3 Common Mobile Marketing Terms You Should Know… But Just In Case You Don’t
Although most of us do it now, no not that, I’m referring to texting. Not all of us know how texting works and some of the capabilities of mobile phone technology. So I decided to pick what I think are the 3 most important terms related to mobile texting and marketing to define. After all, what’s a better way to learn about something than to understand its terminology.
The first term is Short Message Service (SMS). It is plain and simple, the service that allows you to send texts between mobile phones and handheld devices. It is commonly interchanged with the word texting. Short messages can be up to 160 characters and have almost evolved into a language of their own. Can you guess what this means? 2BZ4UQT. Give up? (Too busy for you cutie). For some reason I like that one! For a complete list check out net lingo’s site here: http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php
The next term is short code. One of the first times I noticed and used a short code was after the earthquakes in Haiti. Wyclef Jean’s organization used this technology to raise funds through his Yéle Haiti Foundation. Short codes are basically short phone numbers (ex. 45456) used by an individual or organization to carry out various interactive functions, like voting (think American Idol), coupons, mobile payment, making donations or ordering ring tones. Short codes can be used from mobile or fixed phones and are usually unique to the operator. Short code essentially allows for interacting between the sender and end user. Short codes can be purchased for various lengths of time through the CSCA here: http://www.usshortcodes.com/
Keywords are actual words or numbers keyed in by the end user for specific campaigns and used in conjunction with short codes. Multiple keywords can be used on a single short code which is active for specific periods of time. For some great tips on picking key words see this Tatango Blog: http://www.tatango.com/blog/5-tips-selecting-a-mobile-keyword/
Talk is Cheap 