| At the risk of overselling this, text message marketing | | | | device with them all the time. |
| is fast becoming the most powerful advertising channel | | | | Statistically there are certain demographics that prefer |
| for businesses of all sizes and shapes. Period. | | | | text to voice communication. And the number of |
| Interacting with prospective and existing customers via | | | | people accessing the web from their hand held device |
| their cellular device just makes sense. It is inexpensive, | | | | is overwhelming. The Pew Internet & American |
| personal, immediate, well-received and it delivers | | | | Life Project just released the "Future of the Internet III" |
| results. | | | | report that has some interesting predictions. Among |
| Hand held cellular devices represent the most direct | | | | the most applicable to businesses is the idea that by |
| way to engage your customer. Imagine the pizza shop | | | | 2020, there will be 20 billion cell phones in the world - |
| owner who sends a text message to those that have | | | | and they will be the primary method through which |
| asked to receive one, announcing a 2 for 1 pizza | | | | people access the Internet and communicate. |
| special at 5 o'clock on a Wednesday afternoon. | | | | In the ever more crowded world of advertising there |
| Dozens of people show up with their text coupon. The | | | | are some channels that just don't deliver well anymore. |
| same holds true for the HVAC company that sends a | | | | Radio and TV have lost their advertising effectiveness, |
| text on the first warm day of the year announcing | | | | and print mediums are even worse. Advertisers |
| service and equipment specials. Disney theme parks | | | | demand a channel that will deliver results. Text |
| are one of the latest companies to adopt text | | | | message marketing is the answer. It will engage your |
| message advertising to announce everything from | | | | prospect and talk with them at the time they are |
| specials to where a favorite character is signing | | | | ready to buy. The time when you want to be noticed |
| autographs in the park. | | | | most. |
| More than 80% of the U.S. population carries a cellular | | | | |