What is Mobile Marketing?

Mobile marketing can be considered the first true form of instant marketing, since the majority of people who have cell phones both keep the phones with them “all time” and therefore they usually open text messages immediately.  A business that uses mobile marketing can get their message seen instantly by people who have chosen (opted in) to see it.

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When mobile marketing first came out there were some problems in the beginning as unwanted information was being sent to the people. Most of the SMS that were passed around was spam and it received negative media response in all parts of the world. This was because a sector of the advertisers bought lists of mobile users and began sending them unsolicited messages. They were later stopped due to strict security measures and laws passed. Marketing industry recognized the potential of mobile marketing and utilized it to the full extent. The mobile service providers coded guidelines and laws. It then became a legal advertising channel. The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) and Interactive Advertising Bureau also have laid down guidelines for the proper functioning of mobile marketing.

Forms of SMS Text Messages

SMS stands for Short Message Service and SMS text messages generally only take up one text credit and come in the form of a few words.  Coupons can be sent in this way.  For example, a company could send out a message that says: Show this message to get 40% off a coffee, any size.

Announcements can also be sent in this way – like a chiropractors office that recently hired a new doctor or therapist or bought a new piece of medical equipment could text their list to let their customers know.

Reminders can be sent in an SMS text message. For example, a health food store that does free tastings once a month could send text reminders the day before or the morning of the tasting.  A doctor’s office could send text reminders of an upcoming appointment.

Forms of MMS Text Messages

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service and MMS messages can consist of video, sound, text, pictures, or any combination of them.  Some examples of how a business would use MMS mobile marketing would be to send out a text Mother’s Day card with a pretty picture in the background and a coupon for money off for all mothers.

Another way an MMS message could be sent out is if a short voice broadcast – like a message from the president of the company – were sent out and all subscribers could hear it when they pick up.

Interactive Mobile Marketing

The ways that customers, clients, and prospects can interact with a company via mobile marketing are interesting, fun, and varied.

A business could do mobile voting – where you send out a multiple choice question to all your list subscribers.  People respond and you can collect their votes.

Summary

Overall, people now are accessing the internet differently. The old way was through a personal computer or laptop and now the more modern way is through a mobile phone. It is shocking to know that in the near future more people will be accessing the internet via their mobile than any other device. So jump on it! Good luck.

Other articles you might like;

• The First Step In Mobile Marketing Is Having A Mobile Friendly Website!
• Why Is Mobile Marketing Important?
• What is Mobile Marketing?
• Getting Started with Google AdSense