Txtlocal News
Hertfordshire Police Target Drug Pushers by Text
21st Nov
Hertfordshire Police have been cracking down on local drug use by sending text messages to anyone suspected of buying cocaine from a local network of drug pushers. The text campaign came about after 17 drug dealers were arrested after setting up 3 hotline numbers for ordering cocaine.
After the arrests were made, the police seized the criminal’s mobile phones and checked through their inbound call records to uncover anyone suspected of purchasing drugs via the hotline numbers. A text message was then sent out to inform the suspected buyers of the arrests, as well as information to deter them from buying drugs again. A website address was also included for recipients to visit for information & advice on drugs abuse & its seriousness.
Chief Inspector, Richard Hann stated that “This was the first text initiative he was aware of... and the recipients were low drug users, likely to be affluent professionals using drugs for recreational use”
Reports claim that this campaign proved effective in reaching a large audience quickly, easily & very directly in one big hit. The message theme was also useful in providing a warning message aimed at deterring recipients from buying drugs again.
The Txtlocal messaging service was used to deliver the 688 outbound text messages on behalf of Hertfordshire Police.
Txtlocal also work with a number of other Police and local authorities, for lead generation purposes, whereby people can simply text in with inbound information in response to a crime E.g “Text CRIME to 60777 with your information”
London Award Nomination’s by Text!
13th Nov
The RBS South London Business Awards 2009 have chosen Txtlocal to drive award nominations, through a mobile marketing campaign. A Text initiative has been introduced to make it easier for people to send in nominations.
The award program is open to any company located in 12 South London Boroughs.
Main Sponsors RBS are offering prizes for categories including small, medium & large business and also best customer service, training, development, marketing & sustainability. However, with such a variety of categories on offer, SLB are hoping to receive a large number of nominations and local residents are strongly encouraged to offer worthy nominations.
The prestigious award ceremony is being held at a lavish black tie dinner at Selhirst Park on 20th May 2009.
If you are located in a South London Borough and have had particularly good service from a business then go ahead and submit your nomination.
Text AWARDS + your nomination to 60777
Barack Obama – New Media Key to Election Victory
6th Nov
Much analysis has gone into the election of Barack Obama and his unprecedented campaign strategy, which many commentators have praised as a very clever marketing. The key strengths of the Obama campaign lies with the use of new media technology, combining both the Internet and mobile technology to engage and interact with voters.
In terms of mobile technology the public were given the opportunity to find out about the Obama campaign by texting the keyword OBAMA to 62262 for campaign information.
The first big SMS text went out before the announcement of VP Joe Bidden, reaching an audience of 2.9 million. Recipients of the text welcomed this information and the fact that it had reached them in such a personal way, with many likening it to receiving a text from a friend, rather than sales gimmick.
In this instance text worked much better than for example, a blanket email, which would probably have been classed as old news by the time the recipient had actually opened the email. The power of mobile lies in its instant ability to communicate with a mass audience directly. It’s also a highly viral marketing tool capable of reaching beyond the recipients alone. Of those 2.9million receiving the text, it is certain that a proportion will have forwarded the message on to others, giving an even greater penetration.
Mobile was used leading right up to the election itself, with messages used to gather momentum and enthusiasm from voters. “Less than a week until Election Day on Nov. 4th! Barack needs your help. REPLY to this msg with your 5 digit ZIP CODE for local Obama news and voting info.” - SMS alert from Obama’s campaign
Use of new media in this election should inspire many marketers & promoters to take advantage of New Media technology, in particular mobile. There is no other more direct & instant way of communicating with a mass audience.
Txtlocal provide SMS marketing solutions for over 15,000 businesses throughout the UK, offering Short Code (60777) and Bulk SMS solutions.
Brits love SMS, so much that they send 217 million messages each day.
29th October
According to the latest industry figures, British mobile phone users are sending on average 6.5 billion text messages per month, or 1.5 billion messages a week & 217 million messages a day! The latest report by the Mobile Data Association (MDA) reveals that there is an average of 60 million more messages a day than there were in the same period last year.
Multi-media messages or MMS also shows an increasing level of growth, as there is close to 1.5 million picture and video messages sent every day, an increase of 20 per cent compared to last year.
The MDA, which represents the mobile telecoms industry, tracked the volume and type of messages sent in the UK between July and September 2008. The ‘state of the nation’ quarterly report found that new devices configured to work with MMS and attractive tariff bundles from mobile operators have helped drive overall growth figures. "The mobile landscape is constantly evolving," said Steve Reynolds, chairman of the Mobile Data Association. "The mobile phone has evolved far beyond simple voice and text messaging: it sits at the centre of our lives at home and at work."
