Why Text Messaging is an Important Tool

Text messaging in America has been increasing at a very high rate over the past couple of years. For those that keep track of new developments in mobile technology, it's apparent that the sending of text messages is quickly surpassing the simple friend-to-friend model that it started with. Now additionally used for televoting¹, emergency text alert systems², coupons³, purchasing on Amazon⁴, banking⁵, and even family relationship improvement⁶ (to name a few examples), this mobile technology channel is opening a myriad of new opportunities for communication, socialization, and marketing.

According to CTIA, by the end of 2007 American wireless subscribers were sending 48.1 billion text messages per month, up from 9.8 billion at the end of 2005⁷

What exactly are Text Messaging and SMS?

SMS stands for Short Messaging Service. It allows mobile devices to exchange text messages (160 characters max.) with each other, email addresses, or specifically-designed computer servers using a "short code".

A short code is a five- or six-digit number to which mobile devices can send SMS and MMS messages. They are often designed to be easy-to-remember, as in Knovolo's House for Sale demo:

text DEMO to REALTY (732589)

where DEMO is the body of the SMS, and 732589 - which spells out realty - is the short code.

By the way, MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. Whereas an SMS is only text, an MMS can include pictures, sound, and/or video. This is useful in several ways. For example, users can upload pictures of themselves to their mobile blogs via MMS, and businesses can run mobile ad campaigns with MMS's that have images of barcodes, which can in turn be scanned at the point of sale. If you'd like to see an example of an MMS barcode, try the following:

text CARV to 20123

Even if you don't text message on a regular basis, the value of this new mobile technology should not be overlooked in new marketing and promotional strategies. You can trust Knovolo with the technical details, which means you can focus on reaching your customers through this powerful new medium. The possibilities are nearly endless, and Knovolo can help you get there.

For more information, read the following articles:

	Your message. Mobile. Now.
	Login