The Value Of SMS Text Marketing

English: Author: Redvers. Two "welcome" messages received via SMS text messaging. T-Mobile welcomes Proximus to the United Kingdom; BASE welcomes Orange subscribers to Belgium. Both are Nokia phones, but the picture was taken with another brand of mobile phone camera. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you run a for-profit business looking to increase sales, or represent an organization that simply wants to be able to reach your members quickly and affordable text marketing is the perfect solution. That's because text marketing can be as much a money-saver as it is a money-maker.

Here are a few reasons why SMS text mobile marketing is vital to your business or organization.

1. You Can Reach More People Than With ANY Other Method

Did you know...

• 6% of Americans have a Twitter account
• 33% of Americans have a Facebook account (more than 50% of males do NOT check their Facebook daily)
• 37% of Americans actively use email
• 92% of Americans have a cell phone (98% of which have SMS enabled handsets!)

In fact, believe it or not there are 2.5 times as many users of "texting" than email. But that's not even the most important point. You see, 33% of email addresses change on a yearly basis. Your email database gets more and more outdated with each passing day. But with phone number portability and the popularity of mobile phones, people are ditching their home phones and keeping their cell phones for life. That means your contact database will continue to grow - and almost never get old!

2. More of the People Who Receive Your Message Will Actually Read It!

• With text marketing your SMS reminders, notifications, or coupons are received at the exact time your customers need to see them-and often at the precise time they are making a buying decision.
• Consider this incredible fact: 95% of all text messages are read within 5 minutes of delivery, with an overall read-rate of 97%!
• Compared with other forms of marketing and communication, mobile is the clear winner...

3. More of the People Who Read Your Message Will Actually Take Action

Reaching more people wouldn't mean much if it didn't have any effect on their actions. But perhaps the best news of all regarding text marketing is that it actually does drive behavior. According to research done by the Direct Marketing Association, 70% of recipients react to SMS (text) marketing messages, compared to just 20% for email. And the same study shows that up to 30% of users redeem mobile offers, compared to 5% for email.

Consider this...

• 94% of consumers who receive a mobile marketing offer recall the specific call-to-action (Hip Cricket Research)
• 15% of consumers admit to increasing what they spent toward a specific brand based on mobile marketing (eMarketer)
• User response to a mobile ad is often 10 times higher than a computer/email offer (Quantcast Data)
• 33% of Americans acknowledged using a mobile coupon received via text marketing within the past month (eMarketer)

In fact, according to ABI Research, the average ROI with mobile marketing is $10 for every $1 spent!

4. Your Customers and Members Actually Want to Hear from You

The most valuable piece of your business is not your building or your computers or some specialized piece of equipment. It is your customer database.

Text marketing allows you to build and nurture your customer database so that they will have more loyalty to you and ultimately do business with you more often. And the best part is, they WANT to hear from you more often. DMA research shows that the vast majority of consumers not only want to receive special offers and information by text, but that they wish more businesses and organizations offered this option! Likewise, Nielsen Mobile discovered that 70% of consumers they surveyed are happy to receive promotional information via text message.

The true power of mobile marketing is that your customers are "opting in" to receive your information. By texting your keyword to your shortcode they are telling you they want to hear from you. There is no better way to build an ongoing (and profitable) relationship with your most valuable asset-your customer.

5. Text Marketing Will Save You Time and Money

If you are a for-profit business, there is no denying that text marketing can increase your sales. But even if you are not trying to sell anything, Text marketing can help your bottom line.

Text marketing can replace many costly and time-consuming tasks for much, much less. Paying employees to call your entire list when you have to cancel an event or a game? Text marketing can do the job a whole lot better, faster and cheaper. Mailing postcards and placing ads to promote a concert or meeting? Text marketing will get the message across instantly at the touch of a button. And because people read their texts, you'll reach a greater percentage of your audience with your information! You can even include a direct link to a phone number, email address or web site so that recipients can contact you instantly.

There's never been a win-win quite like SMS text marketing. And for less than $2/day you can put this powerful tool to work for you immediately. In just 5 minutes you can be up and running with your own account and custom keyword.

Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/7309566

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SMS: Mobile Text Message Marketing

Advertising advertising (Photo credit: Toban Black)

Marketing is one of the most important things you can do as a business owner. Without a marketing strategy and targeted advertising, many businesses simply do not make it. Many business owners think that simply having a store front or running an ad in the yellow pages is all they need to do and soon realize, it's not that easy.