Commenting on the findings, Rob Bamforth, Principal Analyst at Quocirca, said, “The emergence of more generous messaging bundles offered by mobile operators supports the impetus for message sending to remain a natural and automatic way of communicating while on the move."
Txtlocal provide low cost text bundles with a minimum order value of 100 credits. Text credits cost from 2.9p to 8p per message. Txtlocal also provide the facility to send and receive MMS picture messages.
First Choice Marketing Tool for Garages.
28th October
Hartwell Plc have selected Txtlocal to deliver their sms marketing campaigns. Hartwell spent 3 months trialling the Txtlocal text message service before deciding to roll it out across their UK dealerships. The group have had excellent results from various bespoke campaigns, which are tailored specifically for the customers & prospects of each dealership.
With tough times ahead the motor industry is set to dramatically cut marketing budgets, however, due to its low cost, SMS marketing is set to still play a major role in the marketing plan. One of the key strength’s in text is that it offers the highest response rate of any direct marketing medium, at an average of 8%, this is much higher than other direct marketing tactics such as e-marketing and direct mail.
This view is agreed by Matt Cannon of Hartwell who has had very positive feedback from Hartwell dealerships “We’ve found that dealerships have had busy weekend sales events, directly after a text campaign”
Txtlocal supply mobile marketing solutions to many car dealerships and garages throughout the UK. Primary uses for garages include MOT & service reminders, promotions, test drive offers and lead generation using a short code e.g Text BMW to 60777
Norfolk Council Keep Hospital Staff up to Date on Bus Times with SMS Text Alerts..
22nd September
Consultancy firm Mott MacDonald have chosen Txtlocal to deliver SMS marketing campaigns on behalf of their client Norfolk County Council. The Council are trialling an SMS texting service which has been set up to inform staff at Norfolk University Hospital of any disruptions to bus times.
The Mottmac group have integrated the Txtlocal service with up to the minute alerts from bus operators, so that automatic SMS messages are sent directly to Hospital Staff as soon as any bus changes are made. Feedback from bus users receiving the alerts has been very positive, with many recipients welcoming the early notification of bus changes.
According to David Long of Mottmac, the Txtlocal SMS system has worked extremely well “Proving reliable as well as quick and easy to set up”
Txtlocal provide mobile text messaging solutions to many County Councils and Hospitals throughout the UK. The service is easy to use, reliable and very cost effective in sending messages to large numbers of people quickly.
Perth & Kinross opt for SMS Text as a “greener” marketing tactic
18th September
Perth & Kinross Council have chosen Txtlocal to deliver SMS text marketing campaigns on behalf of The North Perth Community Learning and Development Partnership. SMS Messages are sent out to the community regarding a range of initiatives including Cultural and Community Services, Health, Fire, Rescue Services, Housing and Community Care, Tenants and Residents Associations as well as details on community events and projects.
The council have had huge success with their recent text campaigns, informing the public about everything from local events, community projects and learning opportunities.
The main reason for the success is because texting is such an immediate form of communication, capable of reaching people anywhere, anytime and with a busy calendar of events and community projects texting is perfect for reaching a key target audience with total immediacy.
Another key feature with mobile marketing is that it’s “greener” marketing tool, than some other traditional marketing tactics, such as leafleting, mailings and posters, and of course lets face it - it’s always good to do ones bit for the environment!
Suzie Burt of Perth & Kinross council praised the service stating that response rates from text campaigns had been better than expected. “We’ve had better responses than more traditional forms of marketing & feedback from partners in the community has been very positive, the Txtlocal service is something we will continue to use to deliver text messages”
Txtlocal, deliver mobile marketing and SMS text messaging solutions for many Council’s throughout the UK, including Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Wolverhampton, South Somerset and City of Westminster.
Did you get the message?
24th August
Text messaging is not as popular in the U.S. as it is in the UK. However, this isn’t stopping Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s campaign team utilising the power of this technology to mobilize people.
The Obama campaign is now banking on the viral nature of text messages to interact with people and is set to become a key communication tool in election day, with texts such as “C u @ d polls. wear ur Obama shirt, k?! ” Obama and McCain’s big generational gap is reflected in the style of their campaign. McCain’s campaign is more traditional (e.g. town hall meetings, attack ads) while Obama’s is more tech-savvy (e.g. Twitter, Youtube, social networks, killer website, text messaging; see Obama’s Wide Web). If Obama wins the presidential race, then a crucial factor could be credited to Obama’s embrace of millennial marketing–the same grassroots movement that won him the Democratic primary.
