While the consumer is cleaning up after Valentine’s Day and putting it on the mental backburner until next February, restaurants and retail stores are taking a closer look at the impact of mobile marketing on Valentine’s Day, particularly on those who procrastinated their Valentine shopping.

Google published a study last week on their blog illustrating the degree to which consumers procrastinated, and the role mobile played in saving the day. On Valentine’s Day itself, Google found that mobile claimed 62% of popular restaurant searches, meaning lovers were already out and about before Romeo selected his Valentine restaurant choice.

In the week leading up to Valentine’s Day searches on these same restaurants represent a 359% growth on mobile phones, compared to the 142% growth on desktop and 135% on tablets. Google attributes mobile phone’s huge lead over PCs and tablets to be related to their convenience, location based recommendations and diverse capabilities. Once Romeo has selected his restaurant choice, the click-to-call or click-for-directions function allows him to call and make reservations and get directions all from the same screen.

Mobile phones did more than help book last minute dinner reservations; Google’s report went on to show that during this same period, searches for florists increased by 227%. On Cupid’s actual day, consumers were 560% more likely to use the click-to-call function, and 514% more likely to use click-to-get-directions to nearby florist over previous weeks.

These are impressive numbers, considering that only about 1/3^rd of Americans own high-end smartphones with search capabilities. As the percentage of cell phone owners move toward smartphones, the mobile connection will be more important than ever for companies and businesses during the holiday seasons, but on an every day basis as well.

In the meantime, businesses wanting to reach a larger slice of the mobile market have found SMS messaging to be an easy and efficient way to reach the entire mobile phone market, from smartphones to basic phones. SMS is the common denominator in the mobile phone market. To date, 73% of cell phone owners send and receive text messages. SMS marketing campaigns allow customers who have opted-in to receive notifications, updates, coupons and discounts directly to their phones. Many of these text messages contain a link leading those consumers with smartphones to their mobile website where they can access even more information or the option to call the company or get directions. However, even the most basic SMS plan engages customers on a more personal basis and enables businesses to connect to their customers outside of their actual store in creative and innovative ways, thus allowing customers a more personal perspective on the company.

Help your customers fall even more in love with you and your company, start your text marketing campaign today! Click here to learn more about Qittle, and SMS messaging today and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge!

The cell phone is responsible for revolutionizing advertising. Mobile marketing is changing the marketplace today, right now – in this moment. Campaigns are being born, consumers are texting about, Facebooking about or Tweeting about companies – whether the owners know about it or not. The mobile networking is determining to some extent the success of your company and that of
all your competitors in the marketplace.

To underline the degree to which the market has changed and is changing everyday, Cisco, in a Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update released this week, predicted that mobile devices would outnumber the world population by the end of the year. By 2016 there will be 1.4 mobile devices per person, reaching approximately 10 billion mobile devices worldwide. For the fourth year in a row, mobile traffic doubled and is projected to grow and another 18-fold by 2016, reaching 130 exabytes/year or the equivalent of 813 quadrillion text messages.(arstechnica.com)

If these statistics seem overwhelming, consider that currently, people already use their cell phone 2.7 hours per day to socialize, more time than the average person spends eating and 1/3 the amount of time they spend sleeping. Fifty percent of mobile users perform search functions, and 25% use their mobile device to find, order or decide on dining options. While almost 30% of mobile users are open to scanning mobile tags to receive text coupons, updates or discounts. (Smartinsights.com).

These huge demands are already exacting their toll on mobile providers, forcing providers themselves to project increasing network speed by nine times by 2016. Although the service providers are looking toward the future and the effects of this exponential growth – the question remains, are business owners themselves absorbing this market change and adapting accordingly? This astronomical growth of the mobile marketplace mandates not only accommodations by network providers, but also a change in the way companies and advertisers reach out to their customers. While traditional media outlets continue to reach a portion of the population, mobile networks offer the opportunity to reach all customers in a single text message. As the old adage says, ‘If you can’t beat ‘em – join ‘em.’ The time has come for you to consider how your company can use the mobile revolution to communicate with customers and offer loyal customers incentive to be even more loyal.

Qittle would love to help you reimagine your marketing campaign. Mobile marketing is less expensive and far more effective than the traditional television, radio or newspaper ad. Start offering your customers the opportunity to opt-in to your mobile campaign today, and get your first month of service with Qittle completely FREE of charge. Click here to get started now!

The Guardian, US News Blog reported on a study by the National Retail Federation projecting that the total spending on Valentine’s Day this year will be around $17.6 billion, an average of $126 per person, an 8.5% increase over last year, and an all time high. Across the board this year consumers are feeling the love, for their significant other, their children, friends, family members and even their pets. While consumers are wondering how to spoil their beloved(s) this year, companies are trying to ensure that their customers bring that love to their establishment.

The candy, and flower industries benefit the most from the Valentine’s Day retail boost. One thousand one hundred seventy-seven U.S. manufacturing establishments produce chocolate and non-chocolate confectionary items each year. Alongside this $12.6 billion dollar industry, the flower industry pulls in a respectable $375 million dollars annually as well. Both of these industries target a very specialized demographic of shoppers and depend heavily on seasonal sales. Developing a personal relationship with these customers is critically important in niche markets such as these.

Mobile marketing campaigns are an excellent tool with which companies can build on these relationships, communicating information about product in stock, offering discounts or coupons via text message to reward loyal customers first.

Some companies in the floral industry have used mobile messaging to remind customers of upcoming holidays, offering a floral special and then asking the customer if they would like to order flowers for this occasion. A quick text message reply is incredibly easy, enabling the customer to save money on a great bouquet and remove the time consuming process of calling the florist, choosing the flowers and placing the order. Perhaps a customer has a favorite flower, or a specific floral arrangement in mind, the gentle reminder from the florist prompts them to place a call with their order. In this way florists can reward their loyal customers, and pin down firm orders for floral arrangements well in advance of the big day. With loyal customers’ orders squared away, companies can better project their inventory needs as well as manage employee time better. Pre-orders can be prepped and set aside the day before, freeing up employees to prepare last minute orders and walk-in orders. Keeping a log of loyal customer’s spouse birthdays and anniversaries and then sending out bulk SMS messages a few days before is an easy way to help customers remember important dates, and keep your company relevant to your customers.

