TXT NOW Text/SMS Message Marketing

The Hard Rock Café is using a new mobile tool to improve its customer service and increase customer loyalty.

For the SMS initiative, the Hard Rock Café tapped the new Web-based software from ReadyPing Inc., a service provider of wait-list management and text-message paging. Text-messaging has the potential to fundamentally shift the way restaurants and other service-driven retailers manage customer wait times.

“Rise Sushi was the first of approximately 100 restaurants that tested ReadyPing’s beta system after it was released in January 2009,” said Joe Sprovieri, founder/CEO of ReadyPing, Chicago. “We listened very closely to all of their feedback.

“We also worked with businesses in other industries that inquired about using our service,” he said. “As a result, a completely new software platform was developed that can be used by any business with waiting customers.

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/hard-rock-cafe-taps-sms-to-improve-customer-service/

by Mickey Alam Khan

In running a mobile coupon campaign, burrito restaurant chain Big City Burrito learned a valuable lesson: Be careful what you wish for.

The chain’s metropolitan Denver area mailed coupons to select residents offering a free burrito for texting in to a short code. What happened next at the three Big City Burrito restaurants is word of mouth at its best and mobile at its most enticing.

“Customers lining up to buy a burrito found out from others about the free offer, stepped out of line, texted and then stepped back into line,” said John Besley, owner of Money Mailer of Metro Denver.

“We had people broadcasting to their [mobile] address books,” he said.

By Giselle Tsirulnik

Mobile HomeStore

Ashley Furniture HomeStores generated $138,460 from a recent four-day “Secret Sale” advertised through an SMS and email campaign.

A whopping $85,438 was attributed to text messages. To quickly build its database, Ashley Furniture ran contests such as a free gas giveaway and a $500 weekly shopping spree, both encouraging users to opt into an SMS database for future offers.

“A few months ago, the corporate marketing folks began telling us about text message marketing and sharing some success stories,” said Charlie Malouf, co-owner and chief operating officer of Ashley Furniture of Charlotte, NC.

“At first I was pretty skeptical, because I thought text message marketing in the way that it was described to be was just annoying spam,” he said. “I did not realize it was all permission-based. That’s when my interest increased in this medium.

“I am still surprised that the text message marketing efforts performed so much better than the email marketing offer we had.”

By Giselle Tsirulnik

Popeye’s mobile coupon campaign that promotes the fast food chain’s three-piece chicken dinner has achieved a 54 percent double opt-in.

Cox Media is running television spots in Wichita, KS, encouraging consumers to text the keyword POPEYES to a short code (term for text phone number). Ping Mobile powered the campaign. Already 750 consumers have texted and more than 50 percent have opted in for future communications from Popeye’s.

“This type of mobile advertising campaign was a perfect fit for the Popeye’s stores in Wichita,” said Mike Orr, account executive at Cox Media.

“With the ability to directly engage clients with coupons and offers that provide the client with detailed feedback of what day of the week as well as what time of day that a response was generated from a product placed ad is a tremendous validation of return on investment,” he said.

Consumers that texted in received a message that said, “Show this msg at Popeye’s Chicken & get a FREE 2PC DINNER with your purchase of a 3 pc dinner & medium drink. Hurry into Popeye’s TODAY offer ends 7/31/09.”

Author: Robert Bentz

Philadelphia — Once considered a teenage fad, text messaging popularity in the United States is rising dramatically. Worldwide, according to the Mobile Marketing Association, 350 billion text messages are sent per month. Text messages, also known as SMS, are exchanged across the world’s networks with 15% of the messages being classified as commercial marketing messages.

In fact, text messaging is entering all aspects of our society, even relationships. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that nine percent of singles have even admitted to breaking up with their significant others via text message. This includes pop star Britney Spears who is said to have told Kevin Federline to hit the road via text message. Thirty percent of text users said that they’ve continued an argument by text message; probably part of the same group that ultimately contributed to the break ups.

But, text messages aren’t just about breaking up, they are about hooking up too. Bret Dunlap, owner of Advanced Telecom Services, said that his company has been providing dating services to newspapers and radio stations for 15 years. Advanced Telecom Services’ Matchlink brand has recently added a text dating service to go with its already existing online and telephone voice dating services. “It’s mostly the 18 to 24 crowd that uses the mobile text message dating service now,” said Dunlap.

