Mobile Coupons - Creating Your Own Mini-Groupon..

by scotth
100 replies
Read This..Take Action Make Money

Across ALL ranges, the "likelyhood"someone will buy on a
Mobile device averages 7.4...over 3 times higher than buyers on computers!

The opportunities in mobile are now! There is so much money to be made in so many different ways in mobile...

Here is your chance to get on a Tsunami and make more money than you thought possible!

The information on this thread alone can make you serious money! Take Action in the Greatest Marketing Paradigm Shift since the internet!!!!

So lets talk about some out of the box mobile marketing opportunities...

We all know building mobile sites for businesses is very profitable and plenty of info here to get you going...

How To Make Serious Money Text Messaging: I learned this one from Dan Hollings....and it works huge...you can take this right now implement it and make money this week!!!

How to Become Just Like Groupon

1. Premise

a) A local College, University, Technology School
b) Local businesses catering to Colleges
c) College students are addicted to mobile devices
d) Offer Local discount coupons
e) Position businesses between College Student

2. Strategy

a) Build a list of College Students getting them to opt-in via mobile phone for great discounts

b) You start off with a minimum of 300 mobile opt-in before you start
c) Go to businesses that cater to college students show them you can drive targeted college students to your business with great offers..You hold the key...the LIST!!! Its worth its weight in GOLD....Why you think Groupon is worth 25 billion dollars! Businesses want your LIST and PAY you Gladly For It!

d) Service 30 businesses $100-$1,000 per blast and YOU Will Get It!!
e) Do it right and your list will go viral, thus creating a perpetual loop where by you can charge more and more!!

3. Steps

a) Get a Mobile provider
b) Under 7 cents per message
e) Gives you at least one mobile keyword
d) they provide analytics
e) Offers good customer support

There are 100's of ways to use mobile marketing and make a mint!

Think out side the box in the mobile marketing niche and you can make VERY VERY Serious Money...TAKE ACTION IT WORKS...There is enough for everyone!!!!

No competition Mentality here just give!
#coupons #creating #minigroupon #mobile
  • Profile picture of the author deesangels
    Seems to be notes from the Dan Hollings step-by-step Mobile webinar - thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3797199].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by deesangels View Post

      Seems to be notes from the Dan Hollings step-by-step Mobile webinar - thanks
      Yea as stated in the post...IMHO Dan Hollings has cutting edge methods that has educated me to success in the mobile niche.
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3797220].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ADukes81
    Great idea Scott!

    Too bad summer is right around the corner, although I know a lot of students go to school year round, but the time to capitalize on this would be late summer before the school year begins.

    I just looked up UNLV and their enrollment is 29k+. My head is spinning with ideas.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3797292].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by ADukes81 View Post

      Great idea Scott!

      Too bad summer is right around the corner, although I know a lot of students go to school year round, but the time to capitalize on this would be late summer before the school year begins.

      I just looked up UNLV and their enrollment is 29k+. My head is spinning with ideas.
      Yea here in San Francisco..I have UCSF which is a medical school also and its year round.
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3797323].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author mrcouchpotato
        Hmmmm. Let's expand on this idea for a second.

        I don't work at a hospital so maybe someone who does can chime in, but what about building a list from hospitals (nurses and administrative staff). Do they usually leave the hospital to have lunch or do they usually eat in the cafeteria?

        I do have a question about this idea though.

        What does the text blast say? Does it redirect them to a mobile website that shows the special offers? How often do you text? Once a week? One a day?

        Mike
        Signature
        Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
        Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
        In Dozens Of Different Ways!
        CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3797383].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author scotth
          Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

          Hmmmm. Let's expand on this idea for a second.

          I don't work at a hospital so maybe someone who does can chime in, but what about building a list from hospitals (nurses and administrative staff). Do they usually leave the hospital to have lunch or do they usually eat in the cafeteria?

          I do have a question about this idea though.

          What does the text blast say? Does it redirect them to a mobile website that shows the special offers? How often do you text? Once a week? One a day?

          Mike
          "Text UCSF to 12345 for Special Super Discounted deals to your favorite Restaurants, Retail Stores and much more!

          You could redirect them to a landing page that has a "Like" button to your FB Fan page for more information and deals!

          Text once a week for each business...
          Signature

          Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3797459].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author xichabodx
            Thanks for the share, Scott!

            Mobile coupons in college towns isn't something new; see CollegeTokens.com.
            Last I checked, they charge businesses $50/month to advertise and have over 200 clients. Granted, I've noticed some of their promotions have expired months ago, so I'm not sure why they haven't changed the expiration dates.

            It's also something I started, back last year, by having a mobile coupon directory-type site. I focused on my local towns & communities, rather than just college towns. Not a bad business model to copy and make it your own. It blows Groupon-type promotions away and is far more effective and profitable for businesses.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3799460].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mike McAleer
      Originally Posted by ADukes81 View Post

      Great idea Scott!

      Too bad summer is right around the corner, although I know a lot of students go to school year round, but the time to capitalize on this would be late summer before the school year begins.

      I just looked up UNLV and their enrollment is 29k+. My head is spinning with ideas.
      Screw colleges for now..you can do this with other niches or even just everybody
      Signature

      Recent domain flips : $8->$1000 Social recruiting Software dot com $8->$2000 MobileSalesSoftware.com
      Invest in domains without the hard work !
      Email for details...Mike McAleer at me dot com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3803335].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rolltide
        How much does it cost to send these text?
        Signature

        Make $150 everytime someone backs up their computer!
        http://goo.gl/07M6K

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3803732].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author scotth
          Originally Posted by rolltide View Post

          How much does it cost to send these text?
          I am paying $0.029 per text. I charge what ever I want!
          Signature

          Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3803857].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author kmalikis
            Originally Posted by scotth View Post

            I am paying $0.029 per text. I charge what ever I want!
            Hi Scott,

            Please offer some info on how you are getting .029/text? I am very interested on acting on this strategy. I cannot PM as of yet and would absolutely appreciate any info on the vendor/system you have in place to send out these text messages at that price. Can you also pre-schedule the texts to go out when you want? like an autoresponder?

            I have been reading a little on this forum...i'm hearing names like Twilio...but don't quite understand how that works at this point. I have heard that companies that offer sms marketing would cost around .06-.07/text message. I also heard that there are some software/script/personal programmed solutions out there that are hosted on Servers that allow the per text rate to go down around what you are talking about...could you educate me on this?

            Respectfully,

            Kamran

            Certainly would appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3808039].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author scotth
              Originally Posted by kmalikis View Post

              Hi Scott,

              Please offer some info on how you are getting .029/text? I am very interested on acting on this strategy. I cannot PM as of yet and would absolutely appreciate any info on the vendor/system you have in place to send out these text messages at that price. Can you also pre-schedule the texts to go out when you want? like an autoresponder?

              I have been reading a little on this forum...i'm hearing names like Twilio...but don't quite understand how that works at this point. I have heard that companies that offer sms marketing would cost around .06-.07/text message. I also heard that there are some software/script/personal programmed solutions out there that are hosted on Servers that allow the per text rate to go down around what you are talking about...could you educate me on this?

              Respectfully,

              Kamran

              Certainly would appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
              I am with Avidmobile..yes you can schedule the messages...I would rather not go into details that I have with Avidmobile...as that was negotiated privately.
              Signature

              Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3808759].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author S3Ware
                Scott -

                This is a great business model and something that I have been considering myself, though I hadn't thought of targeting college students ... which I really like.

