Just been working on a blog for my clients TextMagic (http://www.textmagic.com/) . We all hate receiving junk emails, let's face it. SMS marketing is now rising to the fore - and I don't just mean for voting for your fave on the X-Factor. Take a look below - it looks from now on, you'll be receiving your dentist appointments direct to your phone. It's a bright new future!
It’s a Matter of Spam: A Smarter Alternative to Email Marketing
Unhappy with the response rate on your email marketing campaigns? Now’s the time to change to SMS marketing, the clever alternative to email
Any company using emails to communicate with its customers will be all too familiar with the issues and frustrations which this style of communication can create. Email marketing has been part of business strategy for many years and due to misuse via selling of data lists, has gone from a convenient and effective method of communicating with a customer base to a strategy which is now largely mistrusted by customers and suffers from poor penetration rates.
So what’s the right alternative to email that will get through to your customers? The answer is SMS.
88% of emails are spam – business SMS gets the message through
It was recently estimated that a huge 88% of emails sent are spam. Unsurprisingly, this means that many of your email messages to your customer base will remain unopened or be sent directly to the junk email folder – not great news for building relationships with your clients. Furthermore, if you have vital information to share with your customers, such as delays on delivery times or the re-arrangement of appointments, how do you get past the problem that your email may never even be opened by your customer?
That’s where the real beauty of business SMS messaging as email alternatives shines through, acting as a lifesaver to your marketing and customer communications.
Four mobile phones sold for every computer – that’s why SMS marketing wins
According to the GSM Association, there are now four mobile phones sold for every one personal computer. Mobile phones invariably stay with their owner 24/7 – which compared to the relatively short time people spend in front of their computers checking their email, just can’t be beaten. Additionally, business SMS messaging services haven’t been affected by the spam issues which the email marketing landscape struggles with, meaning that consumers have a far higher level of trust in SMS messages than they do in email. That’s why an SMS marketing campaign sent to customers as an email alternative will invariably be opened and read – and is most likely to be read at the time of delivery. The latest statistics from market research experts Frost & Sullivan state that the open rate for SMS messages is over 98% - that’s impressive, particularly when you consider you’re likely to get less than a 30% open rate from marketing emails . Business SMS has another benefit over email – you can choose when you want the customer to read your message.
SMS marketing is effective from any computer in the world
There’s a vast choice of different ways in which a business can take advantage of SMS technology as part of its marketing strategy. The TextMagic Messenger is a simple and cost-effective way of sending business SMS messages from a Mac or PC and the interface is available in 11 different languages – ideal for today’s businesses operating over many different territories. You don’t even need to be tied to an office computer, as TextMagic Online offers great two-way SMS functionality from a web-based application – meaning that your business communications are truly mobile and you can connect and communicate with your customers wherever you are.
But don’t just take our word for how invaluable SMS messaging is to business –Mrs Rimmer of land and property specialists Rostons Ltd agrees. ‘Our clients have commented on how useful it is to receive a text and it has put us at the forefront of our industry by using a service like this.’
Business SMS messaging delivers an unparalleled penetration rate over email marketing, enabling your business to communicate more effectively with your customer base and build that all-important confidence factor. If you’re serious about getting your marketing messages in front of your customers, then look for an alternative to email;- SMS marketing is the only logical option.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Two men, 2,200km and LOTS of snow
This one caught our attention today.... sounds like an interesting challenge (and rather them than us!) I have to say, our last great challenge was managing to walk away from the fridge with just one chocolate mousse rather than a greedy armful of all of them. That's why we're not in the running for great outdoor adventures.
Two men, 2,200km and LOTS of snow - Justin Miles
Nobody's ever walked from the coast of the Antarctic to the South Pole and back before, so I'm doing it with friend and fellow adventurer John Wilton-Davies. What's more, to make the trek even more interesting, we'll be completing the trip with no assistance or support. Once completed, the 2,200km trek will also be the longest unsupported polar trek in history.
Find out about what we're doing and how we're working with the Britsh Heart Foundation by dropping in on the website, or follow the Last Great Challenge on facebook.
http://www.lastgreatchallenge.com/
Two men, 2,200km and LOTS of snow - Justin Miles
Nobody's ever walked from the coast of the Antarctic to the South Pole and back before, so I'm doing it with friend and fellow adventurer John Wilton-Davies. What's more, to make the trek even more interesting, we'll be completing the trip with no assistance or support. Once completed, the 2,200km trek will also be the longest unsupported polar trek in history.
