Using International SMS within SA Social Networks – Part 2
In the previous post, we reviewed the reasons for including international SMS into any forward-looking South African social networking company. In this week’s post, we examine the many ways in which international SMS can be implemented within the network and the benefits to site owners.
The biggest advantage to international SMS is that it faces no geographic, demographic or handset limitations. It is a powerful tool for connecting with users and allowing them to connect with each other – and to do so affordably, instantaneously and reliably.
There are four main ways in which international SMS is effectively implemented in social networking:
1. International SMS is used as a customer acquisition tool.
Invite prospective users to join your network, regardless of their physical location – a personalised invite could make the difference and it is possible with international SMS messaging to personalise according to names, dates and other defining parameters. Run SMS competitions in any country of your choice. The medium is so affordable and the audience response easily measurable, allowing for quick market research.
2. International SMS is used to offer added value to existing users.
Use international SMS functionality to allow your existing users to connect to the network from their mobile phones, regardless of their location, enabling them to update their information, upload images and use the ‘check-in’ and ‘locate’ services to find other users in the vicinity. International SMS can also be used to offer customers additional value by notifying them of new mail waiting on their accounts, alerting them about updated posts that they have subscribed to, as well as offering special deals on products or services.
3. International SMS is used for administrative purposes.
Great for diagnosing connectivity problems, international SMS can also be used for authentication ‘log-in’ PINs and for issuing security alerts.
4. International SMS is used to generate revenue.
International SMS functionality opens up the world as a potential market place for social networking sites. Premium-rated SMS numbers can be used to sell wallpapers, music, ringtones and other products. With international SMS, it is also possible to charge weekly or monthly subscription fees to users. Because cellphones already come with a payment device inside – the SIM card – it is relatively simple for users to purchase products or mobile content and then be billed by their network operator. Standard-rate international SMS messages can be used to ‘push’ members to attend events, purchase product or encourage greater interactivity with the site.
International SMS functionality is easy to set up with a reputable SMS Gateway provider, easy to administer, and offers you enormous business advantages.
In the next post we will take a look at the African mobile social networking scene and the potential benefits that International SMS offers these companies and their users.
Related posts:
- International SMS and the South African Social Network – Part 1 Our three-part series on the importance of international SMS functionality...
- International SMS Opens Up World for African Networks (3) International SMS functionality offers particular promise for social networks operating...
- The 5 Top Tech ‘How-To’ Posts for International SMS Interested in how you can send international SMS messages in...
- Routing Profiles: Saving Money on International SMS International SMS' routing profiles will help preserve those precious budget...
- International SMS: The 2010 Solution International SMS will give your business a cost-effective and efficient...
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