The chocolate or specialized candy industry can also use SMS messaging to build customer base and reward loyal customers. Customers who frequent a shop can opt-in to receive promotions and rewards through their cell phone. This method of rewarding customers is easier and more efficient than a loyalty card because it simplifies the transaction for the customer, rather than a wallet-full of cards, a customer can simply show their coupon code at the register and gain the discount. Companies with a mobile marketing program can use their customer’s cell phone to engage them and interact with them. Trivia questions about chocolate, the history of chocolate and its impact on culture and society is a fun way to remind customers about your store, your delicious chocolate and invite them to pay another visit. Text messages can also include links to your company’s website where customers can look at all of the chocolate options out there or specialty chocolate being featured at the time.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to tell your customers how much they mean to you! Share the love with text messaging groups today! Click here to learn more and to get started on your SMS program today with Qittle and get your first month of service completely FREE!

While only one-third of Americans own a smartphone, this entire subset of people supports an entire industry of apps, streaming mobile video, mobile social networking and posting on-the-go multimedia content. This number is growing year over year.

Nine in ten of American cell phone users text message, and 51% of adult mobile phone users have used their phones at least once for information they needed right away. Twenty-seven percent in a one-month period have reported frustration when their cell phones were not available and they needed them. Forty percent have relied on the cell phones in an emergency situation, and a whopping 42% have relied on their cell phones to rescue them from boredom (The Pew Internet & American Life Project).

These statistics solidly support the mobile dependency trend.  Interestingly, dependence and integration has gone beyond simply companies producing advertising that utilizes more than one mobile function, such as text message, QR Codes and video, and has spread into companies partnering together to engage customers and offer incentives through mobile marketing.

Recently Peapod, Coca-Cola and Proctor and Gamble have come together to create an exciting and integrated mobile campaign highlighting each of their products or service in a complementary fashion. In the Philadelphia area mass transit customers are able to shop while they ride. Posters at the transit stations provide QR codes for common grocery items, customers can scan the items they need with their cell phone camera, purchase them and Peapod will deliver the items to the customer’s door. Through the free Peapod app, customers can then browse inventory and select items not listed on the posters to purchase as well. Transit riders who text in the code, “PHILLYRAIL,” get $20 off their first order, and 60 days of free delivery (Mobile Commerce Daily, 2/10/12).

This campaign highlights integration on virtually every level. These three companies, in completely different areas of the market, have come together to compliment each other’s goods or services. Peapod relies upon customers having items delivered, while Coke and P&G depend on customers purchasing their products.

The same concept could work on a smaller or more local level as well. Restaurants could offer delivery through a delivery company, promoting their restaurants and the delivery service through SMS text messages. Discounts and coupon codes to the companies in the partnership could promote free delivery or discounts to the restaurants. A local market or grocery store could also create a similar partnership.

Stores in the same shopping center could create a check-in SMS program in which customers who check in at one store in the complex would automatically receive a discount or coupon to another store in the complex. In this way, stores could encourage business throughout the entire complex and feed each other’s business.  QR Codes throughout the complex could lead customers to individual websites for the company with more promotional material or send text messages to customers with incentives to visit their stores.

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Air France officials, and KLM Group officials, partners since 2004, made the decision in the winter of 2011 to more fully embrace cell phone technology and lead the way in mobile communication with travelers. According to an article in Les Echos, published in May of 2011, this decision was spurred on by bad weather in France and numerous flight delays and cancellations that winter. Chaos in French airports, and criticism concerning the communication channels used by French airlines, encouraged Air France to consider alternate forms of communication than traditional news channels and the Internet. As a result Air France/KLM Group turned to the most logical and predominate means of communication in the world today – the cell phone.

With 5.1 billion people on the planet with cell phones, sometimes more than one per person, the easiest way to reach a customer is through their cell phone. Particularly since the average text message receives a response within 90 seconds of receipt, in contrast to the much slower response associated with email. (Hubspot, 9/06/11). SMS messages are less time consuming that phone calls placed by the company to individual customers. These messages are quick, clear and concise, directing customers to the specific information they need.

At the time of publication, Les Echos cited that Air France had sent 620,000 alerts in eight different languages to its passengers. Customers need only supply Air France with their cell phone number and email address at the time of ticket purchase. Within the SMS message from Air France, customers with smartphones can click on a link and visit the company’s website, where they can edit their reservation, redeem their frequent flier points, and choose their seat.

Christian Herzog, Air France/KLM Group’s marketing manager was proud to point out that Air France was the first major airline to use mobile technology in this way. He also pointed out that the capabilities of the passenger through these technologies are on par with that of travel agents.

Since Air France’s announcement, Continental has followed suit with an SMS text message program very similar to that of Air France. Continental offers its customers a multi-tiered program. Customers can opt-in for one-time updates concerning a specific trip, or for ongoing messages. Continental promises a single text per flight change, ensuring customers do not get inundated with alerts, and start to disregard the alerts.

It is only a matter of time before more airlines and businesses of every type and industry follow suit. SMS notifications and mobile communication are the future of communication in the marketing and business world.

Click here to learn more about the creative ways your company can use bulk text message services today! Qittle will give you and your company your first month of service completely FREE of charge. Learn more today!

For the past two years in a row, the Super Bowl was the most watched television event of the year. The last four years have made it into the top five most watched television events in history, joined only by the final episode of M*A*S*H (Huffington Post, 2/7/11). In this day and age of Netflix, Redbox and online streaming, it is more difficult than ever to capture one large audience at the same time. However in both 2010 and 2011, the Super Bowl claimed over 100 million viewers. Because the huge and captive audience, the average thirty-second advertising spot during the Super Bowl costs around 3.5 million dollars. It is also many companies’ opportunity to debut a new item, recreate their image or to remind their customers that they are relevant, hip and hilarious.

