What is text messaging?
Text messaging is a way to communicate on your mobile phone by sending and receiving plain text messages. Other terms for text messaging include SMS (which stands for Short Message Service), texting, mobile messaging, wireless messaging, and short mail. Text messages are typically limited to 160 characters.
Who can I send an SMS or text messages to?
In the U.S., you can send an SMS or text message to any other mobile phone user by addressing the message to their mobile phone number. Additionally, you can send messages to participate in polls, voting, games and a variety of other exciting mobile applications by addressing your SMS or text message to a short code. Look for short codes on product packaging and in TV and print advertising.
How does SMS or text messaging work?
SMS or text messaging is a text-only message delivery system on mobile phone networks. As a compliment to voice calls, text messages travel through the wireless service provider's network, routed and delivered much like a voice call. The messaging server for SMS or text messaging routes all messages to the appropriate mobile phone or application based on the number in the destination address.
Do I need a dedicated or shared short code?
If you are looking for a cost-efficient solution that can be activated instantly, we recommend using a shared short code with the expectation of low to moderate message volumes. High volume messaging requires a procurement of a dedicated short code. If you choose a dedicated short code, you can opt for a random code or vanity code. Vanity codes are specific codes that you request. If you choose a shared short code, your keyword is your unique identifier, and ensures that your campaign is distinct from other campaigns that may be sharing your code.
What is Bluetooth Marketing?
Bluetooth Marketing is a system which involves a Bluetooth hotspot, usually at a specific retail location. It consists of broadcasting offers or incentives to the individuals that are within range of the transmitter, i.e. walking by a store. This technology has the advantages that it is permission-based, has high transfer speeds and is also a radio-based technology and can therefore not be billed (i.e. is free of charge).
What is Location Based Marketing?
Location Based Marketing is a way to send custom advertising and other information to mobile subscribers based on their current location. Many smartphones today can determine their location via GPS. In urban or suburban areas, they can also use cell-tower triangulation or WiFi hotspot mapping to accurately locate themselves, even if they are not GPS-enabled.
Analytics
Analytics refers to collection of data about a mobile app or web site and its users. Analytics programs typically give performance data on clicks, time, pages viewed, location, and a variety of other information. The proper use of Web analytics allows content owners to improve their user's experience, which usually leads to higher ROI.
Behavioral Targeting
An area of internet marketing becoming increasingly refined, behavioral targeting looks to put ads in front of people who should be more receptive to the particular message given past Web or mobile behavior, including purchases, app usage, and Web sites visited.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is an open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short length radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security.
Carrier
Shorthand for wireless carrier, carriers provide the network infrastructure for the delivery of messages between end users and connection aggregators or application providers.
Click-through Rate (CTR)
# of clicks / # of impressions. Click through rate is a common internet marketing measurement tool for ad effectiveness. This rate tells you how many times people are actually clicking on your ad out of the number of times your ad is shown. Low click through rates can be caused by a number of factors, including copy, placement, and relevance.
Conversion Rate
This metric tells you what percentage of people are converting. The definition of "conversion" depends upon your goals and measurements. It could mean a sign up for free information, a completed survey, a purchase made, etc.
Cost per Click (CPC)
A common way to pay for search engine and other types of online advertising. CPC means you pay a pre-determined amount each time someone clicks on your advertisement. You usually set a top amount you are willing to pay per click for each search term, and the amount you pay will be equal or less to that amount.
Cost per Impression (CPM)
A common internet marketing cost structure, especially for banner advertising. You agree to pay a set cost for every 1,000 impressions your ad receives, regardless of the number of clicks that are generated.
CSC
CSC is the abbreviation for common short code.
PSMS
Premium SMS messages are those for which subscribers are charged an extra fee, above any carrier fees. PSMS messages are typically used for some premium content that a user has subscribed to, though they are increasingly being used for real-world services such as vending machine payments.
Short Code
A short sode is a 5 or 6 digit abbreviated phone number that carriers assign to businesses that want to send text messages over their network. Consumers can text HELP to the short code to find out more abut the business and the program. Short code programs have to be individually approved by each wireless carrier. This prevents spammers and marketers from sending unsolicited messages into their networks.
SMS
Short message service; also commonly known as a text message. It is the standard by which all phones send and receive text messages. Standard text messages are limited in size to 160 characters.
Wireless Subscriber
A wireless subscriber is any individual who has purchased mobile phone service from a wireless service provider.
By 2012, an estimated 10,000,000,000,000 (that's TEN TRILLION!) text messages will be sent and delivered globally.