ArtsMarketing.org

We've all heard the buzz about text messaging or SMS (short message service). But exactly what is it? Asia and Europe have been using text messaging for several years now. Here in the U.S. however, list brokers and marketers aren't quite clear as to what the service provides, what to look for in an SMS list and who can benefit from using it.

Text messaging is a similar to e-mail but with quicker delivery—think a message on steroids. Once a message is deployed, an offer is instantaneously displayed on cell phones of consumers or business owners that have opted in to receive information and promotions via this communication channel. Marketers now have the option to deploy text messaging blasts to targeted individuals in a real time fashion and usually at a reasonable cost.