Interestingly, this year the Super Bowl ads were posted well in advance on the Internet allowing customers to peruse them before them game. This strategy has garnered a lot of attention; causing strategists to wonder if posting the ads in advance will dampen the fun and anticipation of watching fresh and creative advertisement on the day of the big game. However, I think these concerns are much ado about nothing, releasing the ads early builds excitement and energy and most importantly, interest in a product or company.

Many people claim to watch the Super Bowl exclusively to watch the ads, and apparently re-watch them.  In an NPR report from last year, TiVo found that, “The average Super Bowl viewer with a DVR paused, rewound or fast-forwarded 145 times during the game.” Banking on these facts, advertisers this year are seeking to engage customers before, during and after the game through social media and online, but especially through mobile devices.

Velti, a global provider of mobile technology, predicted in the Mobile Marketing Watch that 60% of Super Bowl watchers this year will have a smartphone or other mobile device nearby during the game, and 30% of those under the age of 45 will watch the game with device in hand, and a whopping 47% of people above the age of 18 will use their mobile device at least 10 times during the game.

Already several of these ads have gone viral online through social media networks. Advertisers have worked to use the ability to release early to create hype about the engaging activities they have created for their customers during the game. Downy Unstoppable is running the ‘Touch Downy’ promotion in which customers who follow Downy on Twitter will have the opportunity to wind prizes and samples of Downy.

Coke has created its own website, CokePolarBear.com where the bears will watch the Super Bowl, one bear for each team. Each bear will respond accordingly to the events in game in real time. The bears will answer questions from visitors to their site and provide coupons for those visitors that they can then pass along to the friends. To generate interest, Coke has allowed customers to RSVP through to join the bears, and gain access to these coupons.

On a local level, many television stations are offering SMS text message voting campaigns in which viewers can vote for their favorite Super Bowl commercial engaging viewers nationally and locally.

While most companies in the world cannot afford a Super Bowl commercial or their own website with talking bears, the Super Bowl provides companies throughout the nation an opportunity to see the newest and most innovative ideas for marketing in the upcoming year. This year, the buzz is interactivity and engaging customers on a variety of platforms, through a variety of ways. Let Qittle help you tailor your own company’s interactive campaign through the mobile marketing network! Click here to learn more and to get your first month of service completely FREE of charge!

Redbox conceived by the McDonald’s corporation, the king of the American psyche was strategically placed in restaurants and stores to allow as much accidental contact with the public as possible. Its bright red twelve-by-twelve case is eye-catching and slightly reminiscent of the English telephone booth. As the busy American bustles through fast food restaurants, in and out of supermarkets and convenience stores, the bold, attention grabbing Redbox offers vending machine entertainment at vending machine prices. As fast as buying a soft drink, easier than placing a dinner order, Redbox reminds consumers that an inexpensive movie is a great way to relax, offer cheap entertainment to the kids or a great partner to take-home-dinner.

Unlike the traditional video rental store, Redbox requires no membership card, no separate visit to the video store, and no late fees. Redbox movies can be returned to any Redbox kiosk, enabling people on a road trip, or vacation to pick up a movie and return it even when they get home – all the way across the country, or across town. Redbox never closes, never takes a holiday or a lunch break, it is always available and just around the corner.

Considering Redbox’s imaginative approach to video rentals, it is no surprise that their advertising campaign has been equally innovative. Redbox, created with the busy consumer in mind, has invested heavily in reaching these customers on the go through mobile marketing and social media. Redbox boasts of 3.6 million Facebook ‘likes,’ 33 million email subscribers, 10.3 million monthly visitors to their website, 5.4 million iPhone app users, 3.4 million Droid app users, along with more than 3.3 million text message subscribers (Redbox.com).

Most interesting of these campaigns has been Redbox’s multi-tiered text message program. Consumers can text a variety of requests into Redbox’s short code number, from ‘FIND’ to locate a Redbox kiosk in their area, ‘SIGNUP’ to receive a promo code each month and updates on special offers and text message member freebies, ‘NEW’ to learn about new releases of movies and games to ‘REDBOX’ to join the mobile club. Recently, Redbox unveiled an interactive and engaging text message program involving movie trivia. Placed on Redbox kiosks, signs and advertisements, Redbox asks a trivia question and invites consumers to text in the word ‘TRIVIA’ to play. Every movie buff loves this kind of engagement. Participation in the trivia campaign invites consumers to opt-in for ads and freebies from Redbox, encouraging a deeper relationship with the customer.

In ten short years, Redbox has shown that an old industry reimagined can reengage society with enormous success. Virtually any company, from a small local store, to a large chain, wanting to reach their customers in a more personal way, can use mobile marketing to their advantage. Seventy-three percent of the cell phone owning population in America text message. The average young person exchanges around 109.5 text messages a day ~ more than 3,200 message a month! (Pew Internet & American Life Project, 9/19/11).  Analysts predict that as more Americans invest in Smartphones, tablets and better cell phones, these rates will climb. Additionally, the technology is advancing with every day. At one time mobile marketing campaigns were limited to simple short texts. In today’s market a text message can provide a text with information, coupons and discounts or it can link consumers to a website, a photo or a video. The possibilities are endless.

Take a page from Redbox’s book and start your own SMS marketing campaign to build your company today! Qittle is here to help you get started. Click here to learn more and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge while you’re at it!

In his piece, Hasen reminded readers that the iPhone is not the be-all-end-all gadget. The companies he observed in 2011 offering the most successful mobile campaigns, with the highest return on investment, offered their consumers a choice in their access to information.  Hasen cites QR Codes or SMS codes, allowing customers with smartphones the ability to scan the QR Code, and those with more limited cell phone capabilities the opportunity to participate in mobile campaigns as well. Another possibility is offering a link within an SMS text to the website that customers can click on, enabling customers to select their preferred point of contact: text message or email.  The more people accessing a campaign, the more return a company will see on its investment.

