Text Messaging Provides A Burst of Marketing Opportunities

Short Message service (SMS) is the mechanism behind text messaging for mobile phones.This globally accepted wireless service enables the transmission of alphanumeric and small non-text messages to and from mobile devices as well as fixed-base and wireless sources and destinations.

An SMS message is transmitted using short bursts of data that require very low bandwidth.Nearly all cell phones in use in the US today, some 255 million of them, can receive text messages.

Since alphanumeric messaging capability is now standard in all mobile handsets, text-based messages are the most popular type of SMS communications.A single SMS text message can be up to 160 characters in length.These 160 characters can be any combination of words, numbers or symbols that can be based on a textphonic language which allows fewer keystrokes.

SMS offers a variety of marketing applications, from mobile coupons, text alerts, viral promotions, mobile broadcasts, bounce ads, free tickets, etc.Its low-cost, high-penetration and high-retention offers a wealth of marketing opportunities to businesses, fundraising groups, institutions, political organizations, and much more.

There are a variety of applications for using Text Messaging for Business.Here are some examples:

TV-Stimulated Voting.

American Idol and Star Search are two examples of interactive TV programs that use SMS to engage viewers and solicit votes to select winners of their shows.

Real Estate Alerts.Customers can subscribe to a service that sends alerts when new properties get listed in their desired market/category.

Mobile Auction.Information on new products offered for auction is sent as SMS to mobile customers who are able to bid using their phone.

Interactive TV.For a small fee, viewers can send their SMS messages (greetings, comments, etc.) to a TV program and have their messages scroll on the screen and be viewed by the public.

Ticket Sales.Customers can buy airline tickets via their mobile handsets.The ticket is issued in the form of an SMS message which the customer presents with their phone when they check in.Also works for theatre tickets, sports events, etc.

Instant Sales Campaign.Retailers send customers instant sales messages valid only for a specified period.Customers who respond within the allotted time (usually 2 to 3 hours) get a percentage discount on the products featured in the message.

A New Language
Because common words take up a lot of space, a new textphonic language has emerged in an attempt to say as much as possible with the least number of characters.
But first, a word of caution.If you intend to use these words, keep in mind that although quite helpful, too much abbreviation can diminish the impact of an advertising message.

Non-Text SMS
SMS is not just for text messaging.
Any information that can fit into 160 bits can be delivered by SMS.Non-text SMS messaging enables the transmission of comparatively richer messages that can contain a combination of simple melodies (ringtones) and simple graphics (black and white admoticons) to compliant devices.

Screen Coupons
A Screen Coupon is a simple, small, bitmap-based advertising message that is just a little bigger than a postage stamp, about half the size of a regular business card.
A screen coupon is an ad message with a built-in promotional value.It may offer a store discount, free gift, free admission to an event, and even include a UPC code.To redeem, a customer must simply show the coupon on their mobile phone.

About the Author

Ben Deleon is President of Brandel, an innovative publishing company specializing in design and development of software & Internet-based businesses.

Brandel offers several mobile marketing products.Visit http://www.brandelinc.com, call 954-583-9000, or email ben@brandelinc.com.

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Seeking Credit Information - The First Step Towards Financial Recovery

You can repair your credit information if you have the know-how and the tenacity. Often, it involves calling your lenders, creditors and collection agencies to barter and negotiate with them. You may have to send them a letter or hassle them every single month until an item is removed, but you can often get lesser items off your report.

Things like charge-offs, collections accounts, settlements and late payments can all be negotiated. Sometimes, people hire a credit counselor or debt relief company to manage these negotiations for them. If you have a bankruptcy, foreclosure, lien or judgment against you, then this negative credit information will be on your account for 7-10 years without much you can do. But for the rest, you may want to micromanage a little to see what you can get.

Sometimes, you may look at your free credit scores and credit information only to find it rife with errors. First, get your free credit scores online from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at "Annual Credit Report", then print them out and highlight any negative information. Circle disputed records.

Check the expiration dates of the records. Bankruptcy filing records should have expired 10 years after the first filing date, charge-offs should be gone within 7 years, collection records should expire within 7 years and 180 days after the last late payment, closed accounts should be removed in 7 years, foreclosure records last for 7 years, inquiries will remain on your credit report for 1-2 years but will not hurt your overall score, judgments/court decisions will remain for 7 years after the filing date, late payments of more than 30 days remain for 7 years, repossession records persist for 7 years and tax liens can remain indefinitely, if unpaid, or else 7 years from the paid date.

To file a dispute about your credit information, you can write a dispute letter to each of the three major credit bureaus, which are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. On the letter, include the date, your name, address, phone number and social security number. Just write "The following data is incorrect and should be updated," then list each inaccuracy, explaining why its wrong and what it should be updated with.

Attach a marked copy of your credit score report and include any communication, account records or statements that can help verify your version of the truth. Mail is the best way to dispute with Equifax and TransUnion, while Experian only allows online disputes. The credit bureaus then have 30 days to investigate and repair your credit info.

Once its finished, they will send you a letter including what was or was not updated. If youre not satisfied with the results, then you can try to resubmit with different documentation or go directly to the creditor to resolve.

Theres no tool greater than credit information. If youve suffered poor credit scores in the past, then you can still rebound from a foreclosure or collection account by paying regular bills in full and on-time. The best way to stay ahead is to bring in more income, see where your spending problems lie and save sufficiently.

"What works" in this department varies for each person. Some need to put the money out of sight, out of mind, while others can manage it in their checking account. Whether it was a one-time "oops" or a pattern of "I didnt know," seeking credit info is the first step toward financial recovery.
About the Author

Mike Selvons portal will expand your knowledge on the

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