The use of SMS marketing in B2C is becoming a popular way to advertise to consumers through their mobile phones. Companies typically approach mobile phone providers to send content via SMS (Short Message Service) messages to mobile phones. All mobiles can receive SMS text messages, which makes SMS marketing extremely invasive but also effective. The key from a B2B perspective is finding the right balance and using this marketing channel in the right circumstances.

SMS marketing can also be sent via platforms capable of transmitting SMS such as vMail. The areas in which SMS can be useful vary greatly between industries. Mobile phone providers themselves use this method to encourage subscribers to upgrade their service and to inform them of seasonal promotions. People can also sign up for SMS ads and promotions via their phone to receive SMS alerts whenever something new is released, for example from an online retailer.

Automating parts of the sales cycle is one area where SMS marketing can help at the B2B level. By allowing users to sign up for newsletters, contests, or updates via their phone, a business can reach audiences that might not engage through traditional marketing channels. By creating a list of phone numbers, a business can start running promotions or update their target market on new items relevant to their audience. They can send a mass text message to all customers who have signed up on a certain date and are due to renew their contract.

SMS marketing, unlike billboards, TV ads and magazine ads, can reach anyone wherever they are. Most people have their phones on at all hours of the day and will check their phones if they receive an SMS message alert. This allows a very fast response in the campaigns. For example, Walls ice-cream partnered with o2 very recently using SMS marketing combined with heat mapping. The walls could send SMS messages to people who were in areas of a certain temperature.

One of the key components of an SMS campaign is that the person you are targeting must be able to opt out of advertising or opt out of advertising. Usually this is done by sending a stop message to the SMS. This stop code allows people to stop receiving these ads if they no longer want the product and is required to create an SMS marketing campaign.

Many phone providers and SMS companies will allow small businesses to purchase SMS advertising runs. This is where a business can pay just for a short code or a small ad run. SMS marketing can be tailored to fit almost any budget and can also be targeted to phones based on the local registry and local phone service providers.

SMS marketing is a great tool that can be used to help businesses grow and reach out to alternative target markets, no matter where they are.