Archive for the ‘Business’ Category

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Black Friday Can Be Anyday for Mobile Shoppers

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Shoppers are taking notice this year that “Black Friday” is becoming more of an idea than an actual day. No longer relegated to early risers, Black Friday has become more accessible in recent years to late night shoppers on Thanksgiving night, as well as online shoppers who want the deals but not the lines. This year several large retailers have announced Black Friday sales to begin even earlier on Thanksgiving evening, and many have even offered their Black Friday sales online before Thanksgiving.

How have these holiday sales trends affected mobile? The pressure to publicize sales early is intense this year, as companies are broadening their marketing strategies to include a wide variety of mobile communications in an attempt to engage as many people as possible. People who prefer to shop through their mobile device will find an app and/or customized mobile site for most of their favorite stores this year, as well as an abundance of opportunities to sign up for text alerts and coupons.

An article in Mobile Commerce Daily refers to a recent InMobi study that estimates 60 million people will shop via mobile this Thanksgiving weekend.

While Cyber Monday has been seen as the online equivalent of Black Friday, the 2011 season promises to see some blurring of the distinction; consumers shopping outside their homes are likely to use their mobile devices to research products, compare prices, find store locations, and make purchases.

Walgreens offers one example of how mobile technology will be incorporated into the onsite shopping experience. Mobile Commerce Daily reports that beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Walgreens will make mobile coupons available to smartphone owners. The coupons can be quickly and easily downloaded onto a customer’s smartphone and then scanned at the point of sale. This is likely to make the in-store shopping experience more convenient and appealing than in years past, and requires none of the printing and clipping that tends to discourage paper coupon usage. The article also reports that mobile shoppers will also be able to view the weekly ads and browse products from their smartphones, as well as sign up for promotions via text alert.

Companies that can think creatively about how to incorporate mobile into their holiday offerings have the best chance of staying competitive throughout the season.

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Deciding Between a Mobile Site and an App For Your Next Marketing Movie

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Businesses looking to expand and evolve their mobile marketing campaign may wonder whether their budget is better directed into development of a mobile website or a mobile app. While apps are offered by many large brands and offer a rich and interactive experience for the user, they are not always the better option over websites. If you lack extensive programming know-how and are trying to keep your marketing campaign on a budget, you may need to consider the relative benefits of each in making a choice.

If you want to reach the widest possible audience, a website will be more successful than an application. Apps are typically device-specific, meaning you would need to hire a programmer to develop a separate app for each brand of smart phone out there if you want it to be useable by all smart phone owners. Websites on the other hand, reach every mobile user and don’t require any special downloads to access. Websites, therefore, are usually cheaper to create and you may even be able to do it yourself.

Websites also typically cost less to maintain because, unlike apps, they usually do not need to be updated every time a device is updated and do not need to change with each generation of smart phone. And if the site is specifically customized for mobile usage, it may be able to offer user experience that rivals that of some apps.

Experts estimate that a mobile website can reach at least 90% of smart phone users, whereas an app will likely reach only about 40%. If your company is still building its mobile campaign, mobile marketing wisdom suggests that you begin with a website and consider developing an app later according to traffic, consumer reception, and demand.

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TextBoard Weekly Wrap-up

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Demand for Mobile Technology Continues to Grow in Countries with Emerging Economies

Technology industry leaders who study the outlook on mobile technology in emerging markets such as India and China are pointing out the rapid proliferation of mobile technology among consumers. Even higher than the demand for internet-based information is the demand for mobile-based communication; this means that marketers and media and technology innovators who want to reach the growing middle class on a global level should focus heavily on mobile technology. Specialists indicate that the trend in emerging markets is to leapfrog over some of the online-based innovations that we take for granted and go straight to full mobile adaption, as the demand for more mobile features continues to grow.

OIR CEO Justin Rockwell Nominated for Technology Award

The Grand Strand Technology Council has just announced the nominees for this year’s Technology Leadership & Innovation Awards, and the council named Justin Rockwell, CEO of OIR Interactive, a nominee for the award in Technology and Service Advancement. The awards granted by The Grand Strand Technology Council are intended to recognize outstanding technology innovators in the Grand Strand region.