In today's world, businesses big or small are finding more and more challenges when it comes to traditional marketing strategies. Running an ad in a local publication or paying for a spot in the yellow pages, just doesn't produce the same results they once achieved and are very expensive.

The reason why this is happening is that we are in a rapid changing communication age. With the birth of the Internet and number of internet-ready cellphones expanding globally, the effects on marketing are tremendous and are taking the marketing challenges to a new level. International businesses large or small are facing the same challenges.

The technical requirements associated with setting up a website, understanding social media, creating campaigns that will promote brand and convert traffic into buyers, are all part of the requirements necessary to market a business in today's world. The problem is many business owners need to focus on running the business and do not have the time, can't manage, nor have all the skillset required to create and manage an effective marketing program.

One new marketing method that will have a tremendous impact on businesses globally has to do with mobile text marketing. Mobile text marketing targets cell phone users in a very unique way. Similar to the time when e-mail marketing was brand new, mobile text marketing has a much higher response rate. With response rates at 90% plus, business owners need pay attention and incorporate this strategy into the overall marketing strategy.

There are a lot of reasons for the high response rate in mobile text marketing. Here are a few:

• When a user receives a text message they almost never ignore it due to the alert features on cell phones.
• It's considered more personal than an e-mail because it is used primarily by personal friends and family. So, the user always responds to a new text.
• Most businesses have not yet utilized this strategy so; the opportunity is here right now to be on the cutting edge of this new marketing concept.
• Users do not ignore the messages when received.
• Messages are short and to the point.
• Newer cell phones display the message right on the front of the screen.
• Users almost always have their cell phone on them.
• Cell phones do not require internet access to receive a text.
• Almost every cell phone made today has text messaging built in. 

The most important factor is that cell phone users out number internet users worldwide. With the rapid increase in internet-capable phones, there will also be a proportional increase in a business' ability to market to a cell phone user.

For those who don't know, here is how mobile text marketing works in general. Let's say you want to run a campaign to offer a discount for a product, service, or an event. As a business owner, you would target your existing customer base first. You would offer a coupon or discount, when a user sends a text message from their cell phone to your advertised campaign word. An example of this would look something like the following:

To receive a discount today, text "specialoffer" to 41242

What happens is the customer wants to receive a discount, so they text the word to the number. Then they immediately receive a response back with a promo code or message authorizing a discount. They are also informed they will receive future discount offers and can opt out anytime. Your customers are ok with this since they are already patrons of your business. This process all happens automatically.

Mobile Digital Marketing and Advertising

Image via CrunchBase

Most people today have a mobile phone by their side most of the day. This is the most personal platform available for customer calls to action. People are out and about these days and have a lot on their minds; the ability to easily use mobile whenever desired combined with today's increased device functionality streamlines the purchasing process, which leads to greater conversion rates compared to any other method.

Marketing strategies should include the mobile channel to engage customers and drive sales. This is true even for the home-based business. On the local level, brick and mortar businesses implementing a mobile campaign will just about be able to lead people right through their front doors and to specific products of interest.

Digital marketing is the practice of promoting products and services using digital distribution channels (Radio, TV, Internet, Mobile) to reach consumers in a timely, relevant, personal and cost-effective manner. There are 2 different forms of digital marketing. Pull digital marketing in which the user seeks out and selects (pulls) the content from a site and. push marketing, which involves both the marketer (creator of the message) as well as the recipients (the user). The marketer has to push (send) the messages to the user in order for the message to be received. Examples of push digital marketing include Email, SMS, MMS and RSS. For a very effective marketing campaign push and pull message marketing should be used in concert along with traditional channels that promote calls to action.

MMS (Multimedia Message Service) mobile marketing enables streaming video, flash, and advanced capabilities and can contain a timed slide show of images, text, audio and video. This technology enhances the users experience and will lead to more click-through rates.

Blue-tooth systems which offer "hot spot" areas are also being deployed. These offer content-management system with a Blue-tooth distribution function. This technology has the advantages that it is permission-based, has higher transfer speeds and is also a radio-based technology and can therefore not be billed. Geo-fencing is another technique that can also be used to trigger mobile ads and special messages to users as they enter or exit an area like a stadium.

The migration into the mobile advertising market has been highlighted by Google's acquisition of Ad Mob and Apple's purchase of Quattro Wireless. Brand names are in hot pursuit of this personal technology medium.