The applications for text messaging promotions are also increasing just as quickly. Major League Baseball offers a text message service that enables its fans to catch up on the latest news and results of their favorite team. There are also custom cell phone wallpapers of team logos and unique actual game recorded play-by-play ringtones in the professional baseball offering. Two years ago, Live 8, which sponsored the single biggest text messaging promotion in history, garnered 26 million texts supporting increased government aid to poor African countries. The opportunities for promoters appear to only be limited by one’s imagination. In China, cell phone advertising is exploding, but it is slower to catch on in the United States despite the fact that many advertisers who have tried it have reported outstanding results.

One of the more interesting applications that we’ve seen is one being sold to radio stations by Chicago-based Spark Network Services. Spark offers a suite of text messaging products called PromoTXTRadio. The text messaging products allow radio stations to offer votelines, sweepstakes, song dedications, station play lists, traffic reports, and breaking news via text message. It even allows radio stations to offer their station jingles to be played as cell phone ringtones.

Still, Americans have a long way to go to catch their Asian brethren when it comes to the growing phenomenon of text messaging. CTIA-The Wireless Association, estimates that the average Chinese cell phone user sent 651 text messages last year compared to just 203 for US wireless users.

Recent news stories have reported a phenomenon that most knew existed: there is a gap in the use of text messaging between younger and older cell phone owners. Reports vary but indications are those 12 to 30 years of age account for 80% of text messaging usage.

Because of the instantaneous nature of texting and the tiny keypads and screens on a cell phone, an entire language has developed around text messaging. For those cell phone owners who do not make use of text messaging, the intricacies of this language can make messages almost incomprehensible. This language is abbreviated for speed and ease of use. It is a rather phonetic language where single letters or numbers may stand for entire words, such as “Y” for “why” or “8″ for “ate”. Vowels may be omitted to further reduce keystrokes, such as “btwn” for “between” and capitalization and punctuation are rare. Acronyms are used for phrases and whole sentences such as “ADBB” for “all done, bye, bye”. Symbols are also common in text messaging language.

Non-verbal communication such as facial expression and tone of voice have been said to express more meaning than words themselves in a spoken message. In any form of written communication this is lacking. This is particularly true in text messaging. Knowing whether the phrase “thts gr8t” (that’s great), is expressing something positive or sarcastic is important when communicating. Texting allows the user to create “emoticons” or “smileys” to add the tone to a comment. For instance, “thts gr8t ” would give the statement a positive meaning while typing “THTS GR8T” would indicate a shout for excitement.

Because of the uniqueness of the communication, those who do not make use of messaging on their cell phone are at a loss then for understanding or communicating in this texting language: the language of their children, grandchildren, younger co-workers, and many others. Certainly knowing the language of those with whom there is a need to communicate is a tremendous advantage.

Text messaging with a cell phone can offer other advantages that non-users might want to consider as well. Text messaging is less expensive than talk time and allows the user to communicate basic messages without incurring unnecessary expense. Text messaging can also be a great way of remaining accessible without creating a disturbance. Obviously, when taking a cell phone call in a meeting or in a crowded area, all those nearby are disrupted as the call is answered and conversation ensues. With text messaging others are seldom aware that an interruption has even occurred. One other distinct advantage of text messaging over voice calling can be the ease of communicating via cell phone with a person who has hearing impairment.

There are a number of ways to dive into the world of cell phone texting. One method used by many parents is to consult a child who is a habitual user of text messaging. However, for those on their own in the endeavor there are many resources to consult. Online, netlingo.com and webopedia.com provide references to assist cell phone owners in learning the vocabulary of text messaging. Another site, lingo2word.com offers a translator to assist cell phone owners in composing a text message or to translate a text message they receive into plain English. Other sites can assist with texting in other languages such as Transclick.com which, for a fee, will translate text messages in real time. A visit to the local bookstore or to Amazon.com will also reveal a number of reference books that can be invaluable for beginners.

Certainly, use of text messaging can be a challenge for those who are unaccustomed to what at first glance appears to be a more impersonal method of communication or for whom it may merely be a foreign or unnecessary concept. However, learning and using text messaging can certainly open the doors of communication to a broader audience just as learning any second language.

