Mobile messaging has quickly become everyone’s preferred method of communication. And, because the holidays tend to be a bit stressful for everyone, we decided to explore how you could use the technology to take a bit of the frustration out of the season’s activities. An online platform can prevent you from struggling with the tiny buttons on your mobile device, which can only add frustration to the ordeal. We’ve outlined a few of the many uses mobile messages can offer by using texts to handle some of your tasks when looking for gifts, setting up party details, and informing your consumer-base about upcoming sales or specials that can induce more traffic. So, put on your gaudy holiday sweater, fire up your texting interface, and let’s get to work, shall we?
Greeting Cards
Snail mail doesn’t have the allure that it used to, does it? And, while emails can provide similar conveniences on your end, they often won’t be read until after the holiday season. Why not take advantage of the fact that everyone around you has a mobile device? Send them a jpeg photo card that brings about a smile and spreads some of the holiday cheer? Besides, how many people in your address book really update their current location with you every time they move? And, instead of dealing with the cramping hand as you try to cram everybody in with your box of cards in front of you, you have the ability to personalise each message. Avoid all of this hassle by simply sending your greeting cards via mobile messaging.
Handle RSVPs
How frustrating is it when you set-up your holiday party to accommodate 35 and only 15 show up? Or, the opposite can occur when you set up for 15 and get 35 guests! Handle all of your RSVPs via the mobile messaging platform and get instant updates regarding who is coming, who may be bringing an extra guest, and who will be out of town and unable to make it. You may even receive the last-minute confirmation while at the marketing shopping for supplies, saving you the trouble of having to make another trip later in the day to stock up.
Catalogues
Many retailers use mobile messages to gain instant access to their consumers. If you are on the customer end of the equation, take advantage of their text campaign by texting the designated keyword to a short code and receive either a digital product listing or have a catalogue sent to your home. You can handle these things while you are out taking care of other holiday chores. If you are a retailer, consider implementing the strategy, as the holiday season provides a spike in sales revenue, and companies that make shopping convenient for their clients will ultimately reap all of the rewards.
Coupon Offers
As we watch the slow and painful recovery of the global economy, offer your customers a bit of a break by providing some SMS coupons. This will help to inform your target market about the season’s product listing, help to drive value-based traffic, and most importantly, further increase the interest in your company’s mobile messages. Everybody loves a sale, and when you use texts to inform your customers, the rush will be on!
Keeping Consumers Informed
Has one of your more popular products sold out? Maybe one location has exhausted their product supply while others still have a sought after item in stock. If so, let your customers know by texting them all of the pertinent information. With a 2-way messaging platform, they can respond to your message, ask questions about available, and see if particular stores are altering their opening or closing times. All of these benefits will help to build a trusting relationship between a retailer and their customers.
Games and Special Promotions
Nothing excites a target market like special promotions or gift offers. You can reward mobile participation or loyal customers by adding a keyword-based drawing that extends well beyond the holiday season. “Christmas in January” or other tailored promos can lure consumers to purchase products from your organisation instead of a competitor, as they get a chance at some incredible prizes! It just makes sense, doesn’t it?
Status Checks
As you run to and fro handling all of your holiday tasks, remember that there are haircuts, parties, dinner reservations, and deliveries that must all be accounted for. Use mobile messaging as a means of keeping track of all of these things. Confirm with your stylist or alter your reservation times all by simply texting the establishment and getting things ‘set in stone’.
The holiday season can be stressful if you wait until the last minute to handle everything. However, the technologies that we have seen expand in recent years, namely mobile messages, can add a bit of relief to this busy period. If you are operating a business, use the prevalence of SMS to stay connected with your customers and add an element of convenience to their holiday. They will appreciate your efforts, and will share their experience with others. This makes the season the perfect time to add signage promoting your mobile campaign. Induce participation, create value through the platform, and make the messages relevant, and you’ll catapult your organisational sales figures into the coming year.
Happy Holidays everyone!