they have text messaging services on their mobile device are likely. And now you know they’re going to read your message almost instantly.

Think about it. How often do you ignore phone calls but answer texts? I bet you answer pretty quickly too. It’s not always easy to have a 30 minute conversation with someone. It’s incredibly easy to shoot them a response.

Here’s a simple text I send my clients:

“Scott, I received your request for life insurance. When is a good time to talk?”

It’s literally that easy. Let’s analyze what happens to this text.

Worst-case scenario: Scott doesn’t like this. He deletes it and requests I don’t text him anymore. Or he doesn’t respond, deletes it, and never says anything. So be it.

Best-case scenario: Scott immediately texts me back with when he’s available and we set the meeting. I’ve scheduled it, I’m done with that for now and can quickly switch my concentration elsewhere. It happens that fast.

Quick and dirty—texting is the perfect mix of personal communication with disconnect.

Still not sure? Ask your clients if it's okay to text them.

Lastly, for those of you who are hesitant to text your clients or consumers you haven’t converted into a sale just yet with your personal cell phone, there’s an option out there for you too. I use a system calledMessage Media. The web-based service allows me to create messages, auto responses, short code responses, and more. It’s literally as easy and similar as sending an email.

Except you have a higher chance of getting a response.