TEXT MESSAGING MARKETING-TYPE, TYPE-SUCESS
Text Messaging is gaining popularity as an advertising medium because it is relatively inexpensive and allows businesses to reach out to a highly targeted consumers. Should you get on the texting bandwagon? Absolutely!! Not convinced--in 2006 there were 10.70 million text messages sent and in 2007 over 40 million. Also, a recent study states that 84% of all cell phone users NEVER turn the phone off. Need more?
Many large companies, such as Dunkin' Donuts and McDonalds, have deployed successful marketing campaigns using text messaging. But you do not have to be a multinational to take advantage of this very effective marketing strategy.
Text messaging is also referred to as SMS, or short message service. Most cellular phones are equipped to handle text messaging. GPS modules and instant messenger clients for computers can receive brief messages that contain information from friends, clients, and even businesses marketing their products.
How do you do this?
1. Find a company that offers Text Messaging Services (like us).
2. Decide on whether you are going to use their text message "handle" or you want to use your own domain name but remember, if your domain name is Savannahgreatfoodanddrink.com, no one is going to type that amount of information in that little phone so you need to think small and really small.
Our new test message address is MYSAV, which is still under construction, but for an example of how this works, just text "sysconn golf" to “368266”. We are using our friends at Crosswinds Golf Club to send out a text message (they are offering a golf special for military for the month of July). So what happens? If you type in the information and enter the To code, you will receive a call that states the marketing message. Cool!
3. Once you have decided on the Text Message Address, start to develop your message…no more than 160 characters so you need to be concise but you must provide in just a few words a compelling ad.
4. You will be given an option to either have the TMS prepare the message or you can do it once they setup the process and enter all of the coding that identifies your business (simple domain name).
5. Remember, you can offer almost anything: specials, coupon, message, pricing or whatever but again you need to be brief.
6. The second stage of text messaging is to sub-divide your messages into appropriate categories like "drink", "food" or whatever. CNN Text Messaging site is a good example, just type in our 368266 and than CNN and you will see the categories.
