5 Ways to Build Lasting Business Relationships with International SMS

International SMS gives businesses the opportunity to provide valuable information-based services to tourists whilst increasing their own business. Are you in on the action?

2010 is giving South Africa the chance to show its true colours, which is exactly what we are doing. New, prospective customers are coming into the country (10 million according to Tourism Minister, Marthinus van Schalkwyk) which means that business owners almost everywhere are gearing up to see some international coin (yes, there are even those willing to sell bullet-proof vests to the right type of client).

But there is a little more we can do using international SMS to fuel a lasting international relationship with our new customers instead of (or along side) making a quick buck.

Here are a couple of ways you can provide information-based services with international SMS to help keep visitors safe and to ensure that they keep your business in mind, instead of your competition’s business. But remember: you better hurry – on Monday 15th of March only 87 days will remain until the kick-off, which is on the 11th of June, 2010.

1. “Take the N1 to Cape Town and turn off at Durban Road…”

Many visitors will probably be equipped with fancy GPS systems, but many will not and, I’m willing to put my bottom dollar on it, many will get lost. A keyword-based SMS service for your area could ensure that visitors find their way easily and safely, all thanks to you. And they’ll be grateful, too – get ready to be at the receiving end of word-of-mouth advertising. Here’s an example of how the keyword-based international SMS service could work:

Customer SMS to xxxxxx “Cape Town:Stellenbosch”

(Keywords: Start:Destination)

Your automated reply: “Take the N1 to Paarl. Turn off at Exit 39 [Stellenbosch] and turn right onto the R304.  Follow the road to Stellenbosch.”

It’s as simple as that and could ensure that someone is in time for a match, a party or, perhaps, even a baby.

2. SMS Sight-seeing Details

This type of international SMS service can either be keyword-based or sent on a purely random basis, both before, during and after the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Here’s an example of a keyword-based SMS sight-seeing service:

Customer SMS to xxxxxx “Cape Town Nature Reserves”

(Keywords: Location + Type)

Your automated reply: “Table Mountain National Park, Kirsten Bosch, Rondebosch Common…”

This type of service can be co-hosted with an SMS location service to ensure that visitors get where they need to be without the least amount of fuss.

3. SMS Safety Tips

Well, what can be said? The fact that bullet-proof vests are on sale to 2010 Fifa World Cup visitors gives a clear indication that personal safety in South Africa is a matter not to be taken lightly. However, it’s not that bad if you know how to stay safe – South Africans can use international SMS to keep visitors safe and add that extra bit of value to their business.

Your SMS: “SA 2010 Safety: Don’t carry large amounts of money with you. Only take what you need and be vigilant at all times.”

4. Public Transportation Info

This one almost didn’t get included, but upon reflection it came to light that, in terms of public transport, South Africa has more to offer than meets the eye (or advertised on the internet). This includes the minibus taxis that are able to get you to where you want to be at breakneck speed, quite often for less than R10. Use international SMS to get your visitors where they need to be, South African style.

Your SMS: “Taxis from Bellville Station to Tygervalley, Kuilsriver, Cape Town,… From R6”

5. Emergency Services Information

And finally, emergency services information comprise those details that will ensure that people have access to the right contact details for those instances where problems may arise. Use international SMS to ensure that your customers or clients have access to life-saving services.

Your SMS: “In an emergency? Dial 10111 from a normal landline or 112 from your mobile/cellular phone for access to police / medical / fire services.

Now if you’ve been paying attention, you’ll note that we’ve been using international SMS continuously throughout this post, and here’s why:

The services above can be offered by any individual local or not who has access to the right information. To South Africans, the benefit is that they’ll be able to provide the same services overseas using international SMS, thereby creating an exciting and trust-fuelling vehicle for brand introduction and promotion across the waters.

Need more information? Read more on our international SMS page.

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