There will be three awards given, and each category has between six and eight nominees. Winners will be selected this month and announced at a public ceremony on November 17 at the Horry Georgetown Technical College Conference Center.
OIR Interactive has been a leading technology and mobile marketing innovator in the Myrtle Beach area for over seven years. The company specializes in many aspects of technology-based marketing, including mobile website development, email and online marketing, and implementation of the unique, highly innovative SMS application, TextBoard, which allows businesses to launch text message campaigns that broadcast discounts and promotions directly to consumers’ cell phones. TextBoard was developed by Rockwell in-house, and offers detailed analytics to help businesses not only build their subscriber database, but understand the interests and shopping habits of their users as well as the effectiveness of each ad campaign.

Congratulations to Rockwell and OIR on being recognized for helping to bring creative mobile technology advancements to our area!

Using Mobile to…Eat and Drink?

We already know that much can be done from a mobile phone, with its capabilities growing yearly. Yes, talking, texting, shopping, emailing, browsing, photo sharing, and working, of course. But new initiatives are emerging that would allow people to order and purchase foods and beverages from the convenience of their phones.

According to recent articles on Mobile Commerce Daily, Coca-Cola is conducting a trial in partnership with Google Wallet to allow thirsty consumers to use their mobile device to pay for a soft drink at one of its designated vending machines. And Live Nation is turning to mobile to boost not only its sale of concert tickets, but of concessions as well. Live Nation observed that many spectators used their mobile devices during a concert or event for text, email, and networking. Taking advantage of the mobile usage during shows, Live Nation began testing a feature that allows people to order concessions over their device and then pick it up in a shorter express line.

No one likes to wait in long lines. And thanks to the widespread use of debit, credit, and ATM cards, people already carry around far less cash than they used to, and certainly less change, so these ideas seem like timely ones that offer convenience for consumers and make more use of the technology upon which we have all come to rely.

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Smart Phone Usage Grows and Creates More Multimedia Advertising Opportunities

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Advertisers would be wise to note the growing number of smart phone owners when strategizing the best mobile campaign. While still a minority in the U.S., smart phone owners are increasing their numbers quickly, and a recent Nielsen survey indicates that the majority of mobile phone subscribers aged 44 and under are now smart phone owners. Mobile users aged 25-34 account for the largest segment of smart phone users, so optimal marketing for this group requires an easily navigable mobile website that consumers can browse at any time.

A separate finding by Nielsen shows that many of these smart phone owners are multitaskers, using their mobile device while watching television. During their shows, people frequently use their phones and tablets to check email, visit social networking sites, browse content related and unrelated to their program, and research advertised products and deals. Interestingly, the study indicated no appreciable difference in the amount of online activity people conduct during their actual program and the amount conducted during the commercial, ultimately suggesting a fairly consistent level of engagement with their mobile devices throughout the entire program.

This can be good news for companies that rely heavily on TV advertising. The best marketing campaigns recognize the overlapping, multimedia nature of consumers’ mobile shopping habits and plan their marketing accordingly. Roughly 20% of smart phone and tablet users reported researching a product or ad during their TV viewing. Advertisers can translate data about mobile surfers who are willing to follow a TV ad to a mobile site into profitable results for its brand by recognizing, for one thing, that a customized mobile website is essential—one that is not just a scaled-down version of a desktop site, but takes into account the tactile nature of mobile usage and the limited screen size, and thus organizes its information in the most concise and efficient manner possible. And while simple-click checkout is always preferable for ensuring the consumer completes the purchase transaction, many mobile users prefer the “find location” feature, which enables them to browse products, conduct product research, or obtain coupons from their mobile device, but then purchase products on site and eliminate shipping costs.

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Holiday Shopping and Mobile Trends in 2011

Monday, November 7th, 2011

It’s that time of year again, and mobile shoppers and smart phone owners expect even more from retailers than last year. In preparing for the mobile-driven shopping trends this holiday season, keep in mind a few important ideas.

Money is Tight

Shoppers are always looking for the best deals, of course, but the difficult economy and the growing expectation of “daily deals” made popular by the many coupon services means that mobile shoppers have come to expect frequent discounts that allow people to stretch their money as far as possible. With the growing number of people who shop through their mobile devices, there couldn’t be a better time for companies to focus seriously on building their mobile subscriber list, and one of the best ways to do it is with text promotions.

