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• Bulk SMS leads to Bulk Business

  16 Aug 2011 by Samantha Goldberg / No Comments

  What is an SMS Gateway? It’s not as technical as one may think. An SMS Gateway is a Web site that allows users to send SMS messages from a Web browser to people within the cell served by that gateway. These systems are the first step in routing a text message to a customer’s handset. Companies known as SMS aggregators or SMS gateway providers contract with mobile providers in order to bind their own gateways to networks and sell this capability to interested clients. The SMS Gateway acts as a relay system, translating one protocol into another. Wireless network operators use SMS gateways to connect to SMS centers (SMSCs). An SMSC is the portion of a wireless network that handles SMS operations, such as routing, forwarding and storing incoming text messages on their way to desired endpoints.

  By definition, bulk SMS marketing is the most economic marketing method existing today. SMS can be used as a marketing technique for companies to promote their merchandise. SMS can also be used in many other fields, some being corporate bodies such as banks where SMS can be used to inform customers of account transactions, the stock exchange is able to give tips to share holders on share movements via SMS, and schools can update students on admission tips, status and exams results all through the means of SMS. These are just a few of the many spheres with which companies can tap into what is being called the SMS revolution, where SMS services are being used by all sorts of companies to make individuals aware of their businesses, whether it be through reminders, coupons, promotion updates or competitions.

  More and more marketers are now using or considering using SMS marketing as part of their integrated marketing communication plan. SMS marketing campaigns are really great as they have the ability to integrate with other marketing mediums quite easily. SMS campaigns are also really effective because many individuals who receive marketed SMS messages are likely to spread the word about the company concerned, meaning many individuals talk about the messages they receive on their mobile phones. Almost every person between the ages of 15 and 60 now has a mobile phone; that is a huge portion of the population who own mobile devices that have the capability of receiving SMS traffic. This makes text messaging a lucrative method of advertising and customer service.

  In an ever-increasing digital world, it’s practicable to make use of SMS gateway providers to bridge the gap between the following areas: economical marketing styles, contemporary marketing techniques, commercial interest, the urgency for simplicity and burdened consumers. It is because of this that so many companies are moving towards bulk SMS campaigns to market their brands, in the endeavor to acquire the bulk business they need.

  Panacea Mobile is a really efficient SMS Gateway Provider which can assist with any of your marketing needs. One of their biggest clients can agree that their platform is fantastic; this client will also vouch for the bulk business they have received as a result of bulk messaging.

  ‘Panacea Mobile are truly mobile experts, and has added value to my business in a much wider context’. Johann van Tonder, Naspers Labs.

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• The Global Mobile Awards

  10 Aug 2011 by Samantha Goldberg / No Comments

  The Global Mobile Awards has been in existence since 1996, it is the most highly sought after awards in the global communications industry. The Global Mobile awards ceremony recognizes distinction, originality and creativity in mobile communications; the Awards attract entries from all over the globe and are judged by a panel of independent, highly respected experts.

  The host on the evening, Jonathan Ross, made a humorous yet excellent point: ‘this is the one and only awards ceremony where the guests are encouraged to leave their mobile phone switched on’.

  The Global Mobile awards 2011 took place in a special ceremony during the Mobile Word Congress on the 15th February 2011; it was followed by the official Congress Party and Awards Celebration event which was held at the beautiful National Palace in Montjuic. Not only was the event a real breathtaking affair where guests were dazzled by an entertaining host, British TV and radio presenter Jonathan Ross; a Grammy and Brit award-winning singer/songwriter, Duffy; and internationally acclaimed indie rock band Metric; but the event was also a brilliant way for guests and prospective clients to get together to socialize and network in an informal setting. This event is composed of the mobile industry’s senior industry leaders, executives, media, analysts and influencers; its can be assumed that most guests relish in the fact that there are so many esteemed individuals to socialize with.

  The Global Mobile Awards 2011 had more attendees, more outstanding exhibitors, more CEOs delivering keynotes, more CEOs in attendance, more conference attendees, and more app developer conferences than ever before (GSMA, 2011).

  For all the winners – companies and high profile executives who are fortunate enough to receive an award at the 2011 event (along with all the other winners from previous years), there are many benefits which occur as a result of the award received (GSMA, 2011):

  1) Competitive differentiation – an Award win helps to differentiate products and services in intensely competitive global and domestic markets.
  2) Increased awareness amongst sales prospects – the Awards ceremonies are attended by dozens of C-suite executives from all the major mobile operators, vendors, app developers, content providers and executives from a host of converging industries
  3) Global media coverage – winners are promoted by key on-line and print media partners around the world.
  4) A unique promotional platform – The awards are promoted to thousands of media representatives both pre, during and post the Mobile World Congress
  5) Global recognition for local projects – the Awards shine a spotlight on best practice in markets around the world, drawing attention to innovative applications and services
  6) Recognition of excellence – for employees, investors, customers and partners. The awards provide unique recognition of leadership and recognition at the single most important event for the industry.

  Companies are able to enter themselves into the competition; however there are certain categories such as ‘Global Mobile App Awards’, Best Mobile Handset/Device and the ‘Chairmans Award’ which are selected via a nomination process only.

