| The next big trend in marketing is mobile | | | | that can send to any U.S. carrier. This is key since |
| marketing - that is marketing to consumers via | | | | number portability makes carrier data by |
| wireless phones. The most cost effective way | | | | customer unreliable. |
| for a business to implement a mobile marketing | | | | Once you set up your account your goal should |
| strategy is sending text message advertisements. | | | | be to quickly build your opt-in list. Do this by |
| According to the CTIA Wireless Association, 223 | | | | creating an appealing offer to your existing |
| million U.S. wireless subscribers, send roughly 18.7 | | | | customers. You can run a sweepstakes, offer |
| billion text messages every month (Source The | | | | instant savings or offer savings on a future |
| vast majority of these messages are | | | | purchase. Always put an expiration date in your |
| non-commercial, but this will soon change. | | | | offer as to create a sense of urgency. State |
| Text messages, also known as SMS messages, | | | | your business name and location so consumers |
| are considered highly personal in nature. As such | | | | know whom to patronize. |
| advertisements sent via text message have | | | | Use your text messaging campaign to leverage |
| great impact with consumers. When recipients | | | | other marketing efforts. Place your keyword call |
| opt-in to your campaign, they will be expecting | | | | to action in your flyers, print ads and radio |
| your messages and excited to receive your alerts | | | | promotions. To launch your campaign simply direct |
| and special offers. | | | | your customers to text your keyword to the |
| To initiate a text message advertising campaign | | | | supplied number. For example "Text EAT99 to |
| you will need to build a messaging gateway | | | | (214)686-9411 to save 1.00 off your next |
| (expensive) or set up an account with a company | | | | purchase". In this example the keyword is EAT99. |
| that specializes in message delivery (very cost | | | | Try to make your keyword as short as possible |
| effective). It's best to work with a company that | | | | to make it easier for your customers to key in. |
| specializes in text message advertising, as the | | | | Since wireless carriers typically only allow text |
| implementation will be very easy. The cost will | | | | message lengths of 140 to 160 characters, keep |
| usually be by the message and range from .001 | | | | your text message advertisements to 140 |
| cents to as high as .15 cents per message. Blitz | | | | characters or less. |
| Mobile features unlimited messages on all plans. | | | | Finally there are legal considerations. You must |
| Costs will be significantly higher if you want a | | | | provide a clear and easy way for consumers to |
| custom number or short code (5 to 6 digit | | | | opt out of your campaign. For example "Text |
| number). In most every instance a virtual (a.k.a. | | | | STOP EAT99 to (214)686-9411 to stop receiving |
| shared) number will work perfectly fine. Long | | | | messages." You will also need to inform your |
| codes (typical 10 digit U.S. numbers) are better | | | | message recipients that they may receive a per |
| since most consumers are already familiar with | | | | message charge from their wireless carrier. |
| them. The final criteria you will want is a provider | | | | |