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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 08:48 PM   #51
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by InVizion View Post

My pricing structure is pretty simple, $250 per month. My bargaining chip is giving them the first 30 days free to start making money, it works well.

(Do it myself) I run into that all the time, I just explain this is what I do everyday and my results are well documented. I offer set up, training sheets, table side presentation, advertising guidelines, in a turn-key package. Some take it, some don't. Hey, I could give myself stitches if I had too, but I would rather have a professional do it!

In all seriousness, I called 45 people this morning (I do 40-75 everyday) and I didn't have a single taker. Went out locally and found a potential.

Tuesday was a ZERO day, no interest. I love those days, that means I am even closer to a sale. One piece of advice, when you can offer a 3-5x ROI and it's real (Mobile Marketing) don't let anyone tell you this won't work!

Good Luck, let me know if I can help!
Thank you for sharing this great information, I really appreciate it.

I guess by giving them the first 30 days Free it gives time for their list to build, and assures them that you're not going to be charging them for sending messages to no one.
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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 09:01 PM   #52
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by InVizion View Post

My pricing structure is pretty simple, $250 per month. My bargaining chip is giving them the first 30 days free to start making money, it works well.

Do you have a delayed billing (like Paypal) that will start charging after the 30 days?

Also, do you use the 30-day deal only if they're on the fence? Or do you start out with it?

Thanks...
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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 09:09 PM   #53
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Question: If you promote a coupon or discount offer via text keyword, what's to prevent the customer from abusing it and getting the same offer multiple times?
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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 11:24 PM   #54
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Question: If you promote a coupon or discount offer via text keyword, what's to prevent the customer from abusing it and getting the same offer multiple times?
The easy way to prevent this is to put a time limit on the offer. For example "Show this text to get a free drink. Offer good until Jan 16th"

Also think about it this way, even if for some reason someone gets away with abusing it, the business still makes more money because the person would have to come more than once and spend money anyway aside from the free "whatever" the coupon is giving away.
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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 11:37 PM   #55
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Question: If you promote a coupon or discount offer via text keyword, what's to prevent the customer from abusing it and getting the same offer multiple times?
It's important to choose your Tech Provider carefully. The platform we chose allows "redeemable" Coupons that cannot be reused once they have been redeemed.

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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 11:41 PM   #56
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Originally Posted by MitchKid View Post

The easy way to prevent this is to put a time limit on the offer. For example "Show this text to get a free drink. Offer good until Jan 16th"

Also think about it this way, even if for some reason someone gets away with abusing it, the business still makes more money because the person would have to come more than once and spend money anyway aside from the free "whatever" the coupon is giving away.
Yes, that will prevent some from abusing it.
To start building a list for my client I was thinking of setting up a Poster in the store that says ie; text this "Keyword" to get a free drink with your next order. But a customer could keep comming in and getting his or her's free drink. I don't think my client would appreciate that, even if he is making another sale.
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Unread 11th Jan 2012, 11:43 PM   #57
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

It's important to choose your Tech Provider carefully. The platform we chose allows "redeemable" Coupons that cannot be reused once they have been redeemed.
That sounds good, but I don't think your service is available in Australia, is it?
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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 09:12 AM   #58
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Yes, that will prevent some from abusing it.
To start building a list for my client I was thinking of setting up a Poster in the store that says ie; text this "Keyword" to get a free drink with your next order. But a customer could keep comming in and getting his or her's free drink. I don't think my client would appreciate that, even if he is making another sale.
Zoro,

There is a simple way around this. The person must text a number to get the free drink or discount. When they send the text they will receive a message response with a special discount code or coupon word they must show the waiter or server to get that item for free.

Obviously if your SMS system is setup properly then future messages to that same number will not get a reply since they are already subscribed. What you then do is simply change the special discount code or coupon word that gets sent out in the message every few days or once a week.

That way the same person could only use that coupon for the a few days or even a week and then it will not be valid and they can't get the future codes because they are already subscribed to your list. Obviously you could now market different coupons or deals to them since they are on your SMS list.

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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 10:39 AM   #59
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Thanks for a great thread! Well on my way to starting what I planned to be a DIY service, but based on the experience of those here, I've done a bit of a course correction to a hybrid model. My NEW plan is to have a managed service but allow clients to send out those, "My gosh the pizza place is slow tonight at 10pm, I'll send out a text" campaigns without the need for me to be involved.

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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 05:12 PM   #60
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by WillR View Post

Zoro,

There is a simple way around this. The person must text a number to get the free drink or discount. When they send the text they will receive a message response with a special discount code or coupon word they must show the waiter or server to get that item for free.

Obviously if your SMS system is setup properly then future messages to that same number will not get a reply since they are already subscribed. What you then do is simply change the special discount code or coupon word that gets sent out in the message every few days or once a week.

