mcfcok

Hi Guys

Just looking for some input into an idea that was put to me today.....
I have a white label account with a company here in the UK.

I was asked by a local business why don't you build a website which is like a directory/coupon site front end which is offered free to businesses and have customers sign in back end to send texts from.

He said you can then post deals off the site on twitter etc promote the site to consumers unlike other sms sites which are a selling just to businesses so it becomes more than just another sms platform.

I would like some thoughts on this?

beeswarn

Have customers do what?

mcfcok

What is the aim of a coupon/directory site? drive local consumers to view local offers from businesses within their vicinity yes?

So as well as providing a platform for businesses to send texts out they get an opportunity to have their company displayed on the website. These sites usually just sell the benefits of text marketing.

So Mr business owner... not only do we give you a platform to promote offers to your sms list we actually give you a free ad on our site which is promoted to new consumers.

It was mentioned to me today, haven't come across any other sms provider doing this, so wondered what the general consensus might be?

MoBuzz

How are you planning to drive traffic to the site to show there is any value to having an add on there?

Most SMS platforms are already integrated with facebook and Twitter, you do not need a coupon site for that.

The biggest problem I see is having clients login to manage their own accounts and send out coupons ect. This usually ends up in bad offers being sent to frequently. Resulting in high client turnover as well as high opt out.

Hopefully you prove me wrong and make a fortune ; )

OliviaSSLGuru

Having an web site just to send text then you can use free blogging platform where you can install your text sending software.

mcfcok

Hey Mobuzz how you doing bud?

I haven't decided to do this, it was just brought up in conversation

I notice over in the US text marketing is done on a more managed basis but over here in the UK it's done by the client logging in and sending their own offers.

Textlocal prob the biggest here in the UK do it this way, they don't have this issue of clients not using the system properly. They started in 2005 and turned over 5 million GBP in the first 5 years. They currently have over 85000 UK businesses.

Over here it's no contacts, no monthly fees low credit prices pay as you go however they also conduct clients campaigns for free if said clients have no time to send messages, have fear of IT apathy etc. So none of this we give you x amount of texts per month for $150 per month etc.

Cheers
Dave

MoBuzz

I am great man thanks for asking. Does Textlocal promote there service offline with sales reps? I would imagine with numbers like that they are prob doing both on and offline.

mcfcok

Hiya mate

The last time i spoke with Alastair the CEO they have 1 guy who calls up businesses and goes out to see them, but most i suppose is online marketing.

This is a post from him on a uk forum in 2009....

TxtLocal
23rd August 2009, 22:55

With enough passion you can do anything Lazy!!

People told me I was mad for entering an already crowded mobile marketplace. From scratch I have build one of the UK's leading SMS text services for business - no investment, no funding.. all organic growth, expect £3m turnover this year - this is against competitors with £millions of funding. To this day I have no idea what they waste their money on!!

If you believe you can do it, give it a go - just don't overstretch yourself and spend what you can afford... and let passion do the rest.