                My question is: how do you promote the service to the college kids and get them to join your list?

                Thanks!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3810953].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author sitefurnace
                  Originally Posted by baib21 View Post

                  Scott -

                  This is a great business model and something that I have been considering myself, though I hadn't thought of targeting college students ... which I really like.

                  My question is: how do you promote the service to the college kids and get them to join your list?

                  Thanks!
                  Baib21, this is from dan hollings webinar. You can watch it here if its still up

                  Webinar Replay - Step-By-Step Mobile
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3811088].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author scotth
                    There are so many ways to use SMS and help the business owner to see very fast tractable ROI...I got this scenario from a marketing company that specializes in marketing mobile...it gives you an idea how there are so many ways you can show a business owner how to profit from SMS...

                    "The band finishes a song, and announces that the bar is giving away a free t-shirt to one person who sends a text message to the Bar's keyword in the next 2 miuntes.

                    Hundreds of customers grab their phones and send in a message. After a few minutes, the winner receives a text message telling them they won.

                    As the owner of that bar, you have just added hundreds of customers to your database that you can send messages to about your business."

                    There are so many ways to help business owners see true and powerful ROI on their marketing efforts using SMS...remember all opt-ins you get in your digital list are from people who wanted to be on the list..if they get tired of getting Text Messages..on all SMS text messages there is a opt-out in the messages.

                    Salons
                    Bars
                    Night Clubs
                    Restaurants
                    Real Estate Agents
                    Bands
                    Signature

                    Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3811164].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author xichabodx
    I'd also like to hear the feedback of creating a business model such as this vs. setting up individual businesses and creating their own respective campaigns, as discussed so heavily this past month.

    The coupon/advertising would seem to be an easier sell. On the other hand, custom individual campaigns would allow us to name our fees...most likely much higher, comparatively, per client.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3799815].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Pankaj90
    i m intrsted in mobile marketing...thanx fr da info!!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3799929].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ADukes81
    My head is still spinning with ideas. We all know that Groupon is killin it right now and most people are getting their coupon via email. Imagine a Groupon, but it's actually texted to you.

    Deal of the Day texted to your phone. 30 days, 30 businesses, 30 messages sent out. Build up a list of at least 250 people and charge the business owner $100 per blast to start and see how it works
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3801144].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author xichabodx
      You have to consider that the Groupon/LivingSocial/"deal of the day"-type promotions aren't what they're cracked up to be for local businesses and can be a losing proposition. Here's plenty of reading material to shed some light:

      Groupon Bad For Business?

      I think we, as SMS marketers, could add a twist of some sort and offer advantages & benefits Groupon can't or won't.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3801738].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HypeText
        Originally Posted by xichabodx View Post

        You have to consider that the Groupon/LivingSocial/"deal of the day"-type promotions aren't what they're cracked up to be for local businesses and can be a losing proposition. Here's plenty of reading material to shed some light:

        Groupon Bad For Business?

        I think we, as SMS marketers, could add a twist of some sort and offer advantages & benefits Groupon can't or won't.
        Taking into consideration that the major flaw in the daily deal model is that it doesnt bring customers back after the first visit...

        Seems to me selling SMS to the businesses participating would close that gap.

        Word of the Day: UPSELL!
        Signature
        (916) 520-HYPE (4973)
        Local & Mobile Marketing Solutions
        $0 Setup & $99/mnth Private Label Reseller Accts
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5384674].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Norbi
          Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

          Taking into consideration that the major flaw in the daily deal model is that it doesnt bring customers back after the first visit...

          Seems to me selling SMS to the businesses participating would close that gap.

          Word of the Day: UPSELL!
          Spot on! Working in this industry, I can tell you there is huge potential for companies to cater to them afterwards. Simply put, a good majority of the business owners do not know what to do with those customers after the leave. Then they blame the "daily deal" companies for it not being successful.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5384734].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Luke Bishop
      Originally Posted by ADukes81 View Post

      My head is still spinning with ideas. We all know that Groupon is killin it right now and most people are getting their coupon via email. Imagine a Groupon, but it's actually texted to you.

      Deal of the Day texted to your phone. 30 days, 30 businesses, 30 messages sent out. Build up a list of at least 250 people and charge the business owner $100 per blast to start and see how it works
      Please give us full updates on how this pans out.

      thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3801751].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author scotth
    Building a digital list for businesses is a profitable niche....how we can educate business owners building there own "buyers list" as most local business don even know how to build a email list...if you go to any of the sites that are using Groupon, living Social ect...they don't even have a opt-in box to capture emails...if they did have a opt-in and a text to 1234...both with a call to action you would capture a good % of Groupons list to the business owners list email and digital...now the business owner can send there own deals making much more on their ROI....all of us here on the WF hold the key to business owners understanding the power of the Internet and now mobile...this is a marketing and advertising paradigm shift going on liked the Internet in the 90's...with your knowledge we all get just here in the WF we can write our own check in the offline world!
    Signature

    Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3801816].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adrian John
    This is a great idea with great potential and big $$$ but i think it's good only for those who live in big cities.
    You could do it in a small city but you are limited to the number of prospects i guess, still you could do some money with very little effort after you set-up everything and you get your first clients to use them as references.
    Would love to hear some results from people trying this.
    Signature
    ARE YOU A CONSULTANT? Do you have clients who could use MORE LEADS?
    Get them a MOBILE WEBSITE PLATFORM built to stay up with their clients habits.
    More than 50% of their customers buys from their mobile devices now!

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3802635].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MKBridge
      Originally Posted by banditu View Post

      This is a great idea with great potential and big $$$ but i think it's good only for those who live in big cities.
      You could do it in a small city but you are limited to the number of prospects i guess, still you could do some money with very little effort after you set-up everything and you get your first clients to use them as references.
      Would love to hear some results from people trying this.
      I think it would work anywhere that has at least 20,000 people - a small city. It doesn't have to be a really big city, i.e. Vancouver, or San Francisco.
      I plan to target two cities close to each other. One 60k, one about 110k population. I am already doing a few mobile websites in the smaller one.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3803905].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author mrcouchpotato
        I wonder if it would be a good idea to try to sign up businesses within a specific niche? For instance "pizza shops" or "clothing stores" or "baby stores", etc?

        Then the person who opts in knows they will be getting coupons specific to their needs. For instance, if a woman is pregnant, she'd be interested in getting deals from all sorts of baby type stores. Or college kids would mainly be interested in pizza or fast food joints.

        You'd be making even more money because each business niche would be it's own profit center and you could hit all those niches. Maybe 15 pizza shops, 15 baby stores, 15 clothing stores, etc. Each store would get 2 ad text blasts per month.

        But here's a couple of issues.

        1. You'd have to somehow adjust your pricing by how many subscribers you have because the more you have, the more your text costs go up and the less profit you'll make. What happens when you're first starting out and your list only has 300 subscribers and you have the businesses paying $100 each? How do you go back to them asking for more money because your list just grew to 1000?

        2. What's the best way to prove to businesses that you actually have the number of subscribers you're claiming you have? You could create a report but any report can be fudged.

        3. I assume you'll want to build your list first, but how do you get the people to opt-in if you don't have any businesses to post coupons yet? And how do you get businesses to join in if you don't have any subscribers yet? It's a catch 22. (btw, I do have some ideas about this but I'd like to hear what you all think first).

        Mike
        Signature
        Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
        Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
        In Dozens Of Different Ways!
        CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3804015].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ErnieB
          Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

          I wonder if it would be a good idea to try to sign up businesses within a specific niche? For instance "pizza shops" or "clothing stores" or "baby stores", etc?