While Hasen indicates that the ideal mobile marketing campaign is versatile, and relevant to the most users possible, he also stresses that companies do not need to ‘settle’ in their campaigns. Smartphones can do more, and smartphone owners are a growing demographic within the mobile marketing community. As a result, campaigns that offer a mobile web link or expanded option provide these customers with a more advanced, more informative and more personal connection. This deeper connection and better information do provide the user with a more positive user experience, bringing them back again and again.

Don’t forget that these same customers are talking – or rather texting, emailing and posting to Facebook and Twitter throughout their experiences in store and online. One bad experience spreads across the virtual landscape like wildfire. Hasen warns companies about this possibility and encourages them to be proactive in their approach to social media. Create a Facebook page, start a Twitter account and actively use these tools to connect with customers.  Encourage a positive dialogue about your company, products and services. Through these social media mediums companies can offer the best possible customer experience and mitigate potential problems.

As companies realize the full potential of text message advertising, more and more vendors will enter the market. This influx of options for companies will provide more variety and selection, but it will also create more opportunities for unqualified or predatory companies to function within the market.  Companies looking for a mobile marketing service provider ought to carefully examine the provider’s certifications and client list, as well as look at a few campaigns directed by them. Certification from the Mobile Marketing Association is a plus as well, as the MMA offers its members guidance on customer privacy issues and laws, access to studies and relevant market information, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with others in the industry.

Qittle is an SMS advertisement provider that has held its position in the market for over four years, serving a variety of industries and companies with high levels of professionalism, customer satisfaction and mobile advertising experience. Click here to learn how to start your mobile marketing campaign today, and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge!

Used most effectively in the 2008 elections, President Barack Obama underlined the effectiveness of the mobile marketing campaign – particularly in first-time voters and the younger demographics. While the Republican candidates are toying with text message campaigns, Obama has already kicked his 2012 SMS campaign off. This year using links within texts to videos and donation sites.

Most interesting in this primary cycle are the Republican candidates choices regarding the ways they have embraced this technology and their rates of success. From my research to date, Romney and Paul have the most extensive and easiest to use mobile message strategy. Both campaigns make opting-in to their text message campaign very easy through their websites. Paul even allows the recipient to designate the type of text they would like, information or volunteer and donation opportunities or all of the above.

Santorum appears to be using mobile messages on a local level, allowing states to set up their own text message campaigns as need arises. In Iowa, Santorum offered a text message reminder to those who opted-in on January 3^rd, reminding them to attend their caucus. Despite my searching, I could not locate a mobile marketing campaign for Gingrich, either on a local level or on a national level. That is not to say there isn’t one, but if he has one, it is certainly hard to locate.

Romney and Paul have used mobile text messages to let people know where they will be during the day. In states like South Carolina and New Hampshire, where appearances at local restaurants are key to connecting with constituents giving this information to base supporters encourages their deeper engagement and connection to the candidate. Text messages can also be used to dispense key information about recent events within the campaign, giving those who have opted-in an exclusive scoop before the media or general public becomes aware.

Michelle Bachman, before she bowed out of the race, used SMS messaging in geotargeted ads at the Minnesota State Fair to inform those attending the fair that a proposed tax increase directly affected the food served at the fair. In the same piece published January 10^th, The Mobile Marketer predicts that geotargeted ads, ads sent only to those who have opted-in within a certain geographical area, are the wave of the SMS political campaign future. These ads ensure distribution of relevant information about events, laws and taxes directly in constituents’ communities.  In this way, politicians can speak specifically to concerns of certain areas without covering subjects or issues that are irrelevant to that area. Say in one area crime is a big issue, while two cities over job creation is the top issue, politicians could speak directly to the interested communities about their specific concerns.

Media outlets have also begun using mobile messaging to cover political campaigns and the public’s response to them. WFAA.com, a Texas media company used SMS in conjunction with paper ballots to conduct a straw poll on January 14^th.  When the poll closed over 3,300 people had placed their vote via text message, while only 707 paper ballots were cast. The ease of participating via text message far outweighs casting paper ballots, as reflected by the results of this straw poll.

Tonight candidates will once again take the stage in yet another debate, while I cannot argue the benefits of debate or their effects on the voting public, I can comment on the effectiveness of social media within a political campaign. Voters today want to be heard. They want politicians who are in touch with their real concerns. They want a mutual and reciprocal relationship. Text message campaigns are the natural and effective way to connect Washington to everyday America.

Local politicians at the city and state level can employ text message campaigns for a fraction of the cost of the old political mailer, or political calls and radio advertisement, learn more about mass texting and its potential in your political campaign today! Click here to get started for the upcoming election and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge with Qittle!

Starbucks’ success represents that perfect marriage of an excellent product with good business practices and smart use of available technology. Born in Seattle in the Pike’s Place Market in the early ‘70’s, Starbucks introduced the espresso concept (and all of its beautiful and tasty counterparts) to America, and particularly to American youth.

Forty years later, a good cup of coffee has come a long, long way. From the onset, Starbucks embraced its employees as more than simply people to steam the milk and mop the floor. Rather, each and every employee is welcomed into the Starbucks team as a ‘team member.’  The company encouraged its employees to invest more than hours on the clock into their coffee shop. Because of this attitude, Starbucks employees tend to be happy workers, and position openings hard to find – despite the company’s large size.

It is this different mind-set that is particularly appealing to those of us who witnessed Starbucks rise through the ‘90’s. This same mindset led Starbucks to free-trade coffees, and cutting-edge environmental practices, allowing those of us thirty-somethings to feel good about our Starbucks love affair.

Young and old alike are drawn to Starbucks these days for more than just a hot cup of coffee – a warm and inviting ambiance encourages coffee and tea drinkers to hang around, get comfortable, read a book, study or quietly catch up with a friend. The attention to detail, comfort, and the Starbucks experience birthed the Starbucks music scene. Carefully selected music has led to seasonal Starbucks music cds, and singers whose entire claim to fame derives almost exclusively from Starbucks. Starbucks has also led the way in offering free Wi-Fi to its customers, making it even more inviting.