The Rapidly Increasing Mobile Trend

There has always been a demand among consumers for more technologically advanced products that simplify our lives and facilitates the delivery of information as evidenced by mainstream media methods that have gone from print materials to radio to TV to computers to laptops to cell phone and now to smart mobile devices.

Why mobile needs to be in your in your arsenal of marketing resources

• Google's new mantra is "Mobile First"
• Mobile device use is already 5 times more than the Internet
• Apple recently sold more than 2 million iPhones
• 160,000 Droid smart phones are activated every day
• $6.2 Billion were spent by consumers on apps this year (Gartner)
• The US Mobile Web has been growing over 2% month over month. (Nielsen)
• More than half of all Internet connections today are through smart phones
• 91% of Americans keep their cell phone within 3ft of them

Increasing Usage of Handheld Devices

Email, mobile web browsing and social networking are increasingly seeing usage on handheld devices. Over the past few years SMS (Short Message Service) that is a one-way text message sent via cell phone has become a legitimate advertising channel and it is the most popular branch of the Mobile Marketing industry. In fact data indicate that people favor receiving timely opt-in text messages. These messages can be 160 characters in length and include links to mobile optimized websites or application downloads to help create more effective and measurable calls to action.

E-mail can also be used to inform customers about opt in text message programs. Or an email can be triggered as a result of a text message, to provide additional details around the call to action or fulfill an information request.

Mobile Programs also often include desktop and mobile web use that enables customers to directly provide their permission to receive text message communications by completing forms on-line. Web visits could also be triggered as a result of a text message announcing specials, prizes or incentives for completing surveys and questionnaires.

Mobile programs could also include social networks (Twitter, Face book, Linked-In, My-Space) where businesses can utilize their company's profile to promote mobile programs and initiate opt-in permissions for text message communications. Incentive marketing promotions can also be listed to encourage people to forward texting programs to their contacts.

Mobile and Main Street

Many cell phone networks are starting to offer Location-based services (LBS) as a way to send custom advertising and other information to cell-phone subscribers based on their current location. Laser focused tracking is possible down to the block and demographic targeting down to the make and model of the phone your prospect is looking at as they click your ad. Companies such as Foursquare, Gowalla and even Google Place pages are all developing innovative ways to connect with potential local customers.

Augmented reality systems are also in development that combines the physical real world with enhanced computer generated imagery. When combined with GPS and the cell phone camera people will be able to just point their phone at a specific location and get real time directions or other information like local restaurant reviews. Battery manufactures are also hard at work using nanotechnology to improve run time and recharge times. They are also developing alternative charging methods all in an effort to support the increasing demands placed on batteries.

Mobile presents an amazing opportunity for "main street" businesses because it will be as if they were walking around town with the prospect and leading them right into their business and right to the very product, service or meal they are looking for.

Revenue Producing Benefits

Businesses can now stay in touch with mobile users through various techniques resulting in improved efficiency with revenue producing benefits. We are on the crest of an exponentially increasing trend of mobile use and marketing through this channel is still new so there is little competition out there. There are simple very cost effective, turnkey systems available right now for anyone who wants to promote their business or who may be interested in starting one that easily lends itself to mobile commerce, such as an affiliate marketing program.

Small businesses can quickly kick off a simple mobile strategy almost immediately by using ultra cheap mobile ads utilizing specially designed "squeeze pages" that fit on a mobile device screen and only allow the user to either check out the product or exit the offer. They cannot "surf" around for alternatives. There are also very new mobile only CPA marketing networks and special You Tube for mobile video applications. All this combined with a targeted email campaign is generating skyrocketing conversion rates for those using them. Businesses that seize the moment will be riding this hi-tech tsunami wave straight to the bank.


Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/4903857

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Real Estate Mobile Marketing Strategy

National Association of Realtors, Washington, D.C., United States; (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Realtors are constantly seeking new ways to control business costs, in a slow market. Placing print advertisements, and printing up fliers to leave at listings, may eat a sizable portion of a realtor's budget. Fortunately, real estate mobile marketing, as part of an overall digital strategy, provides a no-paper, low-cost avenue for reaching potential clients. This type of marketing also helps realtors to be more proactive with advertising, rather than reactive.

Mobile marketing is defined as communicating with customers via a mobile device. This capability appeals to a clientele that is rapidly growing more technologically sophisticated. Realtors who have mobile capability may assist buyers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This availability gives the realtor a competitive advantage, in the recruitment and retention of clients.