Find out about what we're doing and how we're working with the Britsh Heart Foundation by dropping in on the website, or follow the Last Great Challenge on facebook.
http://www.lastgreatchallenge.com/
Gordon Brown Voted Most Likely PM Candidate to Eat Your Hamster!
GORDON BROWN VOTED MOST LIKELY PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE TO EAT YOUR HAMSTER!
As election fever grips the nation, it appears that the most pressing issue on the country’s mind isn’t immigration or spending cuts – it’s which party leader can be trusted around our small furry pets.
A poll carried out by UK online gifts retailer http://www.shinyshack.com/ to over 700 of its users confirmed the news that Gordon Brown must be dreading after last night’s final live party political debate – that voters up and down the country have seen through that gruff Scottish persona and caught a glimpse of the bloodthirsty wildman within.
The current Prime Minister topped the poll with a staggering 78% of the vote – perhaps testament to the desperation he must be feeling after this week’s ‘BigotGate’ affair. After all, many of us turn to our favourite comfort food when under stress. Self-appointed ‘man of the people’ David Cameron was voted second with 17% of the vote, whilst fast-rising pretender to the Prime Ministerial throne Nick Clegg came in at just 5% - which must be music to the ears of hopeful Lib Dems everywhere. (Source: http://www.shinyshack.com/blog.php?bid=119)
So what is it about the Labour leader that strikes fear into the hearts of tiny rodents everywhere? And considering Mr Brown’s partial sight, should Top Gear presenter Richard ‘Hamster’ Hammond be taking extra precautions when travelling near Westminster?
Unconfirmed reports of high-pitched squeaking sounds emanating from Downing Street have been circulating the political circuit for some time. Pet shop delivery vans have also been seen in the vicinity of the House of Commons, although official sources insist that this is merely coincidental and that live animals are not allowed within parliamentary offices. Is Mr Brown using his partial sight to bypass official rules and pass off any hamster found about his person as a ‘guide rodent’?
When interviewed on the poll results, members of the voting public added their insights as to why Mr Brown has proven such a clear winner in the hamster-eating stakes. “When I watched Gordon on TV the other night you could clearly see a bit of fur stuck between his teeth,” said one voter in Bristol. “It was disgusting really. That Nick Clegg looked a bit annoyed though - maybe his hamster had gone missing?”
Tamer Shafik, Managing Director of www.shinyshack.com revealed that whilst the poll results were not entirely a surprise to him, nevertheless he was astonished by the sheer scale of Brown’s runaway win. “If Mr Brown can replicate anything approaching this poll success in the General Election he’ll take the country by storm. However, it might be prudent for voters to check on their hamsters’ security arrangements on May 6th just in case the pressure of the day gets to Mr Brown.”
Freddie Starr was unavailable for comment on the www.shinyshack.com poll results, but sources close to the entertainment star understand that the Starr, who infamously made front page news of The Sun in 1986 due to his alleged ‘hamster habit’, would be open to an approach by the Labour Party to discuss a touring double-act should Mr Brown consider a change of career. Judging from the ICM opinion poll held after yesterday’s live debate, we could be seeing Starr & Brown appearing at a theatre near you soon.
As election fever grips the nation, it appears that the most pressing issue on the country’s mind isn’t immigration or spending cuts – it’s which party leader can be trusted around our small furry pets.
A poll carried out by UK online gifts retailer http://www.shinyshack.com/ to over 700 of its users confirmed the news that Gordon Brown must be dreading after last night’s final live party political debate – that voters up and down the country have seen through that gruff Scottish persona and caught a glimpse of the bloodthirsty wildman within.
The current Prime Minister topped the poll with a staggering 78% of the vote – perhaps testament to the desperation he must be feeling after this week’s ‘BigotGate’ affair. After all, many of us turn to our favourite comfort food when under stress. Self-appointed ‘man of the people’ David Cameron was voted second with 17% of the vote, whilst fast-rising pretender to the Prime Ministerial throne Nick Clegg came in at just 5% - which must be music to the ears of hopeful Lib Dems everywhere. (Source: http://www.shinyshack.com/blog.php?bid=119)
So what is it about the Labour leader that strikes fear into the hearts of tiny rodents everywhere? And considering Mr Brown’s partial sight, should Top Gear presenter Richard ‘Hamster’ Hammond be taking extra precautions when travelling near Westminster?