          Then the person who opts in knows they will be getting coupons specific to their needs. For instance, if a woman is pregnant, she'd be interested in getting deals from all sorts of baby type stores. Or college kids would mainly be interested in pizza or fast food joints.

          You'd be making even more money because each business niche would be it's own profit center and you could hit all those niches. Maybe 15 pizza shops, 15 baby stores, 15 clothing stores, etc. Each store would get 2 ad text blasts per month.

          But here's a couple of issues.

          1. You'd have to somehow adjust your pricing by how many subscribers you have because the more you have, the more your text costs go up and the less profit you'll make. What happens when you're first starting out and your list only has 300 subscribers and you have the businesses paying $100 each? How do you go back to them asking for more money because your list just grew to 1000?

          2. What's the best way to prove to businesses that you actually have the number of subscribers you're claiming you have? You could create a report but any report can be fudged.

          3. I assume you'll want to build your list first, but how do you get the people to opt-in if you don't have any businesses to post coupons yet? And how do you get businesses to join in if you don't have any subscribers yet? It's a catch 22. (btw, I do have some ideas about this but I'd like to hear what you all think first).

          Mike
          Not sure on 1 or 2 but for 3 you build the list first and then goto the businesses. You just state that the subscriber "may" get upto 1 or 2 deals a day. You dont have to send them one every day or start right away.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3804173].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author advertextmedia
          Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

          I wonder if it would be a good idea to try to sign up businesses within a specific niche? For instance "pizza shops" or "clothing stores" or "baby stores", etc?

          Then the person who opts in knows they will be getting coupons specific to their needs. For instance, if a woman is pregnant, she'd be interested in getting deals from all sorts of baby type stores. Or college kids would mainly be interested in pizza or fast food joints.

          You'd be making even more money because each business niche would be it's own profit center and you could hit all those niches. Maybe 15 pizza shops, 15 baby stores, 15 clothing stores, etc. Each store would get 2 ad text blasts per month.

          But here's a couple of issues.

          1. You'd have to somehow adjust your pricing by how many subscribers you have because the more you have, the more your text costs go up and the less profit you'll make. What happens when you're first starting out and your list only has 300 subscribers and you have the businesses paying $100 each? How do you go back to them asking for more money because your list just grew to 1000?

          2. What's the best way to prove to businesses that you actually have the number of subscribers you're claiming you have? You could create a report but any report can be fudged.

          3. I assume you'll want to build your list first, but how do you get the people to opt-in if you don't have any businesses to post coupons yet? And how do you get businesses to join in if you don't have any subscribers yet? It's a catch 22. (btw, I do have some ideas about this but I'd like to hear what you all think first).

          Mike
          In response as far as your pricing goes you could base it on the number of subscribers you have on each list just like email list are setup. Let's say you have a list with 250 you could start out at 50.00 to 100.00 depending on what you get you texts for and have different rates based on the number on each list, so therefore if it grows then you already have your rate sheet in case that happens and your clients already knows what to expect. Always set your expectations upfront with your clients and you will be just fine. Now the part on proving you have that many subscribers will be a combination of your sales skills, building trust and rapport and being able to print out that report from your back office. It can be done! And last on the catch 22 part it will only be that way if you keep making excuses for why it may not work and instead just go out and do it. Give up on all the reasons why it may not work because if you are having any doubts then this may not be something that will work for you. Just believe in what you are doing and it will take care of itself in the long run. What works for me best is I just state in my marketing materials that you should be recieving deals withing 30 days as it takes us that long to approve new deals that we will be sending our subscribers and lastly, I would wait until you have subscribers before approaching any businesses because this will add more value to the service you are trying to provide. If anyone is looking for a good provider I can help you out as much as I can. We currently help setup resellers at pretty fair rates and our lowest for per text is .003 and we have have alot of features as well. You can contact me here directly and I would love to show you our system.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3817497].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author scottuga44
            advertextmedia- i cant PM bc of my post count, but I have been researching this for around 3 weeks now and am ready to put this into action. Please email me at monkeymarketing24 at gmail. I am very interested in speaking with you.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3818396].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author mrcouchpotato
            Originally Posted by advertextmedia View Post

            What works for me best is I just state in my marketing materials that you should be recieving deals withing 30 days as it takes us that long to approve new deals that we will be sending our subscribers and lastly, I would wait until you have subscribers before approaching any businesses because this will add more value to the service you are trying to provide.
            Does this mean that you're actively doing this strategy....creating your own opt-in list and signing up businesses for text message coupon blasts?
            Signature
            Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
            Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
            In Dozens Of Different Ways!
            CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3827606].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author zbw777
              I ran a program like this years ago with email. It was targeted local, and it was quick coupons by mail.

              It does work in theory. I haven't tried it yet on SMS... college is almost out. So I'm saving it for fall.

              Will start working on a couple other niches over the summer possibly.

              While a cool idea, I think there is potential for a higher revenue stream from other uses of SMS.

              Personally if I do it again, I'm going to combine it with email as well. Send targeted texts and maybe a weekly email digest. Twice the bang for the advertiser.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3827793].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author advertextmedia
              Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

              Does this mean that you're actively doing this strategy....creating your own opt-in list and signing up businesses for text message coupon blasts?
              Right now I am currently doing the groupon text thing and it's working out pretty well. The way I get subscribers is by passing out opt in flyers door to door and have gotten great response. I start building a list in one area or neighborhood and then I build more list in other areas just to expand on my operation that way businesses have a choice of the list they ant to market to. Hope this helps.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3828059].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author webdiva07
            Hi - interested in getting information per your thread to contact you. Forum says Can't send private pm yet
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3938846].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author keithsager
          Yes... the key to this type of mini-groupon business is a tightly niched buyer's list. The example was college students, but that is just a niche. Your idea of pregnant women is on target. How about engaged women, divorced people, married people, horse lovers, etc.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3867917].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author scotth
            Originally Posted by keithsager View Post

            Yes... the key to this type of mini-groupon business is a tightly niched buyer's list. The example was college students, but that is just a niche. Your idea of pregnant women is on target. How about engaged women, divorced people, married people, horse lovers, etc.
            The College niche is a hot niche for SMS...A very high percentage have smartphones and are active at text messaging...they are active buyers for deals especially food..and entertainment. 3 ways to service this niche.

            1. Offer Full Service SMS Digital List building
            2. Build your own targeted list and rent it
            3. Sell them a monthly subscription let them build their list and deliver the text messages (I dont recommend)
            Signature

            Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3868599].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author kmalikis
              Hi Scotth,

              Any updates on your progress? love this thread and wanted to hear from you or anyone one else who has successfully implemented this idea.

              thanks,

              Kam
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5384595].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MKBridge
    What is the youngest age that someone can opt in? I think 17 - 18 year old age group would be good to target (i.e. pizza coupons) because they might pass them on to their parents, or get their parents to sign up. Can anyone comment on this please?

    I believe Scott's idea of creating a list to sell, one that the client can expand on is fantastic. Or as Scott does - allows clients to purchase a coupon for the list.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3803894].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sitefurnace
    Here's another problem with this model.

    Groupon is all about businesses getting new customers. The business creates a loss leader to attract new business in the hope that that new customer comes back and pays full price eventually making them a profit.

    This model would only be effective the first time (or few at a push) that the texts were sent out. Businesses are not going to constantly run at a loss they will have to make a profit at some point.

