"Texing is for children" is a false perception. Applications exist in virtually every industry:
Automobile
· Collect opt-in mobile numbers to increase participation by raising awareness and creating a buzz around special events, featured vehicles and other promotions. Text Messaging offers car shoppers a method of obtaining vehicle information without the need of the Internet on their mobile phone.
Food & Beverage
- Target specific customer types by texting pertinent offers.
- Busy restaurants in malls keep waiting customers happy by allowing them to shop while waiting for a table. A quick text message informs them when their table is ready.
- Sports bars and nightclubs blast out messages to increase attendance at special events.
Emergency SMS Alert Systems
Financial Services
· Text product promotions or send a text message asking for a customer’s email address to send more detailed information on their offerings.
· Send regular text messages to customers, who can opt in to receive various banking service messages.
Government
- "Crime Stoppers" tip lines enable residents to anonymously provide information about crimes that may help police make their communities safer.
Healthcare/Pharma
- For any healthcare provider, a "no show" means lost revenue. Direct mail or phone reminders can be costly and time consuming. Doctors use SMS as an appointment reminder. Two-way service allows patients to either confirm or cancel. A Pediatrician sends inoculation reminders to parents via text. Your doctor can have a private conversation with you. Each party can open the message and respond when it is convenient for them.
Media
- In addition to promotions, newspapers and magazines offer mobile classifieds, mobile dating services and breaking news alerts.
- Text messaging is a no-brainer for radio broadcasters. Radio and the cell phone are meant for each other from promotional and advertising standpoints.
- Newspapers send targeted ads via text messages that readers can request on their cell phone, in addition to updated information on sports, stocks, weather and other news.
Real Estate
- Real Estate agencies use SMS to quickly inform their clients with personal messages on new listings or information on closing deals.
- Prospective buyers can learn more about a specific real estate listing by texting a specific ID number on the For Sale sign, allowing the buyer to receive instant information on that property.
Religious, Social and Advocacy Groups
- Because most community members are on the go, text messaging solutions allow them to quickly, effectively reach their members. Texting is used to promote special events, church campaigns and church services through several texts per week.
· Non-profit organizations notify new applicants of deadlines and information; current students receive real-time announcements about cancellations or changes to their meetings and events.
Retail
- Stores large to small use text messaging to create greater brand awareness and customer service. Many offer customer support and problem resolution via text. When coupled with in-store promotions and coupons, texting becomes a strong vehicle for retail establishments.
- Independent grocery stores launch a text campaign that sends customers exclusive weekly grocery specials. The program was promoted in print ads and in all four of their locations. Within six months, they had dramatically reduced their newspaper ad budget and saved a lot in advertising costs.
- Gas stations alert customers when gas prices drop; car washes and detail center's text call-to-action messages. When a pertinent time-sensitive alert is sent, people respond.
Sports & Leisure
- Betting advisory services for horse racing and other sports use SMS to send daily tips.
- Text messaging has become a routine part of college sports. Coaches have found that potential recruits are more apt to carry a cell phone and respond to their message, and they don’t have to worry about them being home to answer the phone.
- Gyms and fitness centers use SMS to generate leads, send out new membership promotions and offer updates on new classes and class cancellations.
- Many professional sports teams text special promotions, available tickets, and advertise. Local leagues and individual coaches use text messaging to alert parents about schedule changes, weather updates and are even sending out stats after the game.
Technology
- Text messaging as a powerful internal communications tool. Corporations use SMS to send out text-to-vote polls to quickly gather the opinions of its employees.
- Customers can be sent web access passwords via SMS, allowing instant access to sensitive information.
Transportation
- The Long Island Rail Road delivers alerts for subways, buses, and commuter rail lines, as well as traffic alerts on MTA Bridges and Tunnels to opt-in cell phone users.
- Portable navigation device makers have integrated text messaging capabilities directly into monitoring systems. Drivers can send and receive text messages from dispatch directly through the portable device, which helps drivers focus on getting to their next destination.
- Small package delivery companies alert customers via text messaging as to where their packages are and when they have reached their destinations.
Travel
- Airlines alert passengers, logistics firms and staff of last minute flight update information. Passengers are invited to sign up to the service via the company's website.
- Travel Agents use texts to highlight pertinent offers and promotions.
- Hotels increase customer service levels by sending "Thank You" texts to customers just after checking out. They can also be informed if they may have left items in their rooms.
