The Smartphone Effect on SMS Marketing

posted by Ted on February 15, 2012

Mobile marketing is still a relatively new method that is slowly becoming more and more acceptable in the United States. As it is still relatively unknown, many businesses remain cautious in adopting this practice. However, those that have are beginning to show great returns. The enormous potential of this method is only beginning to be realized.

The recent surge of interest in mobile marketing has been partially due to the increased popularity of multimedia devices such as the iPhone and Android. The functionality that these smartphones offer have increased the number of options for mobile marketers and offered an even higher level of personalization to their messages. What once could only be a text-only message can now contain images, video, and other multimedia options.

Since new smartphones are constantly being introduced and existing ones being updated, more and more features are becoming available. These new features make them absolutely perfect for a business that is considering adding mobile marketing to their overall marketing mix.

Due to all the security features that these phones offer, consumers can now be more easily influenced into buying products online using them. The multimedia functions allow the recipient to view images, video and even audio that a marketer might want to deliver. If the offer is appealing enough and the message is delivered properly, the marketer will likely realize a high conversions rate. Furthermore, with just a few clicks on their smartphone, users are able to view the target website and easily purchase products. This type of convenience makes the potential even greater.

The multimedia features of these smartphones have also allowed marketers to target specific consumers based on particular characteristics, such as gender, age, geographic location, and more.

Mobile marketing is not devoid of skepticism however. One of the main arguments out there is that smartphones are somewhat new to the market and are still relatively expensive when compared to other options. This means that they are not quite as widespread as marketers would hope and are not able to take advantage of the situation as much as they would have had they been more common.

This should not be a big concern for a marketer. As with any other technology, smart phones will eventually be reduced in price. With lower prices, more people can afford them which will mean greater availability. Also, mobile marketing is not reserved just for those with smartphones. Almost every cell phone out there is able to receive texts, meaning they are also potential targets for this still largely untapped resource.

Mobile marketing is certainly not a method to be ignored. If you are serious about expanding your business, you should consider what it has to offer. If you follow all the rules, make sure all of your recipients have opted-in to receive your message and send our targeted messages that offer true value, you will likely achieve the same significant ROI that other businesses have found using this relatively untapped market.

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