SmallBizResource Blog -- Mobility

Text Messaging: R U Putting SMS 2 Work Yet?

Posted by Gayle Kesten Monday, Mar 30, 2009, 01:09 PM ET

No matter what the industry, the common thread running through all of our small businesses is the need for inexpensive communications. For an application that fits the bill, just take one look at today's typical teenager.

Yes, I'm referring to text messaging, a.k.a. SMS (short message service). For the same reasons I like instant messaging, I'm also a fan of text messaging (just a friendly reminder that texting has its time and place, and to channel Dr. Seuss, it's not in a car and not in a train). The capability is an economical addition to my cell-phone plan: $2.99 buys me 300 text messages per month with my particular carrier, but if I wanted to, I could lift the cap for an unlimited plan that costs just shy of $20 per month and includes pictures and video messages. In that regard, texting is a wallet-friendly way for you to reach your customers (who have opted in for your text messages), employees, and business partners, and neither sender nor recipient need own a fancy smartphone to participate.

"Now, more than ever, is the time for small businesses to communicate with their customers and build relationships; and text messaging is an affordable and personal way to do that," states Sheri Wells, CEO of SMS Media Group, which offers a free, hosted platform that helps you pull together text-messaging campaigns.

Wondering how can you put texting to work for your business? How about as a means to track expenses? TextHog, which bMighty's Fredric Paul recently blogged about, is a free service that lets you text data directly to your accounting software.

Inc.com points out another nine more smart ways to use texting for businesses:

1. Confirm deliveries: With texting you can track packages and maintain inventory levels every time as stock arrives. Messages give exact times and dates, so you know you can take the appropriate action.

2. Send product alerts: Through text messages powered by bulk SM) software, you can give excellent customer service and deliver new product notifications cheaply and easily. Companies wishing to fill positions also rely on texting to let their candidates know they’ve been selected.

3. Provide fast client contact: Let your clients know when you've finished a job or need further information even if they are in a meeting or on the road. If a more detailed message is involved, the client can follow up a text message with a phone call.

4. Advertise your new product or service: Businesses who market to a target audience can have their customers subscribe to their texting service and be the first ones to know about an exclusive offer, a special event, discounts, or coupons.

5. Interact with your customers: Build your brand loyalty with existing and potential customers through games and polls. You can also sign up with Twitter and let your subscribers receive your latest blogs, news, and product updates.

6. Pass along important information in a meeting: If you’re trying to get your boss' attention in a meeting, but can’t disturb her, send a text message. It's the least-intrusive option when you need to forward information and your recipient is with other people.

7. Schedule meetings: With your calendar in front of you and your BlackBerry or cell phone beside you, you can go ahead and schedule your meetings and appointments directly into your mobile device so it's always with you and you stay organized from a central source.

8. Quick communication with co-workers: If you’re in the home office and need to let your IT team know about certain developments, send them a text message. It's secure, fast, and reliable, plus with only 140 characters you must be brief and to the point.

9. Provides instant reminders: Your texts are stored in your mobile device, along with dates and times, so when you need an additional reminder or need to help recalling a meeting time, look up these text messages.

This one from me: No matter how legitimate your use for texting may be, all rules about discretion and regard for common courtesy still apply.

Mobility