    Let's say I am a subscriber on that list. I get a text from joes coffee shop saying that I can get a coffee for £1. That's great I go and become a new customer, choosing to have my coffee there from now on. What incentive has that business now got to send me another discount coupon. They want me there now paying full price

    They only want the loss leader to hit non customers but the list is static, they are hitting the same people over and over. To start with a percentage who are interested in the offer will become new customers but the effectiveness will drop very rapidly until uninterested parties will have seen this offer so many times that they will start to see it as annoying and unsubscribe from the whole thing.

    If the people that are interested in the offers keep getting the discount then they will just wait for this weeks text and go and get another cheap coffee. The business is now paying to get it's existing customers through the doors and not making any profit from them.

    The simple fact is that the subscribers either need to be exposed to new offers all the time like groupon does, or they will just capitalise on the fact that they constantly receive their discount code like clockwork and never actually end up making any of these businesses money.

    You can't just sign up 1000 people and 30 businesses and keep sending the same offers to the same people.

    The other big difference between this model and groupon is that the cost of sending an email is way lower than a text. You would have to seriously manage this cost as it would be very significant. If your list goes viral you could be seriously out of pocket very quickly. It could. Be managed but it's not as easy as just saying to the business 'just sling me £100 every month' you would need to either get them to pay per text or cut the list off at 1000 subs and start building a fresh one.

    I've been to the site where the OP got this method from. When I first read it I thought it was interesting. It has all the ingredients of the moment LOCAL, LIST BUILDING, SMS MARKETING, COUPONS and should be able to work somehow. But once you start really thinking this through there are a lot of little problems with it and i really wondered if the guy had actually done this like he said.

    This method is his loss leader to get you to sign up to his $1200 course and seems to be written in a way to get the mind racing with possibilities rather than going into the gory details.

    Even if you could iron this out and get it to work, I wonder how long it will be before people get pissed off with SMS spam. I know that I personally don't give a monkeys about email spam, i just either delete it straight away or create a separate spam account. My mobile number though is a different story - it's private and I don't want it ringing every 5 minutes with crappy texts. This is fresh now but at the end of the day it will become just like email marketing. But hey, ride the wave until the next thing comes along why not!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3804502].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MKBridge
      Originally Posted by sitefurnace View Post

      Here's another problem with this model.

      Groupon is all about businesses getting new customers. The business creates a loss leader to attract new business in the hope that that new customer comes back and pays full price eventually making them a profit.

      This model would only be effective the first time (or few at a push) that the texts were sent out. Businesses are not going to constantly run at a loss they will have to make a profit at some point.

      Let's say I am a subscriber on that list. I get a text from joes coffee shop saying that I can get a coffee for £1. That's great I go and become a new customer, choosing to have my coffee there from now on. What incentive has that business now got to send me another discount coupon. They want me there now paying full
      What I read on this post is you feel the whole premis of SMS marketing does not work. Reading other posts from people doing this type of marketing it seems to be quite successful. Also anyone can stop receiving coupons at any time.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3807787].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sitefurnace
        Originally Posted by MKBridge View Post

        What I read on this post is you feel the whole premis of SMS marketing does not work. Reading other posts from people doing this type of marketing it seems to be quite successful. Also anyone can stop receiving coupons at any time.
        On the contrary, I think SMS is very effective, this is just my view on this particular model.

        I think that working individually with businesses to implement SMS campaigns is a fantastic opportunity at the moment, however it's a little different to this groupon type idea.

        I also think that something similar to this method could work, it just needs to be thought out very carefully.

        Dan Hollings, the guy who is using this method to sell his course, seems to have just whacked this down 'brainstorm style' and left out the nitty gritty - a little hypocritical when you listen to him talking about his course being a 'paint by numbers' type thing.

        Also my view on the long-term viability of SMS may have looked a little pessimistic, but let me just say that I am not your typical target for this type of thing - I send about 10 text messages a month and get very defensive if I receive a spam text!

        This is hot right now and is virgin territory so I think just jump on it. Like everything in IM, what works today may not work tomorrow - next few years may well bring methods using MMS, RFID, who knows, so i think just don't worry about it - just keep your finger on the pulse and move with what works now, just be prepared to move on when it gets saturated/regulated as all good things do.'
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3811058].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author MKBridge
          Originally Posted by sitefurnace View Post

          On the contrary, I think SMS is very effective, this is just my view on this particular model.

          ...

          This is hot right now and is virgin territory so I think just jump on it. Like everything in IM, what works today may not work tomorrow - next few years may well bring methods using MMS, RFID, who knows, so i think just don't worry about it - just keep your finger on the pulse and move with what works now, just be prepared to move on when it gets saturated/regulated as all good things do.'

          Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I think this is a good wave to be on. Although text marketing has been around awhile, the statistics and mindset of people owning cell phones has changed.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3813823].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author scotth
            Originally Posted by MKBridge View Post

            Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I think this is a good wave to be on. Although text marketing has been around awhile, the statistics and mindset of people owning cell phones has changed.
            I agree MK. I am a optimist and just like everything else marketing changes all the time..SMS is very powerful if used correctly from setting up business owners text campaigns to monitoring the opt-ins and opt-outs...when you send someone a text message its b/c they wanted to be on the list...this is called target marketing at its best imho...open rate for text message 97% with a 4-9% response to the coupon...lest compare Groupon and other like minded flash sale sites...charge 30%-50% off the revenue generated from the deal...now we know that the business owner is wanting from this campaign is the return visits..so a restaurant does a deal with Groupon...lets just say for sh*ts and Giggles the list has 100,000...open rate for email is 32%..response to the deal is around 6%...so thats 3200 open the email at 6% respond thats 192 people visiting the restaurant price of the coupon is $25 x 192 = $4,800 50% goes to Groupon that leaves the business owner with $2,400 revenue plus maybe repeat customers..

            I have a list of 5,000 target people...the restaurant owner sends a blast out on tues at 3pm for a $25 discount when spend is $50 or more...97% open rate is 4,800 eye balls looking at that text within 5 mins of it sent...4% respond to the deal...192 people x $25 = $4,800 the cost for the blast $500 total revenue $4300 so the business owner fills up his restaurant on a slow night and probably gets new people added to his digital list b/c of point of contact which is the fastest way to build your digital list...now my math might be off a bit but you get the jest how much more profitable SMS is than email..still need to have a email list for sure...but the business owner needs a digital list also.
            Signature

            Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3818610].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Izesta
      Originally Posted by CherylJohnsonPHD View Post

      Interesting comments; however, there is a fundamental flaw in this type of thinking.

      The majority of business owners spend their marketing dollars obtaining new customers and neglecting their current customers; consequently, you have massive advertising loss leaders like Groupon that can actually hurt a business if they don't have internal marketing systems in place to get the customers to return to the establishment.

      In reality small business owners should be spending 50% to 60% of their marketing dollars on their CURRENT customers. Getting them to come back more often and getting the to spend more when they do come in. It cost 3 to 9 times more to get a new customer than it does to get a current customer to revisit an establishment.

      Even if a business has regular customers that would come back even if they were not re-marketed to, they still have the potential to upsell or cross-sell the customer so they are spending more money.

      That additional dollar amount usually equates to what a new customer would spend minus the dollar amount expended acquiring the new customer. ie. a previous customer gets upsold a desert for a $2.50 profit but a new customer spends $11 on the exact same meal. If it cost 10 to $15 to acquire the new customer, the business has gained a new customer but lost money.