That way the same person could only use that coupon for the a few days or even a week and then it will not be valid and they can't get the future codes because they are already subscribed to your list. Obviously you could now market different coupons or deals to them since they are on your SMS list.
Will, I see what you're getting at, but I will be printing a permanent flyer/poster with a permanent "Keyword" so as to attract new subscribers and help build my clients list. So, you see, its not going to be possible to keep changing the "keyword" in the printed material.
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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 05:23 PM   #61
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Will, I see what you're getting at, but I will be printing a permanent flyer/poster with a permanent "Keyword" so as to attract new subscribers and help build my clients list. So, you see, its not going to be possible to keep changing the "keyword" in the printed material.
Zoro,

I don't believe WillR meant to change keywords frequently, he meant to change a code you put on the coupon frequently. So, day 1 you setup your welcome message that says something like "Thanks for joining our VIP text club, please use coupon code FREEAPP to get your free appetizer."

Then, a few days later, you change this to say something like "Thanks for joining our VIP text club, please use coupon code APP4FREE to get your free appetizer."

I think Lime Cellular is the best white label SMS marketing platform.
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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 06:22 PM   #62
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Thank you for sharing this great information, I really appreciate it.

I guess by giving them the first 30 days Free it gives time for their list to build, and assures them that you're not going to be charging them for sending messages to no one.
Yes, it's a good incentive if you need it. It really makes it risk free for them!
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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 06:24 PM   #63
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by syncjam View Post

Do you have a delayed billing (like Paypal) that will start charging after the 30 days?

Also, do you use the 30-day deal only if they're on the fence? Or do you start out with it?

Thanks...
Yes, I use paypal for the delay billing. You've got it, use it as a last resort but don't start with it. I use it probably 1 in 3 sales. I hope that helps.
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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 06:36 PM   #64
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Will, I see what you're getting at, but I will be printing a permanent flyer/poster with a permanent "Keyword" so as to attract new subscribers and help build my clients list. So, you see, its not going to be possible to keep changing the "keyword" in the printed material.
This can be a problem if you give the wrong initial offer. If you recommend that they share the text with others, which I do, it can be easy for people to re-use. If you give something for joining, I would recommend a buy one, get one half off or at least something that requires a profitable purchase.

We don't offer anything for joining the VIP Club, we just explain that by joining you get insane deals ONLY offered PRIVATELY to the VIP Club members. If they sell it table side, it works really well.
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Unread 12th Jan 2012, 06:40 PM   #65
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Originally Posted by WillR View Post

Zoro,

There is a simple way around this. The person must text a number to get the free drink or discount. When they send the text they will receive a message response with a special discount code or coupon word they must show the waiter or server to get that item for free.

Obviously if your SMS system is setup properly then future messages to that same number will not get a reply since they are already subscribed. What you then do is simply change the special discount code or coupon word that gets sent out in the message every few days or once a week.

That way the same person could only use that coupon for the a few days or even a week and then it will not be valid and they can't get the future codes because they are already subscribed to your list. Obviously you could now market different coupons or deals to them since they are on your SMS list.
Just read your reply, I like your idea as well! Thanks!
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Unread 13th Jan 2012, 11:17 AM   #66
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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You can always have an halfway service between managed and self managed. Yes you wouldn't be able to charge $250 dollars but still charge say $100.

Set them up an account which they have log-in details to, you give them say 400 credits per month and you charge say $100 per month every 4 weeks. You could call it their text club, if they need more credits one month they just pay a top up fee.

Offer something like this.........

No fuss! No commitment! No Contract! For $22.84 per week, your TextClub is easy and affordable to set up. No capital outlay; just a standard monthly subscription. Your TextClub could pay for itself with just one extra booking per month!
Sign up today and promote your TextClub immediately.

Each month you’ll receive 400 free text messages. Use them to inform your customers about late availability, special offers ... in fact, anything you like ... special promotions, new menus, 2-for-1 deals, free wine, 10% off, early booking incentives, entertainment, Christmas bookings, etc - safe in the knowledge that your customers will see your message immediately!

This way they do it themselves but are compelled to keep on using as there is a monthly fee! Obviously offer them education training ie not spamming the hell out of the customer types of offers that work add value!

Regards

Dave
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Unread 15th Jan 2012, 07:51 PM   #67
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by zoro View Post

Will, I see what you're getting at, but I will be printing a permanent flyer/poster with a permanent "Keyword" so as to attract new subscribers and help build my clients list. So, you see, its not going to be possible to keep changing the "keyword" in the printed material.
Zoro,

As pointed out above you do NOT change the keyword at all -- the keyword remains the same. You are only changing the coupon code which is in the welcome message that gets sent out. This takes all of 30 seconds to log in and change. No big deal.

Originally Posted by InVizion View Post

Just read your reply, I like your idea as well! Thanks!
Please use the multiquote button if you want to reply to more than one post.

