Sorry for taking so long to get back to the blog. We have been really swamped- working on a new campaign featuring some really incredible library champions. Look for more news very shortly. We have awesome athletes like Justin Tuck, Zach Parise and AJ Burnett who have volunteered to be our library champions. And that’s just the beginning. More to come….
The mobile marketing pilots are underway and it’s been pretty interesting. We are using a SMS text messaging system and I think the hardest part has been finding the right formula to get people to sign up. But let’s start at the beginning …
What is SMS Mobile Marketing
People are given a short code (phone number) and are asked to text a keyword {special name) to sign up for a prize, coupon, information, news, etc. When they send a text, their cell phone number is added to a database. The library can access that number and send text messages directly to the phone. Recipients can stop receiving the messages by texting “stop”.
From a library point of view, SMS marketing allows us to create segmented mailing lists so that we can easily create a very targeted communication network. This is something most of have never been able to do before because we didn’t have the time, staff or money. Because the system can be interactive, it also allows us to create a communication network that will serve as immediate focus groups and give immediate feedback about programs or services we are offering.
OTHER BENEFITS OF SMS MARKETING CAMPAIGNS:
Deliverability: As 94% of all text messages are read, your marketing message will be seen by virtually all of the subscribers in your campaign. Great medium to reach teenagers, moms, ESL groups. Espically effective for cutting through clutter.
Qualified Recipients: Since your subscribers have opted-in to receiving your offers and promotional messages, you know they have an active interest in your library, and your products.
Flexibility: With text messages sent and received within minutes of starting your campaign, you can use mobile marketing for ad-hoc purposes, such as driving traffic to your library for spontaneous programs.
Range of Use: Mobile marketing can be used for a wide range of purposes: announcing new product, special events…etc. Subscribers can be treated as an exclusive group for offers and information that only they have access to, increasing loyalty, purchases, and speed of communications.
COST: A simple plan can run as low as $50 a month!