Text message marketing is not only fast and effective for reaching interested consumers, but offers one of the highest redemption rates for the investment. For 2011, mobile marketers advise including a text offer in all types of advertising—TV, print, billboard, radio, etc. The ad should invite listeners and readers to text the company in exchange for a special, unique, and truly spectacular promotional offer. Mobile consumers are accustomed to receiving frequent discounts, so businesses must be sure that the offer is significant and noticeable. Once the user texts to receive the offer, he or she in turn becomes a subscribing member of the company’s marketing list and can receive offers in the future. Text marketing offers not only an immediate discount for the consumer, but a means of interaction with a brand and the possibility of continued loyalty.

Text Messaging Remains Highly Popular

As a method of communication, text messaging remains pervasive in almost all regions and demographics throughout the country. Through text-message marketing, retailers can take advantage of the ubiquity of mobile technology in a manner both fast and cost-effective, and one that invites participation from all shoppers, not just those with smart phones. Several large retailers have begun introducing QR codes in their ads to expedite the mobile shopping experience because QR codes allow users immediate information about a product and its features, availability, and pricing. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of Americans have the technology requirements to take advantage. Consequently, those types of ads end up reaching just a fraction of interested consumers. But virtually all cell phones have the ability to send and receive texts, and research shows that the number of people texting continues to grow. Text message ads that are strategically placed in malls, shopping centers, on billboards and on in-store displays are great ways to reach shoppers as they are actually shopping; these types of text-available discounts tend to have very high rates of redemption because of the immediacy and convenience.

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OIR Interactive Teams With Direct Air to Offer Flight Information Via Text Message to Myrtle Beach Travelers

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

OIR Interactive announces a new text alert program for Myrtle Beach air travelers flying Direct Air. Using OIR’s texting application TextBoard, Direct Air can contact passengers with up-to-the-minute text alerts containing important flight information. Direct Air, a Myrtle Beach-based charter carrier that offers flights to ten destinations from Myrtle Beach International Airport, will be able to send notifications via text message informing people about flight status, delays, cancelations, weather alerts, and more.

The use of text-message alerts among tourism-related industries has exploded in popularity over the last few years. OIR CEO Justin Rockwell believes that the new text alert program for Myrtle Beach will enhance travelers’ flying experience and eliminate some common frustrations. “We see this new use of our text application as an excellent service to travelers and vacationers. Text messaging is the fastest and most effective way to get concise information out to many people immediately, and this is especially helpful when you are dealing with time-sensitive flight alerts.” He also notes that hardly anyone travels without a cell phone, making text alerts the most useful and sensible way to reach people.

Direct Air flies tens of thousands of passengers to Myrtle Beach each year and has announced expanded service for 2011. Rockwell believes that an instant text-message program will help the carrier communicate relevant flight information to its growing client base. Rockwell also notes that the new text alert program will make information about flight status more accessible for not only the passengers, but also for the friends and family members expecting them. The application allows anyone to opt in to receive travel alerts.

In addition to broadcasting travel alerts, OIR’s application also allows Direct Air to promote destination offers to people while they are visiting Myrtle Beach. This is a SMS marketing opt-in program in which interested vacationers may sign up to receive texted promotions on their cell phones from partner businesses offering discounts on travel, accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Only interested vacationers who sign up for the program will receive the texts and can opt out at any time.

About Direct Air
Direct Air is an indirect air carrier that provides public charter flights and travel packages. Privately owned and managed, Direct Air has been offering scheduled public charter flight service since 2007. Direct Air is headquartered in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and operates a Reservation / Call Center in Beckley, West Virginia. The carrier serves the Myrtle Beach area with non-stop flight service to ten destinations.

About OIR Interactive
OIR Interactive is a marketing firm based in North Myrtle Beach. Since 2004, OIR Interactive has worked with hundreds of businesses to build websites, customize sites for mobile usage, manage email marketing, and provide text marketing services. OIR Interactive specializes in mobile marketing and has its own short code that is used by many different companies.

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Selling in 160 Characters or Less

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

When you’re promoting your company via text message, you’ve got exactly 160 characters to get your message across. You can’t afford to waste your time and money sending texts that don’t provide value.

Each message should accomplish one of two things. Either it should be a useful piece of information in itself, such as a breaking news update, or it should lead the customer to something useful elsewhere, like a link to a mobile website. If you don’t accomplish one or both of these ends, your customers will start opting out of your lists with a vengeance.

