(In the first of the two part series on the subject, I’ll be covering the basics of SMS Mobile/Text Marketing. My next segment will focus on tools of Trumpia)
Mobile marketing is becoming a big buzzword in the industry lately for businesses and marketing. But what is this buzz about? Does it produce a significant return on investment for your business? Is this an increasing trend? OK, we’ll say it - is it just hype?! Here are some stats to get you started:

• Of the 270 million US cell phones currently subscribed, over 96% of them are SMS capable
• Text message is typically read within 15 minutes and responded to within 60 minutes
• Over 285 million wireless lines in the U.S. alone (twice as many active users as email)
• Over 84 billion monthly SMS messages are sent
• Average reaction rate for SMS messages is 70% while email messages is 30% (according to Mobile Marketing Watch)
• Annual SMS sent in 2008 amounts to 1.01 trillion

The mobile marketing’s potential for success has never been greater. (And numbers don’t lie) Still not convinced? Check out our fashion retailer success story The Attic. With an overwhelming response of customers to one simple text message powered by Trumpia, they sold $20,000 worth of merchandise in just 3 hours!

But how do you get started and make the most of this high-impact messaging channel?

What is SMS Text Messaging?

SMS stands for Short Message Service, also commonly referred to as text messaging or texting. SMS is a method in which short text messages can be sent from one cell phone or Web to another cell phone.

So Why SMS Text Marketing?

Adding SMS marketing allows you to reach your target audience no matter where they are, reaching prospects and customers most relevant to your offer, which in turn encourages an interactive response to your marketing campaigns. SMS is a growing a channel that when executed properly can boost your current marketing campaigns such as email marketing, coupons, news and promotional offers.

Here are a few things to get you started in launching a successful SMS mobile marketing campaign:

1. Develop a marketing strategy or objective
   Your program can range from simple auto response alerts to engaging SMS mobile voting and polls. Think about a messaging strategy. Also you can brainstorm different strategies depending upon your business needs.
2. Set up a short code and/or a mobile keyword
   A short code is a 4-6 digit long number (example: 69302). A Keyword is a one-word phrase that identifies a product, service, action, or business (SNEAKER or TRUMPIA). When people text your keyword it automatically generates a response to your customer.
3. Develop a promotion plan for increasing opt-ins and expand your list
   You want to deliver a permission based, targeted message to prospects and consumers. The mobile marketing is strictly opt-in, therefore you will not be able to purchase, rent, or exchange mobile numbers. Try to develop mobile marketing messages that are customer incentive-driven.

If you want a few more details about how it all works, stay tuned for more SMS mobile / text marketing ideas! And of course you can visit Trumpia to help you strategize and conduct more complex campaigns like polls, voting, coupons and sweepstakes.

- Trumpia's Jeanius