Author: Christine Peppler

Text messaging has become one of the latest fads of today. It just makes life a little easier, not to mention that it is a whole lot more fun than talking on the phone. Text messaging is quick, simple, and best of all silent. Why is silent the best? Well, say, for instance, you are in a meeting, someone has an important message for you that you must get right away. Would you rather someone call your cell phone and interrupt the meeting or send a text message that not only allows the meeting to keep going uninterrupted, but also gets the message to you right away.

Text Messaging and Teens

Text messaging is probably the most popular in the teen generation of today. With “texting” you can send fun, cute, or flirty messages right over the cell phone and go on about your day. Teens are really into the text messaging thanks to the ability to shorten messages with fun abbreviations, as well as the fact that they can be personalized with pictures, graphics, music, icons, and even video.

Why do teens and texting go together so easily? Well, teens have come up with a variety of reasons for text messaging. For example, if they are in trouble with their parents and cannot talk on the phone, they can send a quick text message to all of their friends, letting them know not to call. Perhaps a girl or a boy has a crush on another person, well instead of being shy and embarrassed to pick up the phone and call, they may send a text message instead.

For teens texting is just fun, new, and exciting.

Text Messaging and Business

Texting is not just for the kids however. Today businesses are using it more often for a variety of different reasons. They can be used to communicate with family, friends, partners, colleagues, and even customers and clients. Let’s take a look at some of the great ways text messaging and business go together:

*Meeting Reminders
*Appointment Reminders
*Important Business Information for employees
*Business Contacts
*Confirmation
*Advertisement
*Promotions
*Sales
*Sales Confirmation

In business, it can be of great use. You can, with permission, send new promotions, advertisements, and sales to the cell phone of your clients and customers. This works well, especially if you have permission to send the messages, because not everyone appreciates telephone calls in their busy lives. Furthermore, clients and customers may not have the time to listen to a lengthy telephone call, telephone message, or even read any mail you might send. A text message is quick and to the point.

Text messaging is a great way to follow up with a potential client or customer as well. For example, after the initial meeting with a potential client, you could send a text message thanking them for meeting with you and provide your contact information.

There are so many beneficial advantages to using text messaging within a business that it would be impossible to list them all. However, it is important that you understand just what texting can do for your business, clients, and customer service.

Text Messaging and Family

Along with the teens and businesses, texting with family is a great value as well. Text messages can work great within the family to remind loved ones of appointments, dinner, schedule changes, or even just to say hi. Many families use texting just because it is easier than trying to reach each other on the phone, particularly if one is at school or work at the time.

You could text message dad to remind him about soccer practice. If your rehearsals end early, you can text message to let your parents know it is time to pick you up. If you are wondering what to get for dinner, you can text message the family to ask for suggestions. If you need your husband or wife to pick up something on the way home, you can text message them to ask them.

Text messaging essentially makes everyone’s life easier. Most all cell phones today feature text messaging capabilities. Furthermore, most cell phone companies offer a variety of packages, that include text messaging. Why wait? Start messaging today.

Author: Adrian Adams

According to the data from Communities-dominate blogs, the frequency of txt / sms messaging is mind blowing!  Here are some numbers to put the 2.4 Billion (with a B) mobile phone users worldwide into perspective:

• 800 million automobile owners
• 1.3 B people who have a fixed land line
• 1.5 people own televisions
• 1.4 Billion people have credit cards
• 850 million people own PC’s
• 1.1 Billion people have Internet accounts
• 85 million people own iPods
• 200 million gaming units were shipped in 2006
• 300 million digital camera were shipped in 2006

• There are 2.7 Billion Mobile Phones in use right now
• 950 million mobile phones were sold last year world wide
• In 2006 the subscriber base grew from 2.1 billion to 2.7 billion.

This is not a segment of the market that can be ignored!  To reach the mobile phone subscribers quickly & effortlessly and provide them with the information that they want and need right now – you have to be able to communicate with them on the medium they know and love:  Their PHONE!

