Tatango, the Seattle-based SMS service firm announced it’s public launch on September 3, 2008. Tatango aims to revolutionize group text messaging, allowing any group the ability to send and receive group text messages for free from the web or their own mobile phone.
There is no doubt that text messaging is one of the fastest growing means for communication. It was only a matter of time before marketers would decide to begin advertising through use of text messaging. Seeing as how this is a new form of advertising it has been quite successful. A recent DMA report shows that out of 800 U.S. mobile phone users surveyed, 70 percent responded to a marketing text message. This is much higher than the average 30 percent that responds to email offers. Whether because of the novelty factor or the proximity of mobile devices to users, businesses have a big opportunity to market to a highly captive, opt-in audience by using SMS.
An unlimited amount of text messages can be sent with both the free and pro versions, but the free version does contain limited advertising. With the pro version (starting at $4.95 per month) you can eliminate the advertising and Tatango branding and offer a couple of interesting ways to get users to sign up. Using keywords, adding additional groups and ad-free messaging are upgrades to the pro version and range in cost from $15 to $29.95 per month.
The possibilities are wide open. Send alerts to a new blog post, coupon codes for a new product, acknowledge information requests or orders, provide a cilckable phone number and send links to your website. If it can be done with about 100 characters, you can text it.
It’s important to keep in mind that the mobile device is a very personal item. Therefore, it’s a good idea to include an opt-out in your messages. Tell your subscribers to send a return text of “stop” and Tatango will automatically remove them from your list. Even if your subscribers send a text in plain language such as “stop texting me,” Tatango will find that message and remove them from your list.