The first type of messages, texts that are useful in themselves, need to be carefully targeted. For example, if your lead list includes both consumers and business owners, don’t send information that’s useful only for small businesses to the entire group – you’re wasting your consumer customers’ time. Instead, construct sub-lists by using multiple keywords and encourage your customers to sign up for the most appropriate group or groups.

The second type of messages, the ones leading your customers elsewhere, can be even trickier to compose. Almost all of your “sales” texts will fall into this category. By sales texts I’m referring to messages that you are sending to directly promote your products and services.

You and your customers both know that the reason you’re sending text messages is to get people to buy your products. The unspoken covenant between you and the people on your opt-in list is that you will make it worth their while to receive your marketing messages by providing value in one form or another. It’s still not a good idea to rub your customers’ noses in the fact that you’re selling to them.

The trick is to present your sales texts as providing value to the recipient, even though your main reason for sending them is to provide value for yourself and your company. You can achieve this end by using the same bag of tricks that direct mail letter writers have been using for decades. The catch is that a direct mail package can run for pages and pages… whereas your text messages are only a sentence or two long.

When you’re limited to such a short block of copy, you must emphasize your message’s benefits. Features tell, but benefits sell… and they usually resonate with the customer’s emotions, while features resonate with their brains. Since most people buy based on emotions rather than logic, benefits are the way to go for sales texts.

When you’ve written up a text message, but before you send it out, read through it and ask yourself, “When I read this, is it obvious what’s in it for the customer?” If you can’t immediately perceive value, your customers certainly won’t be able to.

Let’s say you’re releasing a new model of your product… a widget that spins 20% faster than your prior model. You want to upsell your customers to the new model, and you decide to send a text that will direct your customers to the new product page on your website. Don’t send a text saying something like, “New model available, 20% faster, come and see,” because you haven’t listed any benefit whatsoever to the customer. Your text should read something like, “Save money on a brand new widget! Limited time only – 10% off when you upgrade to shiny new model.”

Now you’ve piqued the customer’s interest by showing what’s in it for them – a limited time offer (hence introducing urgency) that will save them money (benefit phrase). No doubt this kind of copy is on your widget sales page on your website, but if you don’t work it into the text message as well, your customers won’t get that far!

Finally, if you’re launching a new text message marketing campaign… test first! You wouldn’t send out a direct mail package without testing, would you? Work out at least two different versions of your texts and send out to your lists. You’ll be able to see which formats are most effective and which are a waste of your money.

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How to Create Compelling SMS Contests – Ideas and Case Studies

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011
SMS contests, such as “text to win,” are highly effective marketing vehicles. Compared to other types of contests or sweepstakes, SMS contests are easier for participants to enter and they can do so immediately, prompted by mass media ads, point-of-sale displays, promotions printed on packaging, etc. For marketers, SMS contests are also easier to implement: they’re quick to set up, allow you to immediately notify winners with a single text message (no need to worry if the contact information was correctly provided), and you can analyze the results of the contest in one digital file (no need to manually count entries or type results into a spreadsheet).

On top of all those benefits, SMS contests can be a very fun and engaging way for consumers to interact with your brand. Here are some case studies and ideas for developing an SMS contest or sweepstakes.

Case Studies

ArmenTel “Treasure Hunt” SMS Contest

ArmenTel (Armenia Telecommunications Organization) conducted an SMS contest campaign that prompted contestants to answer a series of questions via SMS, with each answer earning them points and bringing the participants closer to the hidden “treasure.” The campaign objectives were to generate brand awareness and differentiate ArmenTel from the competition, increase revenues, and increase usage of the company’s SMS services.

Over the course of the 90-day campaign, 8,000 prizes, ranging from gift certificates to new automobiles, were dispersed, with prizes given daily. The “Treasure Hunt” contest had a high participation rate of more than 11% of ArmenTel’s customer base.

The success of this SMS contest could be attributed to not only the strong rewards, but also the highly interactive and fun game-like nature of the campaign.
Source: http://mmaglobal.com/studies/armentel-%E2%80%9Ctreasure-hunt%E2%80%9D-sms-contest-velti

Owl City Gibson Guitar Giveaway

This contest for a Gibson guitar signed by Owl City’s lead singer was designed to grow the band’s fan base. The campaign used a combination of social media (MySpace bulletins, Facebook status updates) and SMS marketing. A mobile call to action was included in each creative execution (“Text @OWLCITY a message to 66937 to leave the band a message” and “Text OWNCITY to 66937 to join”), and users could also enter their mobile numbers into social media widgets to opt-in to the fan list. Participants could also “call Adam Young” (the lead singer) and leave him a personal message.