As we speak, Starbucks has once again shown itself willing to progress and adapt with technological advances and cultural shifts. Its most recent advertising campaign is an integrated SMS, web and in-store program. Promoted through a text message campaign in which customers text in the world ‘GOLD’ to 69728, Starbucks responds almost immediately to the customer’s cell phone with a prompt sending users to the Starbucks website, where customers can enroll in a rewards program based on Starbucks gift cards which holds money for coffee purchases, while simultaneously awarding and tracking points earned through coffee transactions.

Customers purchase a card in-store or online and register the number with Starbucks.com. Every purchase made with this card earns customers points. Customers are encouraged to reload their existing card online or in-store, saving on the environmental demands and the cost of creating new cards.

Cardholders get rewards and perks year-round simply from having a card. Customers who regularly use the card advance through levels, a basic membership, Green membership and Gold membership. Green is earned by simply earning 5 points. Green membership is rewarded with free product in-store such as refills and syrups. Gold membership is earned by earning 30 points in one year. This level earns customers free drinks, a personalized card and special, illusive, membership perks, which make me instantly and inexplicable want them – whatever they may be!

While a customer rewards card is not a new idea, the level of integration shown in this most recent campaign offers new inspiration for the potential of customer rewards through text message campaigns. Qittle can you and your company realize the potential of new mobile marketing strategies and reward your loyal customers. Click here today to learn more and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge!

My husband wanted a new deck and BBQ Grill.

I wanted new flooring downstairs.

I won because I am willing to fight dirty. I somehow succeeded in tying in painting the entire house to the new deck project. Suddenly, flooring seemed like an excellent idea to my husband.

The drawback to this victory is that I am now expected to have an actual plan for the flooring project, which has now grown to include a moveable, secret bookcase, framing in all the closets we own and converting our fireplace. (Some things on this list are going to happen…others are not…If you suspect that certain items were put on this list to throw me off course and redirect me back to the deck project, you are probably correct. However, I am of focused mind and spirit – and I will not be deterred).

Which leads me back to the home improvement shop, the QR Code and the fact I have no plan or practical home improvement skills whatsoever. It was in this moment of panic that I spotted the handy QR Code on a piece of Brazilian cherry wood, scanned it learning lots more about cherry wood and realized, the home improvement market would be well served by a mobile marketing campaign, as would its customers…like me.

Anyone who has ever planned, and paid for a major home improvement project knows that patience and bargain hunting pay off. A few years ago I managed a major deal on granite countertops for my kitchen remodel after hunting, watching and waiting. I now see that this process could have been so much easier had I only been part of a mobile campaign in which stores, both local and chain stores could have sent me discounts and incentives on their products, installation and services. Often those of us bargain hunting for our projects, would love to be alerted when these companies receive large shipments or overstock in product.  There are certain projects that even us DIYers would rather pay for, can anyone say dry wall?? However, the installation costs can eat up a huge portion of a project’s budget. During slow times of the year, like the fall and early winter when business is slow, a discount on these services is enough to get people to commit to their projects and hand over the drywall tape.

Not only could hardware stores send push notifications to customers who had opted-in about product specials, discounts on installation and overstocked items, but specialists within departments of the store could send out weekly tips on home improvement projects. Advice sent out to customers’ phones in a text message on how to lie tile the right way, or which woods do well for the deck we will someday install, and how to fix plumbing problems are helpful and would be welcomed by DIY home improvement junkies like myself.

I have also found through my own experiences, that the stores that really helped me meet my bottom line, gave good advice without exploiting my lack of knowledge and tried to give me a good deal, are the first stores and people I call when another project comes on the table. In other words, when it comes to my home and my home improvement store – I am incredibly loyal. I can only see this loyalty deepening with tips, useful advice and money saving ideas.

Although some in this industry may not see the advantages of mobile message technology, everyone in this industry understands the significance of word-of-mouth. Mobile messaging is word-of-mouth made even easier. Today’s consumers are quick to text their friends about great deals, exciting news (like new flooring!!), and to spread the word about companies and individuals offering great service and products at affordable prices.

While it seems that some in the industry are realizing the potential of QR Codes in informing and educating their customers, sending a text message to mobile phones is a great way to build customer loyalty, increase word of mouth and help your customers save money! Qittle can help supply these tools, click here to learn more and to get your first month of service completely FREE of charge today!

Soupskol is an annual soup-cooking competition that takes place in conjunction with Aspen’s oldest winter festival, Winterskol. This winter festival was created in 1951 by Aspen locals to ‘Toast Winter,’ and to celebrate the wonders of winter in the Rocky Mountains. Soupskol, the brainchild of the late Reggie Barbour, a local soup master, evolved as part of this winter celebration. As everyone familiar with Aspen, Colorado knows, the culinary delights of this resort town are extraordinary. Mr. Barbour challenged the chefs, cooks and food aficionados in Aspen (this is, after all, the home to the Food & Wine Festival every summer) to create a signature, masterpiece soup and to offer it to Winterskol attendants in a free competition for culinary bragging rights for the rest of the year.

For two hours tonight the best restaurants in town, such as Merry Go Round (last year’s winner), The Restaurant at the Regis and the Red Onion will throw down with the amateurs like, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Challenge Aspen and the local Elk’s Lodge, along with many others to find this year’s champion. Locals and visitors in the Aspen area will have the opportunity to taste as many soups as they please and are encouraged to TEXT TO VOTE for their favorite at the end of the night. Each restaurant will be assigned a unique number for voters to text in as their personal favorite.

Soupskol is an exciting and creative application of mobile text messaging. Rather than simply using SMS text to promote a business or offer coupons and discounts, Soupskol organizers are promoting an entire event. Through participating in this event restaurants and their culinary styles are in turn promoted, particularly if they win.