Unconfirmed reports of high-pitched squeaking sounds emanating from Downing Street have been circulating the political circuit for some time. Pet shop delivery vans have also been seen in the vicinity of the House of Commons, although official sources insist that this is merely coincidental and that live animals are not allowed within parliamentary offices. Is Mr Brown using his partial sight to bypass official rules and pass off any hamster found about his person as a ‘guide rodent’?
When interviewed on the poll results, members of the voting public added their insights as to why Mr Brown has proven such a clear winner in the hamster-eating stakes. “When I watched Gordon on TV the other night you could clearly see a bit of fur stuck between his teeth,” said one voter in Bristol. “It was disgusting really. That Nick Clegg looked a bit annoyed though - maybe his hamster had gone missing?”
Tamer Shafik, Managing Director of www.shinyshack.com revealed that whilst the poll results were not entirely a surprise to him, nevertheless he was astonished by the sheer scale of Brown’s runaway win. “If Mr Brown can replicate anything approaching this poll success in the General Election he’ll take the country by storm. However, it might be prudent for voters to check on their hamsters’ security arrangements on May 6th just in case the pressure of the day gets to Mr Brown.”
Freddie Starr was unavailable for comment on the www.shinyshack.com poll results, but sources close to the entertainment star understand that the Starr, who infamously made front page news of The Sun in 1986 due to his alleged ‘hamster habit’, would be open to an approach by the Labour Party to discuss a touring double-act should Mr Brown consider a change of career. Judging from the ICM opinion poll held after yesterday’s live debate, we could be seeing Starr & Brown appearing at a theatre near you soon.
10 gifts that will make your friends hate you
Looking for gift inspiration? Check our our essential guide on what not to buy, from our friends at http://www.shinyshack.com/ ......
So it’s your best friend’s birthday looming and you’re all out of gift ideas that will not only make your chum happy, but make you look good. After all, we all like that feeling of ‘Yeah, I chose well, didn’t I? I’m the daddy of gift buying. You can’t touch this.’
But before you splurge that cash, take another look at your choice. Chances are that if you’ve picked any of the gift ideas below, that gratitude will turn to glowering looks – and before you know it, they’ll be avoiding your calls and bad-mouthing you all over town.
1. Gym Membership Vouchers
Come on, what did you think your friends were really going to feel? You reckon they’ll be thankful for you pointing out that they need to get their fat asses down to the gym? Why not go the entire hog in insulting gift ideas and buy them a mirror that screams when they look in it?
2. Underwear & Sex Toys
Wrong, wrong, wrong on every level. Gift ideas which make passing reference to your friend’s love life means that you’re thinking about them naked . You’re one step away from peering through their bedroom window with night vision goggles, you sicko.
3. Second Hand Gifts
Thought you were being clever when you decided to recycle the repulsive ornament someone bought you a couple of years ago? Well, you didn’t think that Friend A just might have gone shopping with Friend B to help choose that tasteless piece of rubbish, did you? Now you’ve not only insulted Friend A with your cheap gift ideas but you’ve alienated Friend B by giving away that gift they spent their hard-earned cash on. Well done you.
4. Kitchen Appliances
So funky kitchen gadgets might seem like winning gift ideas. But if you’re buying for a friend with no skill in the kitchen, you’re obliging them to make you a meal so they can show you that they DO love your gift. And there you’ll be, merrily stuffing your face whilst they kick the damned gift around the kitchen whilst wishing you’d just get the hell out of their house.
5. Pets
Everyone loves pets, right? Who could hate a cute little puppy or kitten? Wrong – these gift ideas bite back. You try smiling whilst you’re clearing dog turds off the carpet for the eighth time that week. You’ve committed your friend to a living hell where they can never go on holiday again without paying for expensive pet sitters, have their furniture scratched to pieces and spend more on vet’s bills than they do on their houses. Yep, good choice.
6. Socks
It’s official. You’re the dullest person in the world and couldn’t be bothered to come up with decent gift ideas. If your friends haven’t realised this by now, they will when they open this lame excuse for a gift. Be prepared to spend a lot more time in front of the TV – on your own.
7. Gift to Charity
A right-on and worthy way to choose gift ideas, yes? No. What you’re actually saying is that your friend is a spoilt, materialistic waste of space that should start thinking about other people instead of themselves. Why don’t you finish it off with a slap around the face?
8. Beauty Products
These gift ideas include make-up, smellies and face creams. All no-nos, we’re afraid. What you’re inferring here is that your friend is ugly, stinky and wrinkled. You’re such a charmer, aren’t you?