In the nine weeks of the campaign, Owl City grew its fan base by 52%. Even though there was a limited chance of winning (only one guitar given away), the campaign was successful because it integrated social media and mobile and there was a genuine opportunity for fans to interact with the band.
Source: http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/resources/case-studies/5152.html

SMS Contest Ideas

There are many opportunities to exercise creativity when it comes to developing your SMS contest. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

  • Poll the audience at a live event or show. Incorporate SMS voting with a contest that draws a random winner from the poll participants. During a conference, talk show, radio segment or other live event, for example, you can ask the audience what their thoughts are on a particular issue.
  • Ask users to rate something popular. Another interactive option is to ask users to text in their rating (e.g., from 1 to 10) of a song or a particular show episode, and give a prize to random draw winner or the 100th rater.
  • Hold a trivia contest. For example, at a sports game, give a prize to the first person to text in the correct answer to an obscure trivia question about the home team.
  • Challenge users to do something creative. Run a creative SMS contest that asks people to offer ideas for a new name for your product, a new flavor or new color or anything applicable. The prize for the best answer can be as simple as recognition for the winner on your website and Facebook page, the product itself, etc.

Tips for Implementing Your SMS Contest

Wherever possible and appropriate, have a poster or other sign with an example of the reply necessary for users to text in. Also specify how often winners are picked (e.g., “win daily”), how they’re picked (e.g., every 100th participant wins, random draw, best answer chosen by a panel of judges), and when the contest ends. Knowing all the details will help customers trust the contest and reduce the chance of confusion.

As with other SMS marketing efforts, encourage viral pass-along of the contest.

All contests should specify that “msg & data rates may apply”, per best of practice standards developed by the MMA. Definitely, however, avoid running sweepstakes that involve premium text messaging fees, where users are charged extra on their wireless bills — those kinds of SMS contests are often associated with scams.

Finally, announce winners on your website and social media outlets, reward winners as soon as possible, and let others know there will be future opportunities to win — prompting them to join your mobile marketing list, of course.

 

Posted in Business, Campaigns, How-to, Marketing | No Comments »

Using a Shared Short Code to Get Started Quickly With SMS Marketing

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Case studies of effective mobile marketing campaigns are becoming ubiquitous, and just a little research in the area reveals how crucial SMS has become to increasing profit, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. Of course, these case studies typically focus on large chains and brands, sometimes leaving to implication that only large businesses will benefit from mobile. The growth of qualified and competent application providers, however, makes SMS marketing not only available to businesses of any size, but makes SMS access easy and inexpensive, as well.

The biggest hurdle to getting started is knowing what to do first. Before a business can begin texting its customers, it must first obtain a short code (a number to receive texts) and secure a wireless carrier through an aggregator. This process takes months and cost thousands—no wonder many small businesses are reluctant to get started. If your business wants to explore the benefits of mobile without the large time investment and expense, consider an application provider that uses a shared short code. Not only is using a shared short code less expensive, but it allows you to get started right away; it also connects you to qualified professionals who can actually oversee and guide your marketing strategy, making sure you get the most for your money.

Implementing an SMS campaign requires a short code—a 5- or 6-digit number that receives texts. Unfortunately, getting a short code is not as easy as getting a phone number. A business must first go through the Common Short Code Administration to find a number to lease. The lease costs $500-$1000 per month and takes months to actually activate. For smaller businesses or those new to SMS marketing, it makes more sense to use a shared short code available through a mobile marketing firm.

OIR, for instance, has a shared short code that clients can begin using immediately. Because the number is utilized by several clients, the cost is substantially less. SMS campaigns are run through OIR’s application TextBoard, which provides comprehensive data about the effectiveness of each keyword and campaign. It provides automatic segmentation of subscribers according to various criteria, including texting frequency and indicated preferences, as well as a variety of campaign types: scheduled, staggered, voting, and contest.