Because such a high population of Americans own mobile phones and send text messages, up to 73% of all mobile phone using Americans, offering a text-to-vote campaign encourages voter participation. Attendees to the Soupskol will not have to hassle with tasting soups, recording or remembering their favorite numbers, walking to and locating a voting station and then placing their vote. Rather, this year attendees can make the soup rounds, record their favorites in their phone as they go, and as easy as 1,2,3 – place their vote when they are ready.

Event organizers, cities and festival planners can all use a SMS text to further engage attendees at their events. Today’s consumer enjoys engaging through their mobile devices, whether through competitions, voting or simply polling to see which parts of an event they liked, or those they would like to see improved. In this way organizers truly have their finger on the pulse of their supporters. Many companies and festivals that have used text campaigns at their events have found that quizzes and competitions build excitement with their attendees and increase their enjoyment of the events. This same excitement translates to word-of-mouth business, as those enjoying the quiz or competition text their friends and family to tell them what they are doing, where and how much they are enjoying it.

Let Qittle help you dish out your bulk text program at your next event, click here to get your first month’s service completely FREE of charge!! Then meet us down at Soupskol for a cup of hot soup, some friendly competition and Aspen style hospitality!

The Phoenix Suns announced in early December that in an effort to more widely reach their entire fan base, they are implementing an interactive SMS campaign in 2012.  Mobilemarketingwatch.com reported that the Sun’s text campaign will focus on engaging fans through multiple participatory experiences. The Phoenix Suns will also track fan interest in order to more specifically tailor future ad campaigns.

The Phoenix Suns are headed in the right direction with their advertising strategy. While many companies have turned their focus to the smartphone, with its multi-faceted capabilities, the Pew Research Center reported earlier this year that only 35% of Americans own smartphones. As a result mobile advertising specifically for smartphones, like apps, can only reach one third of any company’s audience. For this reason, smartphone exclusive advertising is not the most effective form of advertising today. A better statistic is the 83% of Americans who use their cell phones and the 73% of this number that send and receive text messages. Companies who tap into this statistic with SMS campaigns can reach almost their entire target audience.

The Suns weren’t the only sports team in 2011 to realize the potential of text message campaigns. The Chicago Bulls also implemented a revised text message program in early 2011. The Bulls have begun using their text campaign to keep their fans informed about their team through text messages containing game scores, player stats and other relevant information. Jeremy Thum, director of the interactive marketing for the Chicago Bulls was quoted saying, “SMS has been a key component of our digital marketing platform for three years. (SMS) functionality, however, moves us closer to our goal of expanding mobile capabilities while allowing our fans control over content they receive.”

The Cricket World Cup 2011 also utilized text messages to build fan base throughout the world. In partnership with service providers throughout the world, The Cricket World Cup offered followers of the matches free alerts and scores from matches.  In many countries throughout the world, cell phone ownership rates exceed the actual population of the country. Particularly in third world countries, cell phones are much easier to afford than computers; as a result, information in these countries is often accessed and passed through text message. Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world, particularly in developing countries such as India, where it is actually #1, creating a strong fan base with mobile users builds Cricket’s popularity and keeps people worldwide in the know about their country’s teams and standings. In turn, this popularity feeds ticket and product sales worldwide.

These professional organizations have discovered the benefit of mobile marketing strategies. These same techniques work for smaller teams, recreational organizations and virtually any business. Click here to learn more and get your first month of service from Qittle completely FREE of charge!

“If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” ~ Mother Teresa.

These words resonated with me today as I reflected on the meaning of messages. It seems like everywhere I look I am surrounded by messages.

Candidates in New Hampshire are expounding their messages today and tomorrow for the last times. President Obama is redefining his message of ‘change’ to ‘progress.’ Retailers are trying to brand their message. Some are successful enough in this object that my ten-year old insists on drinking Coke from his Coke cup with his Coke Bear tucked under his arm.

While I admit to experiencing ‘message fatigue’ from time to time, I see the truth in these words of Mother Teresa’s, if we want a message to be heard, we must continually send it. Like fueling a lamp with oil.

For many in the faith community communicating a message is the single most important aspect of their ministry. While some more traditional folks may object to the use of technology for this purpose, there is no escaping the fact that increasingly, particularly in the younger demographics, technology is the best and most effective way of transmitting a message.

Churches and religious communities, just like businesses, must recognize that their audience has changed. Gone are the days when churchgoers switch off their cell phones during service. Gone too are the days in which a paper bulletin passed out after service is enough to keep congregants engaged. The younger demographic expects an exchange of information. Nielsen news reported December 15^th 2011, that American teenagers sent on average 3,417 texts per month. In the 18-24 year old demographic, an average of 1,914 texts were sent per month, and even up through the thirty and forty year old demographics, as many as 709 texts were sent per month. The trend is growing, not just with the youth of America, but with every demographic. Mobile messaging is an effective and easy way to reach everyone in the congregation.

Park Community Church, in Chicago has implemented an extensive text message program for their congregants. Tim Schradeder, Director of Communications at Park Community Church explained in a 2009 blog on echohub.com, “Our church is in the heart of downtown Chicago, our average age is 29, and 60 percent of the people who come to Park are single. Since texting is a primary way people in our church communicate, it made sense for use to begin implementing the use of text messaging in our services and weekly communications.”

Because so many individuals in the younger demographics have turned to mobile messaging, they respond well to invitations and recruitment via text message. Simply opting-in to receive messages keeps these individuals engaged in their faith community and updated on events. Many of these churches have creatively used mobile messages during service or outside of service to reinforce a message or reach followers with updates, reminders and news.

Some churches during service have created a text message Q&A in which congregants can send in texts during the sermon with questions about the sermon or other faith related questions. The pastor can then address these issues during his discussion, or immediately after.

Other churches have begun asking their congregations to text in prayer requests. These requests either scroll throughout the service, or during songs.