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Unread 15th Jan 2012, 11:45 PM   #68
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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You know, I have been in SMS Marketing for almost 5 years...

Initially, it will be ideal if in the beginning you will handle or manage the SMS marketing for your clientele first; they will sign up and forget later syndrome will stuck you somewhere...and managing them first or guiding them through in the beginning will keep you n the arena.

Hope that helps...If you need more information on how tos...please don't hesitate to send me a message...

Mary....


Originally Posted by MarlboroMonkey View Post

Let's talk about some SMS Marketing (some more!)!

My short story: I'm yet another hopeful entrepreneur looking to start my first ever business in the mobile marketing arena. I'm pretty much already dominating my local market in relevant keywords, but I haven't settled on my "main dish" of SMS Marketing yet.

I'm also currently in the "Paralysis by over analysis" stage, so give an alcoholic some alcohol and let's discuss the merits of totally managing our clients SMS campaigns, or letting them do their own via the white-label panel most providers on the market offer.

Furthermore, if you're doing the managing, how to do you accomplish that? Just have your client email you the text they want to go out every day? Once a week on Mondays?

Finally, if you're doing the managing, how would you feel about using an SMS provider's normal services on behalf of your client instead of signing up for their white-label and paying a chunk of change monthly?

This thread was inspired by DEaFeYe's thread here.

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Unread 17th Jan 2012, 01:45 AM   #69
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Originally Posted by ElenaEn View Post

MarlboroMonkey,

it boils down to understanding your client's business and being an expert by combining what you know about mobile marketing with what you know about their business, and saving them a ton of time on figuring this out themselves.

I came across this great article a few days ago: What Drives Customer Loyalty Now? | Inc.com

And I can't repeat it enough: most small business owners don't want to learn any new technologies or log into anything. Period.

"Managing" is not the right selling keyword. Helping them achieve their goals by utilizing mobile marketing is something.
Love it, thanks for the share.
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Unread 17th Jan 2012, 01:55 AM   #70
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MarlboroMonkey,

What I typically recommend to Trumpia resellers that come on board with us, is why not offer both? This way you're really not turning away any customers!

There's going to be the business owners that don't know left from right when it comes to marketing and for these businesses a fully managed solution is perfect for them.

Whereas some business owners may be a bit more tech savvy and would be more than happy to run their own campaign, you should then give them the freedom to do so.

Either way, both will provide great business for your company and eventually if your market shifts in one direction, you can eventually maybe move to favor one over the other, but initially I don't see the harm in offering both here under a white label operation.

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Unread 17th Jan 2012, 04:04 AM   #71
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Originally Posted by TrumpiaTim View Post

MarlboroMonkey,

What I typically recommend to Trumpia resellers that come on board with us, is why not offer both? This way you're really not turning away any customers!

There's going to be the business owners that don't know left from right when it comes to marketing and for these businesses a fully managed solution is perfect for them.

Whereas some business owners may be a bit more tech savvy and would be more than happy to run their own campaign, you should then give them the freedom to do so.

Either way, both will provide great business for your company and eventually if your market shifts in one direction, you can eventually maybe move to favor one over the other, but initially I don't see the harm in offering both here under a white label operation.
Is Trumpia available in Australia?
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Unread 17th Jan 2012, 05:09 AM   #72
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Re: SMS Marketing: Managed or Unmanaged?
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Hey Lmr1,

It was a good point you made about loyalty. And also the point of not inundating your clients.. 8 blasts a month are more than enough. You do not want your clients to delete the message everytime they receive a new message from you.

Best regards,

Hisocial
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Unread 25th Jan 2012, 12:14 AM   #73
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Originally Posted by TrumpiaTim View Post

MarlboroMonkey,

What I typically recommend to Trumpia resellers that come on board with us, is why not both
True. I should have remembered you can never count out the both option. This is only viable with a reseller platform though. No using a cheaper stand alone system that is the more attractive method for a startup sms business.

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Unread 25th Jan 2012, 11:58 AM   #74
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Originally Posted by ElenaEn View Post

Dmagnet:



wow - this is a brilliant idea!

Not sure what the solution is.. employee education? (for a fee : )
This is a clear case for a managed solution at a higher price. Someone selling SMS services as a consultant rather than a commodity can sit down with a business owner and create a plan months out for major events that may effect their business. Maybe you schedule 4-6 messages per month based on their calendar and allow 2-4 ad hoc messages per month (to keep your monthly limit under 10 messages per month).

With some systems you can provide them with a login or cellphone access for to the backend but for those systems that don't allow that you might consider requiring a 24-hour advanced notice (or what ever you decide) to post the messages for them.

Of course, managed services should also include employee education/training too because you can't expect the business owners to build a successful list. That's not what they do. That's what we do and should be paid well for.
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