Txtlocal provide fast, reliable and affordable bulk sms mobile marketing solutions for both local and national government initiatives, such as London Mayor elections and county councils.
The Mobile, the gizmo we just can’t live without
5th August
If you sometimes wonder how you ever got by without a mobile, you’re in good company.
According to a poll compiled by website which.co.uk, more than a quarter of voters think the mobile is the gadget that has altered our behaviour the most. And for the young it’s even more important. Of those aged 16-24 42% named it as their favourite life changing gadget. The mobile was streets ahead of other popular devices such as MP3 players, Laptops, Sat navs, Digital cameras, DVD players and TV’s.
Today their are more than 3.3 billion mobiles in the world and Britain has the highest rates of ownership. Jess Ross the editor of the website said “Forget games consoles and TV’s, we’ve found that the mobile phone is the gadget that people say has changed their life, it’s no wonder they were queuing around the block the latest Iphone”.
Txtlocal offer mobile marketing solutions for 15,000 businesses throughout the UK, sending text messages out to customers, prospects and staff.
SMS marketing 'good for businesses looking to improve client engagement'
5th August
Sending marketing messages to consumers' mobile phones may be beneficial for those looking to improve their engagement with the public, according to an expert.
Exact Target's product marketing director Scott Roth has stated that while the channel should not be used in a traditional sense like email and direct mail marketing, it can be used as a customer service tool.
Talking to DestinationCRM.com, he added that SMS messaging also has the benefits of being both "portable" and "time sensitive", but warned that there are some potential problems when using it.
He added: "We find that most [companies] know they want to do something with text messaging, but don't know how to integrate it with what they have or how to use this effectively with their customers."
Research by Aerodeon and Millward Brown highlighted that marketers could also benefit from making online advertising compatible with mobile technology.
According to Precision Marketing, it was revealed that over two-thirds of mobile internet users are likely to buy a product after looking at opt-in promotions on a phone or similar device.
Txtlocal offer mobile marketing solutions including short codes, API Gateway and WAP Push.
1.4bn texts sent weekly
July 08
Mobile Text Messaging continues to increase with Britons are now sending 1.4 billion text messages every week, or 2,315 a second according to latest figures.
The Mobile Data Association (MDA) said the figure is 30% higher than a year ago.
Picture and video messaging is also 30% higher than a year ago, with 10 million picture messages sent every week in the UK.
Rob Bamforth, from IT analysts Quocirca, said: "It is well understood and been demonstrated in recent years that the mobile phone has become one of the three most important items people carry, along with keys and a wallet or purse, when heading outside”
Txtlocal provide text marketing solutions to over 15,000 businesses, organisations and clubs throughout the UK. Texting is a great way to keep in contact with customers, staff and members at anytime, anywhere.
IKEA Launch Text Loyalty Programme
July 08
IKEA has launched a mobile loyalty program to build a database of consumers interested in receiving discounts from the home furnishings retailer.
So how does it work?
The calls to action for the mobile loyalty program are posted online and promoted via email campaigns.
In-store signage asks consumers to text IKEA1 to short code 30364.
Texters get a message back letting them know that they will be receiving at least one IKEA message per week with deals, games and alerts.
A few seconds after opting-in, consumers receive their first coupon and are instructed to bring it into the store to scan it at an IKEA mobile kiosk. The kiosks print a physical coupon.
Txtlocal offer mobile marketing solutions with Short Code 60777
Italians Text up Best Food Price
A Text messaging service set up by the Italian government is helping its citizens to haggle on their high street.
July 08
Italians feel that their local food retailers are charging unreasonable and very varying prices. To tackle this problem the the Italian agriculture ministry and consumer associations, have set up a Text Message Short Code service which gives shoppers the chance to check the average price of different foods throughout Italy. Consumers can text a short code number e.g 60777 and after a few seconds they receive an SMS detailing the different prices in the different areas of Italy.
According to Luca Di Maio of the Consumer Federation in Rome the service will give consumers the chance to quickly price check and compare different prices.
"There are even services where you can scan a barcode in with your mobile phone and it tells you how much the internet retailers are selling a particular product for," he says.
If a price is too high, people will not buy the product and the trader will have to drop it, he adds.
Txtlocal specialise in short code solutions with short code number 60777 available on short and long term contracts.
Text donations raise £20,000 for Charity...
July 08
Eleven time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys raised over £20,000 during her “As I am” concert tour by encouraging text message donations from fans.