Pastors have begun prefacing a sermon with questions sent out during the week to the congregation, and then he or she forms their sermon that weekend around the thoughts, concerns and questions of the people. Likewise pastors can follow up later in the week with additional thoughts from the previous weekend’s sermon or with reminders about that talk. In this way, church goes beyond Sunday, into everyday.

Text messages are a great way to seek volunteers for community projects, or announce new activities. Some churches even have established a text message system through which individuals can text in the group they would like more information about, and receive in return a complete schedule, the person offering the talk or study and the location.

Youth groups and summer camps can drive enrollment for their activities through text message as well as update parents on activities during the week or event. In this way parents will feel more informed about what is happening with their children while they are away.

Make your church or youth group’s love message heard! Click here to learn more about mass text messages and all the ways Qittle can help and get your first month of service completely FREE today!

Through their strategic approach to SMS text message campaigns, QR Codes and other mobile advertising Proctor and Gamble stands out for their ability to reach their key demographics and market to them. Proctor and Gamble, which produces a diverse number of products ranging from dental care to cosmetics and cleaning products, tailored their mobile campaigns in 2011 to very precise demographics.

For example, their line of cosmetics, CoverGirl ran an ad this year promoting their LashBlast mascara. Consumers were asked via mobile marketing campaign to snap photos of their  ‘bold, notice-me-looks’ with their mobile phones and text them back into the company. The 18-24 year old demographic is very much interested in the social aspect of text messaging.  P&G has tapped into the younger generation’s expectation of more than simply information or coupons from the companies they choose. As a result, companies like P&G that offer their customers an open exchange, tend to appeal to this age group.

While Proctor and Gamble has been wooing the younger generation with two-way communication, they have also been working on the moms out there with fast and helpful tips. This year P&G’s laundry line, Tide Brand laundry detergent, launched its very own app for both the iPhone and iPod to help consumers share ways to use the product while on the go. This sort of interactive exchange appeals to many on-the-go women, who are treating their own stains or those of their children while managing work, soccer schedules, snack and homework regimes. A helpful app with quick ideas that work is a sure way to win over women everywhere!

Currently Crest, P&G’s oral care line, is running a QR Code promotion which customers can scan while getting ready for bed, or beginning the day. This promotion, which began back in October of this year, offers customers who scanned the QR Code with their phone earned (It is the teeny, tiny square on the back of the Crest tube of toothpaste) a percentage off of a 4 pack of toothpaste. In this way Crest and Proctor and Gamble are returning to a more traditional incentive program while using a fairly new technology in the US.

Of course, Proctor and Gamble, with its large marketing budget has the available resources to explore innovative ways to reach new customers. However P&G has not forgotten its other older and very loyal demographic, as a reflection of their ongoing commitment to this demographic, they continue to print newspaper ads for weekly papers.

While it is commonly accepted that paper coupons are redeemed only at a 1-3% rate, and SMS coupons are opened 99% of the time and redeemed close to 20% of the time, the important thing to note about P&G is that while wooing one demographic, they are not neglecting another. For companies like Proctor and Gamble, that can afford a 1% redemption rate on a promotion, it is a worthwhile investment. For smaller companies with a more restricted budget, as text message campaigns are initiated, it is imperative to educate and inform your older and perhaps more loyal customers on how to get, redeem and benefit from mobile marketing initiatives.

With 91.4 million people in the US currently using smartphones in the United States, the possibility for smart and interactive text message campaigns are endless. As we look to the future of mobile marketing we would be wise to take a page out of Proctor and Gamble’s book, diversify, embrace new technology and to remember the people that brought us where we are today.

To follow Proctor and Gamble’s lead, click here and learn how Qittle can get your company on its own strategic mobile marketing campaign today and get your first month of service completely FREE!

Needless to say, I spent more than a few minutes today researching gyms in my area and thinking about what amenities I look for in a gym and how much I am willing to pay for these amenities.

It seems that I am not the only one this January resolving to live better and save money doing it. Of course, gyms and fitness facilities, along with every retailer on the planet, are reaching out to newly health conscious consumers by advertising specials on memberships, clothing and fitness classes.

However, I find myself increasingly annoyed by what I perceive as unwanted and inundating advertisements.  I am not going to begin eating an all-raw vegetables diet this year, and I would really love that particular diet plan’s advertisement to stop scrolling on my sidebar. Likewise, I don’t care which celebrity lost weight with a certain diet program. I don’t want to buy the same workout shorts, or own the same weights.

Like many other consumers, I find myself open and receptive to advertising I seek out from the companies I am interested in trying or learning more about. For this reason, while looking for the gym of my choice, I found myself thinking about ways gyms could effectively reach interested customers with relevant information about exercise programs, discounts on memberships or trial periods for their gym, without putting customers off or annoying them.

In my search, I found three gyms using innovative mobile marketing programs to reach new customers or returning customers.

Gold’s Gym has an active Twitter presence in which customers are encouraged to post when they are going to the gym and the results they have seen since joining. In 2011 Gold’s Gym began using QR Codes, the little square boxes seen on everything from the sides of buildings to the backs of cereal boxes. Many QR Codes lead consumers who scan them directly to a website or enter them automatically into a text message marketing campaign in which customers can get discounts, coupons or updates directly on to their phones.

24Hour Fitness has created its very own smartphone app, where members can log in, search classes, instructors and times, find clubs through GPS technology, and track personal fitness goals such as BMI as well as track changes in weight and count calories. Bill Quinn, vice president of 24HourFitness.com at San Ramon, CA was quoted in the Mobile Marketer in 2009 saying, “We see a lot of potential to grow our mobile presence, because mobile is such a great fit with fitness.”

The Aspen Club & Spa, located in Aspen, Colorado, has utilized an active Twitter campaign as well. However, the Aspen Club & Spa has also incorporated a mobile marketing campaign with Qittle. Through this mobile marketing program, Aspen Club & Spa has used text messaging to reach out to its customers in a personal way through encouraging customers to vote for their favorite ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestants and encouraging their Meatless Mondays program earlier in 2011. Text message campaigns have promoted 10-day fee-free trial periods for the club and spa, along with many other promotions including friends, family and discounts on other services offered at the spa and club.