USA has reached 75% penetration for mobile phones
* The Western European average per capita penetration for mobile phones is already 110%
* Italy, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Israel have penetration rates at about 140%
* China adds 6 million phones every month, India adds 7 million phones every month.
* Finland, Norway, Denmark and Portugal – each countries with 120% or more penetration rates – Mobilephones are less than 6 million units total.
* SMS Messaging Is Biggest Data App On Planet
* On the internet there are about 1.5 billion e-mail boxes, maintained by about 800 million people.
* 1.8 billion people are doing SMS texting.
* Last year over 42% of Americans were active in SMS already
* E-mail is opened in 24 hours and replied to in 48 hours.
* SMS is read within 15 minutes on average and responded within 60 minutes.
* 65% of e-mail is spam, less than 10% of SMS is spam.
* In South Korea five separate credit card services are available on the three mobile networks
* In South Korea almost 100% of credit card based point-of-purchase sites accept payment via mobile phone credit (and charge) cards
* Two years from launch almost 10% of South Korean phone users watch digital broadcast TV on their phones
* The Pop Idol formats have earned a windfall of over 700 million dollars out of text messaging votes
* In 2005 already half of all phones sold were cameraphones so cameraphones outsell digital cameras by more than 4 to 1 .
* There are 3.2 Billion to 3.8 Billion radio users.
* 73% of the population now uses the mobile phone as their portable clock.
* 2.7 Billion phones in active use. There is a subscription for 40% of the planet’s population.
* The mobile telecoms industry earned 725 Billion dollars last year.
* Global music industry earns 16% of its revenues from mobile phones (mostly ringing tones);
* Videogaming earns 14% of its global revenues from mobile.
* Mobile telecom growth in dollar terms, from 2005 to 2006, was 105 billion dollars.

Find out how to get information into the hands of your customers by contacting TxtNOW today!

SMS fuels the growth of the mobile Internet
By ICTWorld, 22 February 2007

The advent of the mobile Internet has not slowed the growth of SMS. If anything, SMS is fuelling the mobile Internet.

“Accessing the mobile Internet using hyperlinks sent via SMS is the norm for delivering rich mobile content, applications or services. Evolving cell phone design and new business models has led to the convergence of these technologies,” says Dr Pieter E. Streicher, MD of Bulksms.com, a wireless application service provider.

Early handsets only recognised a phone number. Then phone enhancements identified an e-mail address or Internet link in a message. Today, phones automatically highlight phone numbers, e-mail addresses and Internet links in a SMS. There have also been improvements in the handling any type of Web site as phones have their own browsers.

“In the days before the mobile Internet, if a phone was not WAP-compatible then it could not display content. Now, all you need to do is click on the hyperlink within the SMS to access mobile content,” says Streicher.

The mobile entertainment industry has led the way in delivering music, videos and games using SMS hyperlinks. Businesses are catching on to using SMS as a cost effective and efficient means to deliver content to mobile phone users, download applications, or initiate viral marketing campaigns. In the latter case, consumers access rich content (such as an advert) via an SMS link and send on the campaign link to their friends. The benefit to the consumer is that the link is sent at the cost of a SMS rather than a MMS.

A good example of a business model maximising on the integration of SMS and mobile Internet is Jamble, a South African social networking service. Users access Jamble by sending a SMS to a shortcode. A WAP link is delivered to the user’s phone and the user clicks on it to open a page on the mobile Internet.

This WAP page allows users to subscribe to Jamble and begin creating a network of friends, send messages or use instant chat, share photographs and video clips, or download wallpapers and tones. Thereafter, Jamble provides alerts to new messages by sending an SMS with a link.

According to Streicher: “The cell phone is all about the immediacy and convenience of mobile communications. The integration of SMS and the mobile Internet takes this a step further by providing consumers with a ubiquitous means of accessing mobile content, applications and services.”

Snapple Builds Mobile Market
Source: Frost & Sullivan

One example of how well mobile marketing can succeed was a campaign that Enpocket put together last summer for the beverage company Snapple.

The campaign, under the promotion name “Snaffle,” involved the printing of 225 million bottle caps with numbers that could then be matched with winning Snaffle numbers. The winning numbers were announced on TV, on the Internet and delivered via text messages to handsets. Prizes included a trip to Australia.

Enpocket delivered the SMS alerts to customers who opted in to the campaign. The alerts were timed during the lunch hour, identified as the peak purchase time for Snapple.

Enpocket says 90 percent of all consumers who received the alerts opened them and an estimated 33 percent of those who participated bought additional Snapple products as a result.

Click here to learn how your company can benefit from TXT/SMS Marketing.