9. Ironic ‘Bad Taste’ Gifts
Not everyone shares the same sense of humour as you, let’s face it. What you might find ironically hilarious, your friend might take at face value. A foetus-shaped cookie cooker might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you’re getting hate mail from the local anti-abortion league you’ll wish you stuck to more boring gift ideas like socks.
10. Home Made Gifts
Think that ‘home made’ equals ‘I put all my time and effort into making something just perfect for you that you’ll treasure forever?’ You’re deluding yourself –what it actually says is ‘worthless pile of crap that looks like cat’s vomit.’ Your friend won’t thank you for these sad-ass gift ideas, and neither will their cat, which you probably bought for them last year.
So if you want to hold onto those friends, choose carefully – you never know what those gift ideas might be saying about you!
So it’s your best friend’s birthday looming and you’re all out of gift ideas that will not only make your chum happy, but make you look good. After all, we all like that feeling of ‘Yeah, I chose well, didn’t I? I’m the daddy of gift buying. You can’t touch this.’
But before you splurge that cash, take another look at your choice. Chances are that if you’ve picked any of the gift ideas below, that gratitude will turn to glowering looks – and before you know it, they’ll be avoiding your calls and bad-mouthing you all over town.
1. Gym Membership Vouchers
Come on, what did you think your friends were really going to feel? You reckon they’ll be thankful for you pointing out that they need to get their fat asses down to the gym? Why not go the entire hog in insulting gift ideas and buy them a mirror that screams when they look in it?
2. Underwear & Sex Toys
Wrong, wrong, wrong on every level. Gift ideas which make passing reference to your friend’s love life means that you’re thinking about them naked . You’re one step away from peering through their bedroom window with night vision goggles, you sicko.
3. Second Hand Gifts
Thought you were being clever when you decided to recycle the repulsive ornament someone bought you a couple of years ago? Well, you didn’t think that Friend A just might have gone shopping with Friend B to help choose that tasteless piece of rubbish, did you? Now you’ve not only insulted Friend A with your cheap gift ideas but you’ve alienated Friend B by giving away that gift they spent their hard-earned cash on. Well done you.
4. Kitchen Appliances
So funky kitchen gadgets might seem like winning gift ideas. But if you’re buying for a friend with no skill in the kitchen, you’re obliging them to make you a meal so they can show you that they DO love your gift. And there you’ll be, merrily stuffing your face whilst they kick the damned gift around the kitchen whilst wishing you’d just get the hell out of their house.
5. Pets
Everyone loves pets, right? Who could hate a cute little puppy or kitten? Wrong – these gift ideas bite back. You try smiling whilst you’re clearing dog turds off the carpet for the eighth time that week. You’ve committed your friend to a living hell where they can never go on holiday again without paying for expensive pet sitters, have their furniture scratched to pieces and spend more on vet’s bills than they do on their houses. Yep, good choice.
6. Socks
It’s official. You’re the dullest person in the world and couldn’t be bothered to come up with decent gift ideas. If your friends haven’t realised this by now, they will when they open this lame excuse for a gift. Be prepared to spend a lot more time in front of the TV – on your own.
7. Gift to Charity
A right-on and worthy way to choose gift ideas, yes? No. What you’re actually saying is that your friend is a spoilt, materialistic waste of space that should start thinking about other people instead of themselves. Why don’t you finish it off with a slap around the face?
8. Beauty Products
These gift ideas include make-up, smellies and face creams. All no-nos, we’re afraid. What you’re inferring here is that your friend is ugly, stinky and wrinkled. You’re such a charmer, aren’t you?
9. Ironic ‘Bad Taste’ Gifts
Not everyone shares the same sense of humour as you, let’s face it. What you might find ironically hilarious, your friend might take at face value. A foetus-shaped cookie cooker might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you’re getting hate mail from the local anti-abortion league you’ll wish you stuck to more boring gift ideas like socks.
10. Home Made Gifts
Think that ‘home made’ equals ‘I put all my time and effort into making something just perfect for you that you’ll treasure forever?’ You’re deluding yourself –what it actually says is ‘worthless pile of crap that looks like cat’s vomit.’ Your friend won’t thank you for these sad-ass gift ideas, and neither will their cat, which you probably bought for them last year.
So if you want to hold onto those friends, choose carefully – you never know what those gift ideas might be saying about you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)