      If, however, that new customer was forwarded an text coupon from a current customer then the business owner acquired a new customer at zero cost...this is very easy to do with tell a friend or bring a friend text coupons.

      Groupon has it's place but when business owners start focusing on the diamonds in their own back yard...their current customers, they can easily double their business by effectively working their customer list.

      Just my two cents;-)

      Exactly Cheryl. How quickly we forget. How often do YOU go to a store because of an advertisement and end up buying something OTHER than or in addition to what was advertised? Happens all the time.

      Or you to the supermarket with coupons for milk and come out with $30 worth of groceries?

      I am on the email list of all my favorite stores. It is rare that they send me anything other than a notification of a sale. But they know far too well that if/when I arrive, the odds are high I will buy something other than what's on sale.

      The goal is getting my warm body in the store.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4370371].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jrobconsult
      Originally Posted by CherylJohnsonPHD View Post

      Interesting comments; however, there is a fundamental flaw in this type of thinking.

      The majority of business owners spend their marketing dollars obtaining new customers and neglecting their current customers; consequently, you have massive advertising loss leaders like Groupon that can actually hurt a business if they don't have internal marketing systems in place to get the customers to return to the establishment.

      In reality small business owners should be spending 50% to 60% of their marketing dollars on their CURRENT customers. Getting them to come back more often and getting the to spend more when they do come in. It cost 3 to 9 times more to get a new customer than it does to get a current customer to revisit an establishment.

      Even if a business has regular customers that would come back even if they were not re-marketed to, they still have the potential to upsell or cross-sell the customer so they are spending more money.

      That additional dollar amount usually equates to what a new customer would spend minus the dollar amount expended acquiring the new customer. ie. a previous customer gets upsold a desert for a $2.50 profit but a new customer spends $11 on the exact same meal. If it cost 10 to $15 to acquire the new customer, the business has gained a new customer but lost money.

      If, however, that new customer was forwarded an text coupon from a current customer then the business owner acquired a new customer at zero cost...this is very easy to do with tell a friend or bring a friend text coupons.

      Groupon has it's place but when business owners start focusing on the diamonds in their own back yard...their current customers, they can easily double their business by effectively working their customer list.

      Just my two cents;-)
      I have set up and managed numerous promotional sales for small-medium retail businesses. Every sale had plenty of new customers, but the small business owners were surprised at the amount of money spent by former or inactive customers.

      Most small business owner's don't take advantage of their list by email,sms and direct mail and also growing it. I have to agree that spending more on your current customers would be a winning strategy for most.

      Groupon can be effective once or twice a year, but concentrating on your current customers is a better long-term strategy.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4718441].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author legitebiz
        Originally Posted by jrobconsult View Post

        Groupon can be effective once or twice a year, but concentrating on your current customers is a better long-term strategy.
        Could not agree more with this, and that is why I also think your efforts should be aimed at keeping your own customer base coming back for more, which is easier and less expensive because you already have their trust.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4841159].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ErnieB
    I see your point but I think that the profit can be made off of each person if the offer is right. I also think there is a big difference between a "Deal" and a "Coupon".

    Your enticing a person to new/repeat business that you may not have received. If i get a coupon for a free beer at a local bar, am I gonna show up, drink 1 and then leave? Doubt it. Im gonna make a night of it. So I may not have even been considering going to a bar or I may have been considering going to a different bar but now the coupon has persuaded me.

    I think the key here is the actual offers ( coupons ). They dont have to be drastic groupon type deals. This could be a simple cost effective way to distribute coupons rather than a newspaper or valupak for ex.

    Doesnt seem worth the hassle to me but instead of monthly residual for the program, you could solve your issue by getting new businesses signed up each month ( just like groupon ). Then it would be a 1 and done for the business and if they wanted they could sign back up for another round at a later time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3805316].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author andrew132
    What texting services do you use to build the list and send the mass text out?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3805762].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SolidSolutions
    I've built a platform (http://www.iBuyFrom.com) on the Dotgo.com service which offers VERY low rates. We also offer single keyword options (for example, CFACOTTONWOOD works by itself, you don't have to do iBuyFrom CFACOTTONWOOD).

    DKText also uses Dotgo.com service and has some nice prices.
    Signature

    Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3810939].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thomasmps
    scotth,

    your groupon numbers are pretty right on,but my question is what is the best way to generate those opt ins? weekly newspaper classifieds? low cost tv commercials thru Google? Youtube Ads? what are your thoughts on this
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3819089].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyB
    Can you use the college name in your promotions or is that not allowed?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836510].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by TommyB View Post

      Can you use the college name in your promotions or is that not allowed?
      Not sure on that one...but what you can use is their mascot!
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836527].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyB
    Can I use the mascots picture and name?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836674].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by TommyB View Post

      Can I use the mascots picture and name?
      I would use the name but putting the mascot logo in there might be over the stepping.
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836711].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author eyesocialize
        Did anyone catch the Brittany Lynch webinar with Dan Hollings last night about basically what we are discussing in this thread?
        Signature

        Grab your Free demo account http://EyeMobilize.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836726].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyB
    Also Scott, whats the cost to get started, sms service , then .....?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836725].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyB
    Scott, i went to your sig link but when I click "add to Cart" the page just refreshes?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836780].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by TommyB View Post

      Scott, i went to your sig link but when I click "add to Cart" the page just refreshes?
      sent you a private message
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836787].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyB
    Thanks for your pm.
    Also Scott, whats the cost to get started here, sms service , then .....?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3836957].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sepia
      Another effective way to get into mobile marketing?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3942863].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      "Across ALL ranges, the "likelyhood"someone will buy on a
      Mobile device averages 7.4...over 3 times higher than buyers on computers!"



      Unless I missed it.....what is the source of this statistic....I think that's the first question to ask.
      Signature
      The big lesson in life, baby, is never be scared of anyone or anything.
      -- FRANK SINATRA, quoted in The Way You Wear Your Hat
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4921197].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Izesta
        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        "Across ALL ranges, the "likelyhood"someone will buy on a
        Mobile device averages 7.4...over 3 times higher than buyers on computers!"



        Unless I missed it.....what is the source of this statistic....I think that's the first question to ask.

        There are SOOOOO many stats out there on mobile this/that. Who knows what is fact?

        Here is a source of what might be reliable data:

        http://googlemobileads.blogspot.com/2011/04/smartphone-user-study-shows-mobile.html

        This data was gathered at the end of 2010, so today's research would be even more positive.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4924900].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author frujid
      Even if you could iron this out and get it to work, I wonder how long it will be before people get pissed off with SMS spam. I know that I personally don't give a monkeys about email spam, i just either delete it straight away or create a separate spam account. My mobile number though is a different story - it's private and I don't want it ringing every 5 minutes with crappy texts. This is fresh now but at the end of the day it will become just like email marketing. But hey, ride the wave until the next thing comes along why not!
      That is what it is all about, riding the SMS wave. Keep in mind this is not SPAM. These people gave their numbers in exchange for something that is being offered only available to them through SMS. Laws are in place to combat these issues, by typically using a double opt-in BEFORE you can send out your first text.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4922759].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dannybaskara
    Nice, How much does it cost to send these text?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3866543].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by dannybaskara View Post

      Nice, How much does it cost to send these text?
      It cost me 0.029 cents to send a text message...I charge 0.070 cents.
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3866792].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SolidSolutions
      Originally Posted by scotth View Post

      It cost me 0.029 cents to send a text message...I charge 0.070 cents.
      Originally Posted by dannybaskara View Post

