Going Mobile? Harnessing Mobile Web, Applications and SMS - Part 1
Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors who put together Austin's 7th ProductCamp yesterday. This was my 5th time to attend and the 4th time to present. "Going Mobile? Harnessing mobile web applications and SMS" introduces Executives and Marketing professionals to the 4 key mobile channels and how to use them effectively. Select the image below to view the slides. Am blogging notes from my presentation in 3 posts:
- Part 1 - SMS/MMS (Texting)
- Part 2 - Mobile Websites and Mobile Applications
- Part 3 - QR codes
SMS/MMS (Texting)
Simple Messaging Service (SMS)...160 character text messages. As Twitter has proven, a lot can be done with short message/ response pairs.
Consider using SMS for:
- Customer support Q&A
- Providing a track-able coupon code at the point-of-sale
- improving participation in surveys by engaging in-the-moment
We know the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) best as the ability to share images and ringtones from our mobile device. An extesion of SMS, MMS provides the ability to offer a richer interactive experience for those we'd like to engage.
SMS texting is a cheap service supported on nearly every mobile device. It's a great way to connect with young audiences and consumers.
MMS is slightly less robust due to differences in device configurations and overhead for delivering the media. Mobile Service Providers do not guarantee delivery for SMS or MMS, so messages can be delayed for as long as 48 hours or (worst case) not delivered at all.
If you are planning to use SMS/MMS for outreach, be aware that you must provide the ability for recipients to opt-in and opt-out to your messages at any time. You must retain proof that each person on your distribution is currently opted in or you could be fined for each instance that is in violation of the consumer protection laws in effect.
