One of the main projects I worked on with Bay Area News Group was in creating SMS/mobile communication plans for our local advertisers. Often the mom and pop brick and mortar shops don’t have the time or know how in creating unique opportunities to connect with their loyalists. Our newspapers… San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times, Oakland Tribune etc… would act as the vendor for their areas local businesses by providing an SMS interactive system that had the potential to capture their loyalist, grab attention, convert competitor’s fans and create brand equity by gathering information on who they are reaching.
Our program is similar to what Stickybits is doing for the individual except that not only were we application based but also SMS and email based since not everyone owns a smartphone. Stickybits is an iphone/android application that uses a reader to capture a barcode that can relay any sort of information.
Example:
If you were to download the smartphone application and take a picture of that barcode you would have instant access to a copy of my online resume. [Recruiters, please take this opportunity to contact me now!]
Why is this beneficial to you?
Cell phones, although they are a considered a luxury, are seen as a necessity. Some absurdly large number (80%, I believe) of people read a text message within 3 minutes of receiving it. Having mobile communications is a way of life, with smartphones the preferred platform.
Ultimately this creates a unique opportunity to get your message read.
How you can use it, types of messaging and which program is better:
Stickybits and barcode/snaptag systems can be published anywhere!
For the individual and fan:
- websites, business cards, stickers…
- secret messages, attached files, interactive notes
- Stickybits; free system, easy to activate and use
For the “bargain” seeking business:
- websites, business cards, stickers, fliers, window decals, packaging, emailers…
- Coupons, downloadable files
- Stickybits to start and get your feet wet since it is free. Spyderlink would be next step.
For the consumer minded businesses:
- Anywhere, everywhere! See above for examples
- Coupons, downloadable files, interactive messaging (Polls, questions, quizzes), opportunity to join mailing or sms lists, VIP programs.
- Spyderlink: this program comes at a minimal cost and allows for interaction. It also gathers information on your interactions to give insight and loyalty programs. Because it can be paired with SMS and email you are basically creating a database for your mobile consumers. What you are paying for is the opportunity to have a conversation not just a download! Also, stickybits is reader based which means that in order for an interaction to occur the application must be downloaded first as opposed to Spyderlink which can be sent via picture message, text message or email.