      Nice, How much does it cost to send these text?
      I pay a lump sum each month to get X number of messages per month. On my current plan if all messages are used than my current cost is .0225 cents per messages. I charge businesses a monthly rate, not a per message rate. Most of them have a really high per message rate because they do not have a real large club yet and are only sending 1 or 2 messages a month.
      Signature

      Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4399631].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author diamondz
    Hi im intersetd in this and have read a fe sites that say they teach you mobil marketing but your never sure about quality of education. Id like to kno if anyone has done this in europe eg denmark or england. Are their no las against mobil spamming. Im not very technical but in past have orked in sales and marketing and that as selling memberships for leisure restaurant travel etc. Id been looking at a job advert for a company here thats looking for freelancers to get clients they are doing a groupon type thing.
    Im not a techi but if someone can help ith simple site or has anyone set up a site so that I can have a look. I do have an idea for a site and it can be discussed.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3866559].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thomasmps
    scott do you think it would work advertising to the general public to get opt ins say weekly newspapers etc.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3871460].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author scotth
      Originally Posted by thomasmps View Post

      scott do you think it would work advertising to the general public to get opt ins say weekly newspapers etc.
      Absolutely putting a ad in a local newspaper. Anyway you can advertise to get that digital list growing of people that buy into deals.
      Signature

      Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3871688].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TraceK
        As far as SMS not being a viable long term strategy, as a restaurant owner, I have a differing opinion.

        Think about it. It's Monday night. I know we're going to be slow. Why not send out a text blast?

        Tuesday lunch gonna be slow? Same thing.

        Having customers at a discount is better than no customers at all.

        Here's some numbers with every restaurant owner's nightmare (lol): BOGO (buy one, get one free):

        1 text message returned for free dinner:

        Average party size: 2.25 people

        Average dinner (example): $12.00
        2.25 x 12.00 = $27.00
        2 drinks at $3.00
        No upsell of appetizer or dessert for this example
        Total check = $33.00 - $12.00 Freebie = $21.00
        Food cost @ 25% = $8.25
        Gross profit = $12.75 per every text redeemed.

        That's $12.75 I wouldn't have had.

        Yes, you would have to vary the offers. But the most responsive people are those that are already your regulars, so you don't necessarily have to give away the farm in your offer, just give them a juicy one every now and then.

        Long term though, is this:

        Have you and your signifcant other ever driven by a restaurant and said, "Hey. How come we never go there anymore? We used to go there all the time."

        Followed by, "I don't know, I guess we just forgot."

        It's like Dan Kennedy talks about putting a fence around you customers by staying in touch with them on a regular basis with a newsletter or whatever.

        Only I believe SMS takes that concept to the nuclear level.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3928688].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author k60mall
          I totally agree with this restaurant owner when he says he would rather have a bum on a seat than empty on a day when he would normally be quite.

          You must remember that any business still has to pay it's staff, pay for the heating etc even if no one walks through their door so getting customers on a quite day even if they have to give a discount is better than nothing. This is where building their own list is so important.

          keith

          Originally Posted by TraceK View Post

          As far as SMS not being a viable long term strategy, as a restaurant owner, I have a differing opinion.

          Think about it. It's Monday night. I know we're going to be slow. Why not send out a text blast?

          Tuesday lunch gonna be slow? Same thing.

          Having customers at a discount is better than no customers at all.

          Here's some numbers with every restaurant owner's nightmare (lol): BOGO (buy one, get one free):

          1 text message returned for free dinner:

          Average party size: 2.25 people

          Average dinner (example): $12.00
          2.25 x 12.00 = $27.00
          2 drinks at $3.00
          No upsell of appetizer or dessert for this example
          Total check = $33.00 - $12.00 Freebie = $21.00
          Food cost @ 25% = $8.25
          Gross profit = $12.75 per every text redeemed.

          That's $12.75 I wouldn't have had.

          Yes, you would have to vary the offers. But the most responsive people are those that are already your regulars, so you don't necessarily have to give away the farm in your offer, just give them a juicy one every now and then.

          Long term though, is this:

          Have you and your signifcant other ever driven by a restaurant and said, "Hey. How come we never go there anymore? We used to go there all the time."

          Followed by, "I don't know, I guess we just forgot."

          It's like Dan Kennedy talks about putting a fence around you customers by staying in touch with them on a regular basis with a newsletter or whatever.

          Only I believe SMS takes that concept to the nuclear level.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4388065].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author TheLocalCoach
          [QUOTE=TraceK;3928688]As far as SMS not being a viable long term strategy, as a restaurant owner, I have a differing opinion.

          Here's some numbers with every restaurant owner's nightmare (lol): BOGO (buy one, get one free):

          1 text message returned for free dinner:

          Average party size: 2.25 people

          Average dinner (example): $12.00
          2.25 x 12.00 = $27.00
          2 drinks at $3.00
          No upsell of appetizer or dessert for this example
          Total check = $33.00 - $12.00 Freebie = $21.00
          Food cost @ 25% = $8.25
          Gross profit = $12.75 per every text redeemed.

          That's $12.75 I wouldn't have had.

          Yes, you would have to vary the offers. But the most responsive people are those that are already your regulars, so you don't necessarily have to give away the farm in your offer, just give them a juicy one every now and then.QUOTE]

          Thanks Trace! As you know I've owned a couple restaurants too, and what most local marketers FAIL to do is account for the free stuff the business gives away. Because too often they don't put themselves in the shoes of the biz owner, they think that any customer, at any price, would be a good thing. Factoring the hard costs of the discounting allows you to create smart, win-win deals for customers and the biz owner!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4934817].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyB
    Are business owners interested in getting their clients # or emails?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4001277].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mdabusufian86
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4001348].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Luke Bishop
      Hi guys, how much do you charge business for SMS
      Marketing? Thanks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4001419].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author james96
    Thank you for the share. Though very busy, I will try the method and see. I know it will work. I have been in the SMS marketing business since the year 2008 but this idea is new and looks golden to me. Since I have my own SMS platform, I will recruit college students to implement the idea. Thank you once again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4003471].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author richard_s_smith
    thanks scotth, any updates on your success with this
    Signature

    Love the life you live so you can live the life you love.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4253787].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kristabelle
    Sounds interesting for 2nd world countries that have more phones than computers too.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4371227].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ashleydupray
      Here's my issue with this.
      QA text can maybe only be good for that day or maybe 24 hours.
      With groupon or coupons they can be good until a certain date.
      What if as you said you have 5000 subscribers and 7% show up thats 350 people what if they only have 50 seats. Holy they are in trouble LOL.

      With Groupon they usually have months and months to use.

      Plus there is no way to take away the text i.e expire use it.
      Many business owners I talk with are afraid of them using over
      and over again.
      Just thoughts
      Ashley
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4375229].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Izesta
        Originally Posted by Ashleydupray View Post

        Here's my issue with this.
        QA text can maybe only be good for that day or maybe 24 hours.
        With groupon or coupons they can be good until a certain date.
        What if as you said you have 5000 subscribers and 7% show up thats 350 people what if they only have 50 seats. Holy they are in trouble LOL.

        With Groupon they usually have months and months to use.

        Plus there is no way to take away the text i.e expire use it.
        Many business owners I talk with are afraid of them using over
        and over again.
        Just thoughts
        Ashley

        That is a very good question.

        The offer would have to have an expiration date in the terms of the text message. Sure, a few might try to take advantage. But that can happen with a lot of discounts regardless of the delivery method. Even with groupon where you prepay, you can often buy more than one on any given purchase.

