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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What Is Cash Out Refinance

A cash out re-finance basically enables the homeowner to re-finance their home for an amount greater than the balance of the exiting mortgage. The homeowners than repay the existing balance plus the additional amount over the course of the loan period and are given a check for the amount above and beyond the balance of the exiting mortgage. The homeowners can use this check for any purpose they choose now and repay the debt along with the rest of re-financed amount.

When is a Cash Out Re-Finance possible
A cash out option is available when there is existing equity in the home. This is important because the lender is able to justify the practice of offering increased funds to the homeowner due to the value of the property. This is because the lender feels as though the security of having the home for collateral does not put them at a high risk for the homeowner defaulting on the loan.

Homeowners who wish to take advantage of a cash out re-finance offered by a lender should inquire as to whether or not the lender offers this type of re-financing. This is important because not all lenders offer this option. It should actually be one of the first questions the homeowner asks when inquiring about re-financing programs. Doing so will save homeowners, who are seeking a cash out re-finance, a great deal of time.

How Can the Cash be Used
For many homeowners the most appealing aspect of cash out re-financing is that the additional funds can be used for any purpose desired by the homeowner. The homeowner does not even have to offer the lender an explanation of how the additional funds will be used.

This is important because once the lender writes the check for the additional funds, he has no concern for how the money is used. This is because the amount of the additional funds is rolled into the re-financed mortgage. The lender simply focuses on the homeowners ability to repay the mortgage and is not concerned with how the homeowner uses the funds which are released in the cash out.

While the purpose of a cash out re-finance does not have to be disclosed to the lender, the homeowner would be wise to use these funds in a judicious manner. This is because the homeowner will be responsible for repaying these funds to the lender. Some of the popular uses for funds collected from cash out re-financing include:

Undertaking home improvement projects
Purchasing items for the home
Taking a dream vacation
Putting money in a childs tuition fund or
Purchasing a vehicle
Starting a small business

All of the reasons listed above are excellent uses of a cash out re-finance option. Homeowners who are considering this type of a re-financing option should also consider whether or not the deductions are tax deductible. Using the cash out option to make home improvements is jus one example of a situation where the funds can be tax deductible. Homeowners should consult their tax attorney on the matter to determine whether or not they are able to deduct the interest from the repayment of their re-financing loan.

Cash Out Re-Financing Example
The process of a cash out refinancing option is fairly easy to illustrate with a simple example. Consider a homeowner who purchases a 150,000 with a 7 interest. Now consider the homeowner has already repaid 50000 of the loan and would like to borrow an additional 20,000 to make a rather large purchase or invest in a small business.

With this additional funding available the homeowners have the opportunity to use the equity in their home to make their dreams come true. In the example above the homeowner may refinance for a total of 120,000 at a lower interest rate such as 6.25.

This process allow the homeowner to take advantage of the existing equity in their home and also allows the homeowner to qualify for a substantial loan at a rate typically reserved for re-financing or home loans.


About the Author

1000s of Finance,Financing,Financial and Funding Services -

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