Websites are now a very common way for businesses to promote their products and services to existing and prospective customers. The widespread availability of broadband connection and ever lowering prices of PCs and laptops has made high speed internet access common for consumers of all types of brands.
However, there is another communication channel that reaches more customers than the internet – the mobile phone. No longer just a device for making and receiving calls and texts, the mobile phone is now emerging as a powerful marketing medium. Research consistently shows that the mobile phone is one of the key items we keep with us at all times, and the most common check when leaving the house these days is “keys, wallet (or purse) and mobile”.
SMS or text messaging both to and from customers is transforming from the simple ‘text to win’ premium rate competition activities to true one-to-one CRM. PC based software offers companies the opportunity to send mass personalised messaging, for example reminding them of appointments or service renewals.
The low cost of outbound messages (typically between 6p and 10p each), coupled with a guaranteed, fast delivery direct to the individual means it is a highly effective way of reaching your target audience. Additionally, readership of text messages is virtually 99%, so your message will get to the right person, quickly and be read.
Bluetooth® is a less well understood technology, but is rapidly becoming a valuable weapon in the marketing armoury. Put simply, the technology allows two devices to connect wirelessly and exchange data. The most common use of this technology is for hands-free use of mobile phones.
Bluetooth technology provides an opportunity to send messages to Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones within close range of the transmitter, which can be fixed or mobile. This can be a very effective tool for promoting products or services to potential customers within or near to a company’s premises. The messages are free to send and can be either text, graphic, audio or even video format.
For more information on how to integrate mobile marketing into your company’s activity programme, please contact Chris Hutchinson at Aardvark Consulting. |