        In the case of text message discounts, you actually can better control your profits because you don't have to give half your take to a third party. Whatever discount is chosen still leaves the merchant in the black - guaranteed. The merchant must look at the bottom line, not how many discounts were spread across the same person. Once a business decides to do discount marketing, they must realize there might be some double-dipping by customers. But in the big scheme of things, it's small potatoes.

        The business owner also knows some people will come to his business and flat out steal his merchandise, but that's no reason not to be in business. All of the slight negatives are a cost of doing business. Gotta accept it and move on.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4703580].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Maddy
    Scott I really appreciate your help man. You always help me out from the problem by your useful threads. Thank you so much!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4375872].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4380341].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SubUrbanHype
    I am telling you guys. SMS/Text marketing is a waste. I know some of you don't believe it but I can tell you. It is annoying as hell to get a text, and think its from a friend, check it out, and realize it is somebody trying to push something. You would be better off creating an App that holds all the info/deals/coupons on it than text it to people.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4388425].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author k60mall
      Sorry to disagree but I have a restaurant who send offers twice per month for days when he is normally quite, he gets on average a 4% take up on his txt offer.

      You must remember these pepole have already OPTED IN to his list so want messages from him.

      Keith

      Originally Posted by SubUrbanHype View Post

      I am telling you guys. SMS/Text marketing is a waste. I know some of you don't believe it but I can tell you. It is annoying as hell to get a text, and think its from a friend, check it out, and realize it is somebody trying to push something. You would be better off creating an App that holds all the info/deals/coupons on it than text it to people.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4391424].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jrobconsult
        Originally Posted by k60mall View Post

        Sorry to disagree but I have a restaurant who send offers twice per month for days when he is normally quite, he gets on average a 4% take up on his txt offer.

        You must remember these pepole have already OPTED IN to his list so want messages from him.

        Keith
        As long as you don't post excessively, most people will not be upset and it will help your sales tremendously.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4718455].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SolidSolutions
      Originally Posted by SubUrbanHype View Post

      I am telling you guys. SMS/Text marketing is a waste. I know some of you don't believe it but I can tell you. It is annoying as hell to get a text, and think its from a friend, check it out, and realize it is somebody trying to push something. You would be better off creating an App that holds all the info/deals/coupons on it than text it to people.
      Keep in mind this is your opinion of it. Maybe some of your friends and business colleagues feel the same way. However, our data speaks differently. More people continue signing up for various text clubs. Some do leave, but more are coming in and staying than there are those who are leaving. When this is happening across several businesses and states and we are continue to make money at it, the data says it is not a waste. Sure, not everyone will want it as in your case, but currently more people do than don't is our experience.
      Signature

      Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4399591].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author tuscan
    Thanks for sharing this idea with us. For folks like me who are looking for more related markets, this is a killer strategy. Like anything else, though, it won't work if you don't work it.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4389732].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eridees
    Hi everyone, this is my first post. Just want to say that this is a great forum full of smart, mature people with some great ideas. This idea has hit me like a perfect storm! Over 10yrs ago when IM and all its possiblities were in its infancy, my sister and I, let the gravy train pass us by. I vowed never to let any new trend get away from me again.

    I live in a big city that is very diverse and host or is relatively close to 5 universities. Also the suburbs which surround us are growing not only in residents but with major corporations. So the ideas are pouring in. My best guess is that if I create a college list, it will probably be the one that will steadily grow posing a potential cost control problem.

    The way I propose controlling cost with a growing list is to bundle them by groups of say 300. That way the business can go with group A this month and group B next. Or they can pay for both. So in other words offer them a min amount of text (leads) they would have to purchase to ensure you make a profit on the sale and if they elect to purchase more again it doesn't effect your bottom line. Does this make sense?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4394367].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4408581].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author goyongj
    I used a service like this for my store. Every time I do it for my store, I get mad.
    Annoying, cheap people shows up and they are here just for the deal.

    I only paid $80~100 for over 5000 people on the list.
    I had 50~70 people for Buy 1 Get 1 Special.
    Let me give you some math example. 60 people X $5 (average sale) = $300
    So I brought extra $300 because of this txt blasts but I gave out $600 worth of stuff.
    My gross margin is 50% so it costs me $300 just for food. (not counting rent, labor)
    In the end, $300-300-80(txt fee) = I am at $80 loss after working crazy with more traffic that day. What person would want to work and pay out of their pocket at the end?
    Would they come back to pay the retail price? (twice as much wow)

    why I can't give out like 20% off deal to make some profit?
    Because people won't show up unless it's 50% off.
    I did Buy 1 Get 1 with $5 min purchase. (very reasonable I think)
    It dropped down to 15 people.

    I don't think groupon would last long since business owners usually end up losing money.
    It's all about whether business owner find it profitable to them. If you help them make money, they will love you. If you take their money and they don't get that back, they won't come back.

    This local company does about 20~25 blasts each month. I don't know how much each business pay. but let's say it's $150 x 25 = $3750.
    Not a bad business for one man operation?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4712533].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author steve solo
      goyongj

      I have many pizza shop owners very happy with the service i provide and pay $$ for it too,..after saying that,..we dont do no 50% thing at all,..some do free desert when ordering over$10 or get free 2 ltr drinks with a large pizza etc,..so it depends on how you promote your business,..

      steve

      Originally Posted by goyongj View Post

      I used a service like this for my store. Every time I do it for my store, I get mad.
      Annoying, cheap people shows up and they are here just for the deal.

      I only paid $80~100 for over 5000 people on the list.
      I had 50~70 people for Buy 1 Get 1 Special.
      Let me give you some math example. 60 people X $5 (average sale) = $300
      So I brought extra $300 because of this txt blasts but I gave out $600 worth of stuff.
      My gross margin is 50% so it costs me $300 just for food. (not counting rent, labor)
      In the end, $300-300-80(txt fee) = I am at $80 loss after working crazy with more traffic that day. What person would want to work and pay out of their pocket at the end?
      Would they come back to pay the retail price? (twice as much wow)

      why I can't give out like 20% off deal to make some profit?
      Because people won't show up unless it's 50% off.
      I did Buy 1 Get 1 with $5 min purchase. (very reasonable I think)
      It dropped down to 15 people.

      I don't think groupon would last long since business owners usually end up losing money.
      It's all about whether business owner find it profitable to them. If you help them make money, they will love you. If you take their money and they don't get that back, they won't come back.

      This local company does about 20~25 blasts each month. I don't know how much each business pay. but let's say it's $150 x 25 = $3750.
      Not a bad business for one man operation?
      Signature
      Www.offerfortune.com A Mobile Marketing Empire.
      5K 100% Opt In fresh mobile phone number Lists in any city, state and niche market for only $49..get signed up today and grab your free SMS marketing report!{check out the SMS marketing software for $45 one time fee}
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4894574].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author heresteve2
        Hey All,

        Great discussion. I read this original post back in April and thought it was a great idea, especially for someone who has very little start-up capital like myself. So I put it into action for a college campus that I work near. I have a small advantage because I currently work as a property manager for a apartment community tailored to college students.

        I created a facebook fan page, and website. My thinking was that instead of having people opt-in through texting, try to get my first 100-300 people through the web for a couple of reasons.

        1) This reduces cost. Instead of starting my SMS service I could wait until I had the first sale in place.
        2) My list is much more valuable if I can get additional demographic information at time of sign up. The nail salon may pay 100 to send to 1000 students, but it would be easier to sell (and more profitable) if i can tell them for 100 I am sending this text to 300 female students who live on campus.

