Short Message Service (SMS) is the mechanism behind text messaging for mobile phones. This globally accepted wireless service enables the transmission of alphanumeric and small non-text messages to and from mobile devices as well as fixed-base and wireless sources and destinations via mobile phones for mobile marketing, text broadcast and more.
An SMS message is transmitted using short bursts of data that require very low bandwidth. Nearly all cell phones in use in the US today, some 255 million of them, can receive text messages.
Since alphanumeric messaging capability is now standard in all mobile handsets, text-based messages are the most popular type of SMS communications. A single SMS text message can be up to 160 characters in length. These 160 characters can be any combination of words, numbers or symbols that can be based on a text-phonic language which allows fewer keystrokes. Just think of what one can do with a QWERTY keyboard.
SMS offers a variety of marketing applications, from mobile coupons, text alerts, viral promotions, mobile broadcasts, bounce ads, free tickets, etc. Its low-cost, high-penetration and high-retention offers a wealth of marketing opportunities to businesses, fund raising groups, institutions, political organizations, and much more.
There are a variety of applications for using Text Messaging for Business. Here are some examples:
TV-Stimulated Voting: American Idol and Star Search are two examples of interactive TV programs that use SMS to engage viewers and solicit votes to select winners of their shows. Can you see how powerful mobile marketing is?
Real Estate Alerts: Customers can subscribe to a service that sends alerts when new properties get listed in their desired market/category. This is a hot one due to the real estate market.
Ticket Sales: Customers can buy airline tickets via their mobile handsets. The ticket is issued in the form of an SMS message which the customer presents with their phone when they check in. Also works for theater tickets, sports events, etc.
Non-Text SMS
SMS is not just for text messaging. Any information that can fit into 160 bits can be delivered by SMS on a small screen. Non-text SMS messaging enables the transmission of comparatively richer messages that can contain a combination of simple melodies (ring tones) and simple graphics (black and white admoticons) to compliant devices.
Screen Coupons
A Screen Coupon mobile advertising is a simple, small, bitmap-based advertising message that is just a little bigger than a postage stamp with a certain codes, about half the size of a regular business card. A screen coupon is an ad message with a built-in promotional value. It may offer a store discount, free gift, free admission to an event, and even include a UPC code. To redeem, a customer must simply show the coupon on their mobile phone. What an awesome way to introduce mobile marketing in your business.
For more information please visit our website: www.2mobile2go.com and www.2gomobile2.com – blog: 2mobile2go.wordpress.com – we are mobile @ www.2mobile2go.mobi via your mobile phone. Mark Watt is president of M&B Media Group located in Raleigh NC and has 10 years of experience in the telecom industry. Mark can also be reached via mobile @ 919.328.0133
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