Text message programs allow gyms to reach the 73% of American adults who own cell phones and send and receive text messages. Of the 83% of Americans who own cell phones, 31% actually prefer a text message over a voice call. SMS messages sent to consumer’s cell phone are opened and read at 99% rate. Gyms, like the Aspen Club & Spa, who personally reach out to their customers through their cell phone, know that their messages are received, opened and read.

Learn more about SMS marketing systems and begin reaching your customers on a more personal level in 2012 by clicking here! Qittle offers its first month of service completely FREE of charge. Help your gym members reach their New Year’s Resolutions today!!

In light of the increasing significance of this form of advertising, I would like to wrap up 2011 with a brief two-part look at the most innovative text message campaigns of the year.

The beverage industry has really taken text message campaigns to a higher level this year. As a result I would like to take a look at what I consider to be the top three innovative uses of mobile advertising in the beverage industry in 2011.

Coca-Cola has long been an avid user of SMS text message campaigns. However, in the international market this year, Coke created SMS text message purchasing capacity on some of their vending machines. In a June 17^th, 2011 article posted on the MobileMarketer.com, this innovative form of purchasing Coca-Cola products was explained in detail. Customers use an SMS text message code to select their beverage; the cost of the purchase then shows up on the consumer’s phone bill, rather than requiring a deposit into the machine.

Doug Busk, mobile brand strategy and global connections at Coca-Cola Co. explained the effectiveness of this payment method, “What we’re seeing in a couple of use cases is that this increases purchasing frequency. Any time you take the friction out of the system, you increase frequency.”

In addition to simplifying the payment method of a Coke transaction, customers who choose this payment method are automatically enrolled to receive text message promotions directly to their phones. Coke has for many years used codes printed on the tops of soda bottles to offer their customers free music and other incentives. In 2011 Coke used these product codes to give their customers free mobile phone minutes or data.

Bud Light has been working in 2011 to create strong partnerships and to promote those relationships through text message campaigns. The most significant of these relationships has been their contract with the NFL. As we reported in our September 27^th piece, Bud Light has made it their aim to befriend their customers through ticket promotions and games, as well as the opportunity to win free tickets and NFL prizes. In return, Bud Light is the ‘new beer of the NFL,’ creating a win-win relationship for both parties.

QR Codes, those cute little squares that began punctuating products throughout every market in America this year, are a fun, easy and innovative method to get customers to opt-in to programs. Phones enabled with bar code scanner capacity, primarily smartphones, can scan the code. The phone will then automatically take the user to either a webpage with information and incentives, or trigger an automatic SMS text response in which the consumer will be offered an opportunity to opt-in for coupons and updates from the company.

Starbucks has embraced the power of the QR Codes this year. Considering that 39% of mobile phones in the US today are smartphones, this market only promises to grow (http://venturebeat.com/2011/12/29/comscore-mobile-usage/). Starbucks has used its various QR Code promotions to benefit its customers and reward them for their continuing loyalty. Many within the mobile marketing industry have praised Starbucks for their ability to use technology with purpose.

Raise your glass, or Caramel Macchiato to a fantastic year in group texting service and ring in the New Year with your company’s unique and exciting campaign. Click here to get started with Qittle today and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge!

Casey & Sarah

I wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Happy New. I pray and hope you have an amazing 2012 full of hope and love.

It’s going to be a big year around the Qittle offices as we welcome Mike’s new baby into our family, add a new brother in law when Kellee and Aaron get married and I’m super excited to announce that I asked my girlfriend, Sarah to marry me and she said yes!!!

We wish you the very best in 2012 and thank you for being a part of our story!

thanks

Casey

The Japanese Earthquake, Tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster beginning on March 11 are certainly among the most traumatic world events this year. Even today, the exact number of lives lost remains unclear; some estimates put the number as high as ten thousand. (www.guardian.co.uk). However even in the midst of this terrible disaster, the cell phone enabled people to communicate within the island and throughout the entire world about their well being and safety. Text messages enabled families to reunite and to find each other amid chaos and fear.

In the midst of this disaster Japanese citizens who carried cell phones serviced by NTT Docomo, a dominant cell phone carrier in Japan, were able to opt-in to receive notifications about new earthquakes or aftershocks. This text message service utilized an advanced technology called Cell Broadcast. A form of SMS texting with the remarkable aspect of this technology being that cell phone towers can broadcast a message to every phone in range, without requiring more bandwidth for more recipients. Meaning that this mass text message would not slow down or effect other text messages being sent at the same time. The MIT Technology Review initially reported on this use of SMS text messaging on March 13^th in a piece that examined how an expansion of this technology could warn people worldwide about rocket attacks, natural disasters and environmental threats.

Text messaging services set up by the Red Cross and many other organizations made donating to the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear victims much easier. SMS donations have proven to be an effective way of raising large sums of money in small increments. Because text messaging tends to be used at higher rates by younger generations, (The average teenager in America sends 3,417 texts per month (www. tech.fortune.com/2011/12/15/nielsen-u-s-teens-exchange-7-text-messages-per-waking-hour )), the dollar amount of donations through text message donation services tends to be lower, however the response in general is higher.

While Americans watched the events in Japan unfold on the other side of the ocean, we turned more and more toward our mobile devices for news, information and updates. According to an eMarketer report published December 12, 2011, mobile phone use for the year was up 30% this year over last, pushing it over the one hour mark per day. This is compared to the 44 minutes we spent reading newspapers and magazines combined each day.

The worldwide trend is mobile! Mobile phones and text messages are witnessing the events of history and empowering us to connect in times of disaster and need. This same power translates to the business world as well. Help your customers be more informed with text message advertisements in 2012. Click here to learn more about Qittle and SMS mass texting messages today and get your first month of service completely FREE of charge.