Alicia teamed up with the Mobile Giving Foundation to entice text message donations of £2.50 from her audience. To encourage donations she showed a film clip from Africa, Journey to the Motherland and then asked her fans to text the word “ALIVE” to Short Code 90999. The text automatically sent the donation and showed up on their monthly phone bill.
Mobile text donations is a an excellent way of raising funds from a target audience. The integration of having a real world experience (being at a concert), seeing a media presentation (the film clip) and then asking for the response on mobile is exactly the right formula. The fact that the target market is the generation for whom text messaging is as easy as breathing makes it all that much better.
Our hat is tipped to Alicia Keys and all the early adopter fans who made donations.
Paintball company go Trigger Happy on the Text...
July 08
Delta Force Paintball, the UK’s largest paintball operator are using SMS text marketing to promote their network of paintball parks to customers.
Text marketing is ideal for reaching a young audience on the move with spontaneous offers and promotions.
Txtlocal have been chosen to host this high volume account. For details on Short Code 60777 with any keyword call Txtlocal on 0845 009 3180
The Pope has got the right idea...
July 08
The Pope has jumped on the text messaging band wagon and is now using the communication tactic to reach the Church’s youth audience.
According to the BBC news website, the Pope will be sending out inspirational text messages to around 200,000 young Catholics attending the 6 day World Youth Day this July 08.
The co-ordinating bishop, Anthony Fisher, said that the event would be "the most innovative World Youth Day to date, we aim to make WYD08 a unique experience by using new ways to connect with today's tech-savvy youth," he said in a statement.
According to Txtlocal, many Churches, Councils and Theatres are using mobile marketing to send news, messages and prayers to youth members. The service is easy to use, quick and effective in reaching a mass audience within seconds.
Islington Council use text messaging to drive youths to sport.
July 08
Islington Council are using mobile text marketing to communicate a whole schedule of fun and sporty activities to the local youth community this summer and with a wide and varied range of activities on offer it looks as if it’s going to be an action packed summer for residents!
The pro-active council have teamed up with organisations such as Arsenal Football Club, Aquaterra Leisure, EC1 New Deal and the Access to Sports Project to deliver the program of events.
Residents can find out what activities are available by texting HEAT to 60777. The council then reply with a full schedule of events.
Back Boris!
May 2008
Boris Johnsons London Mayor campaign used text marketing to interact with the public leading up to the May 2008 election.
The marketing tactic was used to encourage the public to support Boris in his campaign to become London mayor by texting a keyword Boris to short code 60777. The number was published on the Back Boris website and supporters were given the opportunity to text the short code to offer their support. A premium rate was set up as a mechanism for generating some extra funds.
Racing star uses text messaging to drive funds...
May 08
Britain Kieran Clark, the 19 years old Renault Sport Driver from Cambridgeshire is using mobile marketing to give his British racing tour championship a kick start.
The rising star of British racing implemented a Text to Win competition which was publicised through PR and website coverage prior to the Donnington park race meet in May.
Respondents could enter the competition by answering a simple question to short code RACE + answer on 60777. Texts were charged at a premium rate, with revenue generated helping to raise funds for the team. www.kierenclark.com
Txtlocal provide the short code 60777 to hundreds of businesses throughout the UK as both a premium rate and standard rate service.
Using SMS Text to Target young Theatre fans..
March 08
The Royal Exchange Theatre is using text message marketing to target the student and youth market. The objective of their text campaign is to increase box office bookings with special promotions and offers aimed at the Student market.
The Theatre decided to include mobile marketing in their promotional strategy after conducting research into response rate figures. It was found that SMS generated the highest response rate figures, averaging at 8% to 20%. SMS was also found to be cheaper, quicker and more direct in reaching audiences than other traditional marketing tactics such as Posters, Broadcast and Print.
Subscribers to the text alert service was also high with people opting into the text database by texting the Keyword CHEEP to number 07786 200350. This keyword and number were printed on all flyers, leaflets, posters, newsletters, and website as well as social networking sites such as myspace. The uptake of people subscribing to the service is high, at more than 50%, the increase in box office bookings generated from the text was also greater than expected at 8%.
Islington use Text to Interact with Public.
October 07
Islington Council are using mobile text messaging to interact with the local community, encouraging the public to sign up and pledge support for the councils climate change initiative. A keyword Challenge to short code 60777 was introduced and publicised on all print, website and leaflets urging residents to sign up for the Islington Climate Challenge initiative.
After each pledge a text is sent to the pledger with details of what the council is doing to tackle climate change, along with advice on what members of the public can do to support the cause also.
Laura Hales of Islington Council found the Short Code made it “really easy for people to sign up for the text alerts”. Text received the highest take up response rate at 7%.