Realtors are set back in a reactive position with print ads, and even with websites. In both cases, realtors have to wait for clients to contact them about the property. Even fliers will never be picked up unless a client actually sets up a property showing. Ideally, realtors should be able to proactively market their listings to potential clients. Mobile capability will give realtors a platform in which to be more assertive, while, at the same time, saving money.

Digital advertising may be realized in a number of ways. When realtors list a new property, for instance, they may choose to send the information to clients, using text messaging. Or, when an open house is about to begin, realtors could sent a text message to interested clients in their database.

Realtors should also take advantage of SMS. For instance, realtors could establish a service, in which clients could text a keyword to a specific number, and then receive property listing information, right on their smart phone. SMS would replace the hassle of printing and carrying fliers to every property site, producing a savings of both time and money, while still delivering a valuable service.

Advertising is only one aspect of an overall digital strategy. Many clients use their phones to look at property information online. For this reason, realtors should ensure that their websites are easily navigated with a smart phone, and that they do not publish too much Flash content. Additionally, good visuals on a website are important, and realtors may even consider adding a video element to their pages.

Of course, there are even less expensive alternatives for digital strategy. One idea is for realtors to list homes on real estate websites, like Zillow or Trulia. Both of these websites feature high-quality mobile applications, and are rich in visual features. Another idea is for realtors to use social media to communicate with their client base.

Real estate mobile marketing gives realtors new, fresh ways to reach out to potential clients. Web and phone-based services offer convenience to clients, at a low cost to realtors, thus helping them to recruit and retain more prospective buyers. Utilizing all of the capabilities of computers and smart phones allows realtors to match their services to the technological savvy of their client base.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/marketing/article_6720.shtml

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Mobile Advertising: Ways of Website Promotion

Mobile-phone-advertising (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The concept of mobile advertising is new in the world of advertisement. Mobile marketing can refer to two things: mobile advertising as in traveling or in constant motion of promotion like road shows and billboards, and the current one, mobile marketing SMS as in the use of mobile to build the customers. 

Mobile has twisted out to be a useful tool of advertisement with judicious of Short Message Service (SMS).Even though advertisers still desire the conventional means of advertising their products and services but the method of mobile marketing is becoming more accepted nowadays and is also generating more revenues. 

The very first definition is significantly categorized to the conventional medium of marketing, wherein a product or a service has to be advertised to an exact intention market or to a particular type of the populace, for instance, regular commuters or bystanders. This type of approach is pretty detailed in its choice as well as can be expensive. The mobile marketing SMS on the other hand is a rather fashionable and one of the latest methods of marketing that uses man's handiest device, the cell phone so to promote or advertise a particular service or products. It uses short codes assigned by mobile operators to all advertisers, and for these short codes can be collective by several small-time companies-it becomes cute cheaper. 

Mobile phone advertising has turn out to be really very popular with rise of SMS since early 2000. There are many types of mobile marketing. There is mobile marketing by MMS, Bluetooth, and Infrared, proximity systems, In-game marketing and web marketing. Mobile marketing SMS however is the most genuine and one of the most well-liked options for advertisers given that the big customer market in Europe, America and Asia owns more cellular phones than TV or radio. In Europe itself, more than 100 million of SMS publicity is sent each month. According to mobile statistics for the year 2009, about 2.1 billion of cell phone owners subscribe to SMS text messaging and 55% remark they use their handsets for business purposes. 

Under short code, SMS advertising can also be sent to e-mail, and to social networking sites, therefore increasing their fame and multiplying the number of their receivers. 

Almost all brand name companies as well gather reviews and reports from buyers and consumers through cellular phones, building it as one of the easiest method for the exchange of information amongst companies and its customers. Unlike with e-mail marketing, which by design brand the advertisements and endorsement as "spam," SMS advertising now has been more regularized and uniform, Transfer only data and updates to those who have willingly disclosed their personal information to the company, thus modifiable complaints from people who do not like to have unwelcomed and suspect promotional post in their cellular phones. According to statistics, 65% of e-mail is considered as spam, whilst 10% of SMS are branded as spam. 

At present, about one third of all mobile phone users use mobile phones that can allow them entrance to the internet, and it's expected to get superior in a year or so. There are also millions of persons each day charming in online chat through skype for instance who have 20 million of users each night and facebook who has 350 million of active members. Due to smartphones, the users are now enabled to access and to link to these sites via their cell phones. In reality, mobile marketing SMS is among one of the best choices for those who want to enhance their sales.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/marketing/article_6686.shtml

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