        I put up fliers all over campus a few days before the fall semester, had biz cards made up with the website, and talked to a lot of my residents. After three months I only have 20 opt ins.

        Now I understand people will say that getting people to opt in through a website is going to be more difficult then texting in, but still only 20 for the amount of fliers, biz cards, talking to people, and having a few of my residents post about it on facebook is not encouraging. I even spent 60 on facebook ads.

        So I am more the discouraged at this point. I've put out ads to try and hire a student marketer, but that hasn't worked. None of the people that replied were willing to do it for what I was offering (25 cents per opt in and if they reached 100 opt ins in a month I would offer a 10% profit share the following month). When I was in college I would have been all over this.

        So I thought I would share my experience but also looking for advice. I don't have any money really to invest into this any further so I really need some out of the box ideas. I know I can get more opt ins if I use text to opt in, but that will cost money. Have to get setup with the text provider and pay for the opt in message.

        Lastly, I think its important to talk about the college demographic. While I certainly think there are way more pro then cons with this demographic, there is one obvious drawback. This list is really only good for one year. Now if you wanted to be shady you wouldn't have to start over each year, but you don't know who dropped out, moved away, graduated any given year. I like to think of all the objections a biz owner would have and this was the most obvious to me. So my plan was to send a text at the beginning of the school year to the previous years list telling them how to re-opt in for the next years campaign. But the bottom line is that you need to get your list up to a "sellable" number in a short period of time. Obviously the first year will be the most difficult. But if it take 4 months to get enough opt in, there is a very small window to make sales for the remainder of the school year.

        Anyway I would love to get your feedback! Thanks
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4896170].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Izesta
          Originally Posted by heresteve2 View Post

          Hey All,

          Great discussion. I read this original post back in April and thought it was a great idea, especially for someone who has very little start-up capital like myself. So I put it into action for a college campus that I work near. I have a small advantage because I currently work as a property manager for a apartment community tailored to college students.

          I created a facebook fan page, and website. My thinking was that instead of having people opt-in through texting, try to get my first 100-300 people through the web for a couple of reasons.

          1) This reduces cost. Instead of starting my SMS service I could wait until I had the first sale in place.
          2) My list is much more valuable if I can get additional demographic information at time of sign up. The nail salon may pay 100 to send to 1000 students, but it would be easier to sell (and more profitable) if i can tell them for 100 I am sending this text to 300 female students who live on campus.

          I put up fliers all over campus a few days before the fall semester, had biz cards made up with the website, and talked to a lot of my residents. After three months I only have 20 opt ins.

          Now I understand people will say that getting people to opt in through a website is going to be more difficult then texting in, but still only 20 for the amount of fliers, biz cards, talking to people, and having a few of my residents post about it on facebook is not encouraging. I even spent 60 on facebook ads.

          So I am more the discouraged at this point. I've put out ads to try and hire a student marketer, but that hasn't worked. None of the people that replied were willing to do it for what I was offering (25 cents per opt in and if they reached 100 opt ins in a month I would offer a 10% profit share the following month). When I was in college I would have been all over this.

          So I thought I would share my experience but also looking for advice. I don't have any money really to invest into this any further so I really need some out of the box ideas. I know I can get more opt ins if I use text to opt in, but that will cost money. Have to get setup with the text provider and pay for the opt in message.

          Lastly, I think its important to talk about the college demographic. While I certainly think there are way more pro then cons with this demographic, there is one obvious drawback. This list is really only good for one year. Now if you wanted to be shady you wouldn't have to start over each year, but you don't know who dropped out, moved away, graduated any given year. I like to think of all the objections a biz owner would have and this was the most obvious to me. So my plan was to send a text at the beginning of the school year to the previous years list telling them how to re-opt in for the next years campaign. But the bottom line is that you need to get your list up to a "sellable" number in a short period of time. Obviously the first year will be the most difficult. But if it take 4 months to get enough opt in, there is a very small window to make sales for the remainder of the school year.

          Anyway I would love to get your feedback! Thanks

          @heresteve2

          I think the important thing to keep in mind here is that the "concept" is great but the niche might not be. Frankly, I thought the same thing as you. With students constantly turning over, I would always be at work building and updating the list.

          So, I am working on applying the concept to a different group of people. Why not just do it in your community with the local residents - or in any community? They are less likely to move and have more disposable income. Very important to find the right sms provider to control costs. As you stated, texting costs could get out of hand before you know it.

          These business models sound simple, but only the idea is simple. Making it work will take some real planning & strategy. Anyone who thinks they can "just go out there and do it" will no doubt be in for a rude awakening.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4919811].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author HypeText
            Originally Posted by Izesta View Post

            @heresteve2

            I think the important thing to keep in mind here is that the "concept" is great but the niche might not be. Frankly, I thought the same thing as you. With students constantly turning over, I would always be at work building and updating the list.

            So, I am working on applying the concept to a different group of people. Why not just do it in your community with the local residents - or in any community? They are less likely to move and have more disposable income. Very important to find the right sms provider to control costs. As you stated, texting costs could get out of hand before you know it.

            These business models sound simple, but only the idea is simple. Making it work will take some real planning & strategy. Anyone who thinks they can "just go out there and do it" will no doubt be in for a rude awakening.
            Students that leave only need to text "stop" to the shortcode being used to opt out at any given time, the process is automated so manual updating of the list is not even an issue.

            Getting people, students or otherwise, to opt in is always going to be an ongoing effort.

            Statistics show Students to be a spending powerhouse. This is why many major companies, credit card issuers, etc. often hold promotions right on campuses.
            Signature
            (916) 520-HYPE (4973)
            Local & Mobile Marketing Solutions
            $0 Setup & $99/mnth Private Label Reseller Accts
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5384700].message }}
  • {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4714622].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tq
      Originally Posted by RKCastillo View Post

      I would really like to know how to build the list of subscribers. Any good ideas?
      Let the Business build your list.

      Barter services for a credit to the business and use it as a give away.
      Or purchase a gift card (any type) and
      Make a printable flyer with the company name and let them set it on the counter.

      What do you think? Any good?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4714896].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vip-ip
    @OP: You're thinking cross-platform, when the market hasn't reached the tipping point of cross-industry... Groupon is daily deals for everything, and there are many imitators that focus on niches. And only a few have really been blown up into noteworthy competitors to Groupon itself. Although you do make a good point that mobile is the way to go!

    Best Regards,
    vip-ip ...
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4896214].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author apolwar
    I think text/SMS coupon message will be a good marketing tool. Almost everyone has mobile phones and would rather read text messages than scroll over the email for the coupons.

    Plus if this text coupons somehow bleeds into the twitter format, many more people can get the coupons. Which means more potential customers.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4925299].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kiril S
    I like where the mobile industry is going.

    But the big question is: how are you going to be able to get coupons from businesses if you have just started and have no list?
    Signature
    - Offer here -
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4925563].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    I got my friend to do exactly that. She has a spa and does the daily deals, then markets to those new customers. I have her do a text deal for a last minute opening the same day or next day. As time slots for services are perishable so she might as well discount them to generate some revenue. She'll do a product upsell discount as well.

    Any rules of thumb people have discovered on how often customers will allow to be texted w/out getting annoyed?
    Signature

    In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing. ~ Theodore Roosevelt

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5401326].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lint631
    I love this concept. I live close to NYC and wonder if I should start hanging up flyers and such to see if I get any optins?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5403714].message }}

Trending Topics