Keep in mind that when choosing a shared short code to execute your SMS campaign, you may be limited in keyword choice since your campaign is being run concurrently with those of other businesses. But with many applications, you can purchase as many available keywords as you choose, making it easier for you to run simultaneous campaigns with different keywords in order to see which calls-to-action, in which advertising locations, work best for you.

Vitally important to your campaign’s success is choosing a reputable provider who knows and follows the regulations governing text marketing. Learning the regulations can be complicated and time-consuming; partnering with professional mobile marketers who stay on top of it alleviates your need to. And you make the most of your business’s marketing budget when you choose a company like OIR who specializes in marketing for mobile and can use their expertise to advise you on all aspects of your campaign.

SMS campaigns have shown to be very successful, but only when they are part of a larger marketing strategy with specific goals and measurable performance indicators. Professional mobile marketing firms who lease their own short code for their clients’ use allow you to get started quickly and cheaply without compromising integrity or campaign quality.

Posted in Business, Marketing | 1 Comment »

Research Study Shows Digital Coupon Users Are More Affluent and Educated

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

The recently released Digital Coupons Trends Report for 2010 from Coupons.com reports some very interesting data about consumers’ use of digital coupons and the digital coupon industry overall, including mobile coupons usage. Here’s why digital coupons are very valuable to both consumers and brand marketers.

Digital Coupons are the Fastest Growing Coupon Segment in 2010

More than $1.2 billion in digital coupons savings were issued from Coupons.com last year, representing a 41 percent growth over 2009. Compared to newspaper coupons growth, which was only 7 percent, digital coupons dramatically outpaced print by almost 6 times. Since Coupons.com is the largest online digital coupon network, this data is representative of the digital coupon industry overall.

We can also make a case that much of the online digital coupons data from this study might also be mirrored on the SMS or mobile coupon segment specifically. Steven Boal, CEO of Coupons.com, said that “more and more consumers are making digital coupons a part of their shopping routine, accessing them across the entire digital domain—including the Web, in social media, with consumer electronics, via their mobile phones, etcetera. At the same time, brand marketers are increasingly engaging with consumers via digital offers, wanting to influence shoppers throughout their path to purchase.”

Digital Coupons High Brow

Traditional coupons are perceived as low-brow. The research from this study, however, shows that digital coupon users are more educated and have higher household incomes than noth newspaper coupon users and the overall general public. Digital coupons, in other words, can help marketers reach an upscale market.

Digital coupon users have an average household income of $105,000 — 26% higher than the U.S. average. 36% of them have a college degree, compared to 28% of those who use newspaper coupons and 26% of the general population.

Digital Coupons Help Marketers Reach Non-Print Users

Over 16% of the US population — more than 49 million Americans — now use online coupons. Moreover, nearly one-third of these consumers say they haven’t read or looked into the Sunday newspaper in the last 6 months.

Mobile Coupons Serve Up Grocery Savings to Consumers on the Go

The top categories for coupons accessed via mobile phones include cereal, snacks, and household items.

It should be noted, however, that most other categories outside of the grocery store also have high redemption rates. One Dunkin’ Donuts SMS coupon marketing campaign, for example, generated a 21% offer redemption rate.

High mobile coupon usage is seen even in cities — such as Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia — that aren’t ranked high on the Top 20 Frugal U.S. Cities list. There are heavy mobile coupon users in all regions of the country as well.

Digital Coupons’ Future Is Tied To Mobile

While digital coupons in general are being adopted very rapidly, it’s fair to say that increased mobile usage will drive future digital coupon use. Coupons.com’s report highlighted NFC (near field commmunications) and RFID (radio frequency identification) technologies in mobile devices, as well as the growing mobile apps category, that enable easier coupon redemption at point of sale.

If your organization doesn’t utilize mobile coupons or send SMS marketing offers yet, now may be the time to consider it, since research proves that digital coupon users are a high value market.

Coupons delivered via SMS or mobile apps can help marketers drive customers to retail locations, improve offer redemption rates, launch new products, and increase customer loyalty. If you add in-store advertising that informs users to text in for a mobile coupon they can redeem right there and then, you’ll not only improve sales but can add new mobile marketing list subscribers (with their opt-in permission). Because text messages are convenient and easy for mobile users to forward, SMS coupons also tend to be virally shared as well — making the ROI of a mobile coupon program even higher.

 

Posted in Business, News, Statistics | No Comments »

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