  The award categories at the event ceremony are as follows (GSMA, 2011):
  Category 1 – Global Mobile App Awards
  1a: Apps of the Year
  1b: Best Mobile App
  Category 2 – Mobile Advertising & Marketing
  2a: Best Mobile Advertising & Marketing Campaign
  Category 3 – Best Mobile Business & Enterprise
  3a: Best Mobile Enterprise Product or Solution
  3b: Best Mobile Money Product or Solution
  Category 4 – Social & Economic Development
  4a: Best use of Mobile for Social & Economic Development
  4b: Best Mobile Money for the Unbanked Award
  4c: Best Product, Initiative or Service for Underserved Segments
  Category 5 – Mobile Innovation
  5a: Best M-Health Innovation
  5b: Best Mobile Learning Innovation
  5c: Best Mobile Innovation for Utilities
  5d: Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive & Transport
  5e: Best Embedded Mobile Device (Non-Handsets)
  Category 6 – ‘Green Mobile Award’
  6a: Green Mobile Award for Best Green Product/Service or Performance
  Category 7 – Best Mobile Devices
  7a: Best Mobile Device
  7b: Device Manufacturer of the Year
  Category 8 – Best Technology
  8a: Best Mobile Broadband Technology
  8b: Best Mobile Technology for Emerging Markets
  8c: Best Technology Breakthrough
  8d: Best Customer Care & CRM
  Category 9 – Outstanding Achievement Awards

  • GSMA Chairman’s Award
  • Government Leadership Award

  The 2012 Congress promises (GSMA, 2011):

  1) A world-class conference featuring visionary keynotes and panel discussions
  2) An exhibition featuring more than 1,400 companies
  3) App Planet – the Centre of the Mobile Apps Universe
  4) An awards programme highlighting innovative mobile solutions around the world
  5) The world’s best venue for mobile industry networking, business opportunities, and deal-making

  With 2012 around the corner, its time for companies to start pre-paring their entry forms for the upcoming year. The awards will open for entry from the beginning of September 2011, when full details on new categories, criteria, rules and entry process will be published, along with on-line entry forms. To attend the Global Mobile Exhibition and Awards, attendees can purchase various passes offering different access options. The Global Mobile awards 2012 will take place in Barcelona as part of the Mobile World Congress on the 28th February 2012; it is sure to be an unparalleled experience.

  For global updates, follow @MobileWorldLive for GSMA news, updates, videos and customer feedback

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• Auto Draft

  10 Aug 2011 by Samantha Goldberg / No Comments

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• Auto Draft

  04 Aug 2011 by Samantha Goldberg / No Comments

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• 5 Reasons to start your very own Premium Rate Messaging Campaign

  15 Jun 2011 by Samantha Goldberg / No Comments

  Ever seen an advertising promotion going a little something like this: ‘SMS the word MOBILE to 35050 and stand the chance to win a mobile phone’.

  Premium Rate numbers, which are also known as shortcodes are 5 digit numbers that are most commonly used for competitions and promotions. Another purpose in which shortcodes are commonly used is the sale of mobile content or subscription services. Shortcodes enable your customers to be billed by the network operator in exchange for ringtones, wallpapers, videos and mp3′s. Shortcodes are also commonly used as a means of donating money to charitable organizations. With SMS being the channel of choice for millions of consumers, it is no wonder that companies are opting for shortcodes as their preferred marketing strategy of choice.

  Let’s have a look at some of the other benefits which come about as a result of using premium rate messaging:

  1. With so many companies competing with one another to get ahead,  it has resulted in huge volumes of advertising slogans and advertisements being directed and pushed on to the consumers at hand. This is making it very difficult to ensure your brand is heard and remembered. However with premium rate messaging, it is very effective as it is more memorable than long phone numbers and website names. The idea of Shortcodes is to attract an interested client, and then the client has the power to interact immediately making shortcodes an effective and immediate call to action; your prospect can respond before the moment has passed. SMS provides an instant response round the clock.

  2. Premium rate messaging provides the customer with a great brand experience. It will ensure the customer always associates a unique and active experience with the brand. Shortcodes are also effective in raising and maintaining brand awareness, as there is active participation in the marketing experience. Premium rate messaging enables the company to engage with prospects at the point of display, allowing the company to establish a relationship with their potential customer ahead of the other market-related competition.

  3. Shortcodes are convenient, cost effective and easy to use. Shortcodes will enable your business to partake in big campaigns while still sticking to a budget and being able to rest easy with the knowledge that the campaign will be effective as the process is really easy to employ.

  4. Shortcodes are really effective at managing to generate hot sale leads really quickly. The enquiries that will come through will come from interested customers. By receiving messages from the interested customers, it makes it possible to capture the mobile phone number of the individuals being targeted, and this is great for the company. Either the number will be used for a data list or the responder can use the number to follow up with the potential client. Not only will shortcodes attract interested customers as well as acquire the information of these potential clients, but the other great thing about shortcodes is that the responses that will come through almost immediately. This will allow the company to engage directly with the consumer and it will also allow the company to instantly measure the success of dual marketing activities making real-time reporting possible.

  5. Premium rate messaging is often used for promotions, competitions and donations as it has the power to be viral and is thereby very effective for these types of campaigns. It has been found that shortcodes manage to create a lot of hype amongst the consumers being targeted, the consumers usually forward the SMS’s on to their friends who they feel may be interested. This is really great as it means the consumers are indirectly marketing the brand by spreading the word.

  Panacea Mobile offers the Premium Rate Messaging service in South Africa and would be glad to assist you if you have any queries or if you would like to move forward with starting your very own shortcode campaign.

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