What is SMS Marketing?
SMS Defined: Short Message Service; a system used for sending text messages to and from mobile phones
SMS Messaging is one of the foundations of mobile marketing and currently has the highest reach, usage and ROI of any other mobile platform. Other types of mobile marketing include:
Apps
Bulk SMS modem
Mobile websites
Mobile Advertising
Social Networking
Benefits of SMS Marketing:
Simple, engaging and proven
Adds an interactive component to traditional media
Creates a two-way communication with your audience
Attention-grabbing: Users open virtually all SMS messages within seconds
Effective as a stand alone tactic or great add-on to existing media
Why SMS Works
Over 70% of all mobile subscribers in America use SMS on a regular basis.
There are 5 Billion mobile devices in world, 300 Million of which are in the U.S.
98% of devices can accept SMS messages
Feature phones -Comprise 60% of all devices - Average 705 SMS/month
Smartphones -Comprise 40% of devices -Average 705 SMS/month
Heavy users can average between 5,000-10,000 SMS/month
By 2011, Gen Y will outnumber Baby Boomers for first time – 96% of Gen Y have joined a social network
By 2012, Smartphone penetration will pass Feature phones
By 2013, more consumers will view the Web on a mobile device than on a computer
Basic Steps of SMS Software
Choose your keyword(s) and develop campaign
User responds and texts your keyword to a shortcode
User receives auto-response, confirming opt-in
Software adds users cell # and additional info to SMS database
You can now push text messages directly to your audience
Premium Features of the Software
Mobile Coupons
Create unique coupon codes for each recipient
Insert, send, & redeem the coupons
Mobile Voting
Ask multiple choice questions
Collect votes, mobile numbers, & replies (American Idol)
MMS (Picture & Video Texting)
Send multimedia content to mobile phones
Insert video, images, audio, & text
Text-to-Screen
Text comments to a screen in real-time
Great for tournaments & events