The use of mobile phones has now reached unprecedented numbers; by the end of 2009, roughly 4.6 billion people across the globe had a mobile phone subscription. The mobile marketing channel has made it possible for you to reach these on-the-go consumers, anytime and anywhere. Capitalizing on this opportunity requires a solid understanding of mo- bile marketing basics, from devices and networks to consumer best practices and ad standards.
What is SMS Marketing?
SMS is an acronym standing for Short Message Ser- vice. It is commonly referred to as text messaging or “texting” as well. SMS marketing allows customers to text your mobile keyword to a short code to join your contact list. You can also import an existing list of opted-in contacts and send bulk text messages to them with a single click. Additionally, an opt-in, HTML Widget can be built for your website, Facebook Fan Page and email blasts.
10 Reasons Your Company Should Use SMS Marketing
Text marketing or SMS marketing is an emerging form of advertising. It is seeing rapid growth and market penetration as an advertising form and is a valuable addition to any marketing strategy.
Here are ten reasons why your company or business should use SMS marketing:
- Your customers only leave home with three things: Their car keys, purse or wallet and their cell phone. Text marketing ensures your message reaches your customers no matter where they are. This lets you speak to your potential customers in a one on one manner that is unmatched by other advertising.
- The time to market is immediate. No more waiting for ad copy to be proofed. Weeks for new cam- paigns to be designed. You can complete a campaign in minutes.
- You only pay to market to customers who have opted- in to receive offers from you because they have given you permission to send them material.
- Text message marketing is effective and produces a redemption rates anywhere from 20% – 70%. Compared to 1.5% from print, TV, radio or direct mail.
- Over 90% of text messages sent are opened and read by your customers in 15 minutes. No other advertising me- dium has that relationship with the consumer.
- Text advertising is cost efficient, with customers reached for pennies a piece, and can produce the highest rate of return for you advertising dollar.
- Text marketing delivers your message with no filler. Just give the customer what they want, short and direct.
- Text marketing allows you to measure the results and scope of your other advertising by placing a text to ac- tion on your direct mail, newspaper, radio or TV ads.
- You can target your campaigns to specific customers to produce higher redemption rates and build lists that will produce immediate sales every time you send a message.
- By taking advantage of new mobile advertising op- portunities you are separating yourself from your com- petitors it says your business is moving forward and stay- ing ahead.