 |
 Short Message Service (SMS) is the feature that lets you send and
receive text messages via cell phones. These messages can be up to 160
characters long. SMS text messaging, or "texting" is especially popular in
Europe and Asia. In the U.S., it is building in popularity, especially
among younger cell phone users.
"Interactive SMS" goes beyond simply sending text messages. It includes
special features such as nationwide voting on reality and awards shows,
“chatting” on cable TV programs, using SMS to enter contests and
promotions, and for marketers to have two-way contact with customers.
Pangolin makes interactive SMS easy
Perhaps
you thought SMS services were only for major TV programs and national
cable channels. Not any more! Now, Pangolin has made it easy for local
operators and even freelance producers to set up and run SMS interactive
services.
All you need is a
SIM card and
a computer. Pangolin’s Interactive Messaging
Unlimited system includes a cellular modem for incoming calls. The
IMU software handles
and filters the incoming messages. It then outputs them for display by
video or lasers.
You can set up IMU in a studio, to
tally votes for a local talent contest, scroll messages during a call-in
show, or add chat to a movie. It works just as well on location with a
laptop, to gather and display messages at clubs, concerts, grand openings
and other events. For example, at a party or event, guests will have fun
seeing their messages scrolling on the video screens -- especially kids
who are already text-savvy.
How to benefit
from interactive SMS
With Pangolin's
IMU, you own the software and cellular modem. There are no monthly or
other recurring charges. If you are running IMU for a client, you can of
course charge a fee for your service. In addition, there are 3 other ways you can benefit from SMS interactive text
services.
- First, you are providing a unique service that attracts
viewers or customers, especially in the 18-25 age segment who are
already doing “texting”. For video programs, the messages can become the
program — your viewers are creating content that’s personal and
compelling to them. For clubs and events, the public interactive
audience conversation becomes another attraction.
- Second, you can sell advertising on the video chat screen.
Viewers are naturally drawn to the ever-changing chat — and to your
advertisers' messages.
- Third, you and your advertisers capture an “instant database”
of people interested in your program or event.
Pangolin’s IMU stores information in
a database, including nickname, cell number, message and time of call.
You can also get demographic information by having users call on
different numbers (IMU supports multiple lines simultaneously) and/or
enter different codes (“Text back ‘+TRYCHEVY’ and an operator will call
to arrange a test drive.”)
You can send reply messages
back immediately, such as “Thanks bandfan1; be sure to try new Smash
Cola”. Or reply at a later time: “Hope you liked the Arena concert last
week. Tonight’s show features The Excess at 10 pm.”
Advertisers and sponsors are excited about SMS/MMS. It is targeted,
two-way marketing that works. Response rates for campaigns are reported to
average 10-20%.
Take advantage of SMS growth
Pangolin’s IMU and
VMU software is your entrée to the growing world of
SMS revenues and marketing. “Texting” is already common in Europe and
Asia, where it accounts for about 10% of GSM operators’ gross non-voice
revenues. SMS use is also growing in the U.S. The CTIA estimates that 20%
of Americans with cell phones use SMS — and this rises to 50% for 18-25
year olds. SMS is so new, that exciting ways to use it are still being
developed. (For more ideas, see our SMS
Revenue Boosters page.)
What Pangolin’s
IMU system does is make it easy and economical to implement
those ways. From nationwide awards shows, to contests at local clubs and
businesses — from international cable channels to local access — from
arena concerts to local clubs — SMS interactive text messaging generates
income, excitement, and targeted marketing.
|
|
|
