Break through advertising clutter using mobile Short Messaging Service marketing (SMS marketing). This technique creates immediate results via SMS text message marketing to your target audience. Catch your clients at their computer or on their cell phones. It reaches customers on the go, allowing them to buy your product, enter contests, join mobile clubs or receive coupons instantaneously.

Direct a targeted message blitz to your target audience to get more bang for your buck. Using SMS marketing software, you can send your message to your niche by specifying age, gender, geographic regions and other preferences. The results of your blitz or campaign are measurable, validating your return on investment. Drive results to your business employing SMS marketing by completing the following steps:

1. Brainstorm ways to use mobile marketing SMS services.

2. Check the fine print with SMS companies.

3. Get a free trial membership with a SMS marketing service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

See how other business like yours are using SMS marketing services right now

Imagine knowing your competitor's next marketing move. You can do just that with some SMS text marketing services. They let you know what programs are on the horizon so you can plan your counterattack.

I recommend: M:Metrics tracks your competitors' ads. You can see what's working for them and strategically plan a counter-attack. Imagine running a sale to combat your competitor's big sale. That's the magic of this service. To get your creativity going, Mobile SMS Marketing shows you the actual text from real companies using their services.

Watch hidden costs and restrictions with SMS marketing companies

Some SMS companies charge you by the message while others charge a flat fee. Find out ahead of time which will be most advantageous for your situation. In addition to the messaging charges, some companies require set up fees for the message and charge you to buy or lease a five digit short messaging service number.

I recommend: Upside Wireless, a subsidiary of Ipipi.com, spells out costs and limitations of its services. This explains that recipients of their services participate in a double opt-in process to allow SMS messages. SMS Marketing discloses the limitations and permits free trial memberships to their services.

Make the cash register sing with SMS text marketing

SMS advertising thrives on the ease to roll out a campaign and boasts immediate results. Companies attract customers with programs designed to single out their customers including VIP programs and instant savings. Clients opt to receive special offers, participate in the latest poll or enter to win in the sweepstakes.

I recommend: Build your SMS marketing campaigns using mobileStorm. Hallmarks of the program include in-depth descriptions of account management features. You can test 10 numbers with different cell carriers to ensure your messages are received. Another feature is the ability to lease popular key words such as "dance." GoLive! Mobile, Mobile Visions (Mobivity), and Expedite's Simplicity all offer free trial memberships from 30 to 90 days so you can test drive their services and decide if the products are a good fit to your company's needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Headquarters for many companies providing mobile SMS advertising are located outside of the United States. Some firms do not list pricing in American dollars and may not be able to supply SMS services for you. In addition, companies may not be mindful of the U.S. laws regarding text advertising such as opt-in requirements.