| According to the International Telecommunication | | | | message they receive. It is easy to simply delete an |
| Union, the number of people in the world with cellular | | | | email based on its subject line or sender, but SMS |
| phones will top 5 billion this year. The population of | | | | messages are inherently shorter and easier to read in |
| the world is roughly 6.5 to 7 billion. Clearly, cell phones | | | | their entirety. While the message may ultimately be |
| have rapidly become a worldwide phenomenon. This | | | | deleted, chances are that the recipient will first read |
| calculates to huge potential for marketers, considering | | | | the message and then decide what to do. |
| that most phones also include SMS capabilities. SMS | | | | SMS marketing is also more personal than email or |
| marketing is a hot, new tool for engaging with | | | | other forms of marketing. Customers have the |
| prospective customers. Like cell phones, bulk mobile | | | | option of responding to the text, so they can more |
| marketing is becoming more popular as it is a fast | | | | easily offer feedback. This builds the |
| and effective way for businesses to advertise their | | | | business-customer relationship which leads to |
| services. | | | | company loyalty. Messages may also be personalized |
| So what makes SMS marketing different from email | | | | by location, gender or whichever characteristics you |
| marketing? And what is it exactly that makes mobile | | | | choose. Engage potential customers by appealing to |
| marketing effective? | | | | their interests and send them relevant information. |
| First, people are almost always in possession of their | | | | Another advantage of bulk sms marketing is the |
| mobile phones. For marketers, this means that | | | | ease with which it can integrated into previously |
| messages are received and read almost | | | | existing campaigns. Text messages are a necessary |
| instantaneously. Time-sensitive messages are | | | | part of a successful campaign, but bulk SMS |
| delivered without stress, and messages are almost | | | | marketing isn't time-consuming or difficult to manage. |
| certainly received. Recipients can also pass along | | | | Messages may only be 160 characters, but used the |
| messages to friends or family. For example, if you | | | | right way, these short messages are hugely |
| send a coupon code to certain customers they then | | | | beneficial. This rapidly expanding marketing channel is |
| have the option of forwarding along the savings to | | | | powerful, sophisticated, interactive and highly |
| their contacts. | | | | personal. Include SMS marketing in your marketing |
| Similarly, most people tend to read every text | | | | campaign to see results. |