DDR Corp Uses Geo-Fencing during Holidays

December 2011

DDR Corp., a retail real estate company, is using geo-fencing technology in its open-air shopping malls nation-wide. Deals are texted from retailers to consumers upon entering the mall’s borders. While such technology has been used by individual retailers before, DDR Corp. is using ValuText for small businesses within their malls. Since these businesses don’t typically have the marketing budget of larger retailers, this service gives them the opportunity to better compete during the holidays, free of charge. For more information, please see Mashable.

Kiehl’s SMS Texts Drive Holiday Traffic

November 2011

Kiehl’s, the high-end skincare brand, uses geo-fencing technology to drive holiday traffic in-stores. Opt-in mobile users receive location-based SMS texts when they are within range of a store with a special holiday promotion. SMS texts have also included in-store and online discount codes. For more information about this and other location-based mobile tactics, please see Luxury Daily.

MillerCoors Scores With SMS Campaign

September, 2011

MillerCoors is connecting with global soccer fans through a new SMS campaign. Soccer fans can text in special codes they find on products the purchase at soccer events for chances to win a number of prizes. The more often the fans enter their codes, the more chances they have to win. In addition, if a soccer player scores a goal during the particular minute a fan enters their code, the fan automatically wins a prize. Steve Mura, digital marketing director at MillerCoors, Chicago, said “With the high adoption rate of smartphones among our core consumers, especially multicultural consumers, the phone is becoming the primary way many people are accessing digital tools. It also enables us to reinforce our brand messages with consumers who are increasingly distracted by multitasking.” To learn more, please visit MobileCommerceDaily.com.

Grey Goose Rewards US Open Fans Via Mobile

August, 2011

Super-premium vodka Grey Goose is target US Open fans through a promotional SMS campaign. Guests of legal drinking age at the tournament are asked to text-in a code to a number to guess how many melon-balls are in the signature “Honey Deuce” cocktail. The closest guess to the number of melon balls will receive a prize from the brand. In addition to entering the contest, users can opt-in to receive recipes, such as the Honey Deuce, which is the signature cocktail of the US Open for the fifth consecutive year. To learn more, please visit MobileMarketer.com.

Do Something Charity Engages With Mobile

June, 2011

Do Something, a national charity aimed to encourage teenagers to get involved in civic activities, has launched a new campaign to engage their members through mobile texting. Their goal is to sign up 3.8 million members with charitable causes by 2014, this would be a steep increase from the 1.2 million members they had by 2010.  Do Something has been receiving grants and reorganizing their board in order to launch the new mobile texting campaign.  The campaign will be based around texting teens on their phone list with new volunteer ideas, challenges, and words of encouragement to keep them involved and active in their communities.  The texts will be sent by Do Something staff interns, called “Cause Concierges”, who will also be available to personally respond to any questions that teens send to the organization via text.  For more information see The New York Times.

UK’s Vodafone Creates JustTextGiving

May, 2011

Vodafone has teamed up with JustGiving to create a free service for making donations in the UK. There will be no fee for users to donate, as they simply text in a special code (specifically created for their charity) to donate up to £10. There are currently 184,000 charities listed within the United Kingdom, and none will be charged for the service. Visit ITPro.com for more information.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ Water Gun FB Game

May, 2011

Dunkin’ Donuts is releasing a new Mountain Dew Coolata beverage at its locations this month.  To promote the new drink, the two brands have partnered to create a Facebook game in which users use a computer-controlled water cannon to melt a cup of Coolata from a frozen block of ice.  For a chance to enter to play the game, contestants must complete the online entry from May 2 to May 29.  According to Mashable.com, “Selected participants (about 500-600 each day) will then be prompted via e-mail or SMS to pre-program three shots and tune in to a live video stream at facebook.com/DunkinDonuts the next day to see their shots in action. The first person to unfreeze the cup each day wins a prize, such as a surfboard or mountain bike.”  To read the full article, please visit Mashable.com.

Coke Uses SMS To Promote “Twist, TXT, Win”

April, 2011

Coca-Cola will rely on text messaging to support the newest campaign, “Twist, TXT, Win”. The purpose of the campaign is to gain CRM data while promoting purchase of products online. Users text in a code located under the cap of their drink and find out instantly if they won or not. Whether or not they win, consumers will redeem points for the “My Coke Rewards” loyalty program that they can redeem later for physical and digital rewards. To learn more, visit MobileMarketer.com.

Gap Offers Discounts Via Text Messages

April, 2011

GAP has partnered with Visa to offer a program where consumers can receive discounts in real time to GAP stores via text message.  Consumers opt to to the program online through Gap Mobile 4U and are eligible to receive up to 2 offers per week.  In order to receive an offer, the shopper has to meet pre-specified criteria such as shopping in a specific ZIP code, a specific type of store, or a certain time of day.  If a consumer meets this criteria in real time, then a coupon is sent through to the consumer’s phone.  They can then redeem this coupon by presenting the text message on their phone at the cash register of their local GAP.  GAP tested this program on a limited basis last November and has now launched it nationally this week.  For more information, see Mashable.

Visa Enters Geolocation Mobile Marketing

April, 2011

Visa has entered the geolocation mobile marketing market and positioned itself as a direct competitor to Foursquare, Groupon, and even eBay.  Visa has launched a new mobile marketing service that allows retail stores to send text messages to consumers that are triggered by purchase habits logged on their Visa cards.  Consumers must opt in to the program online and provide their phone number and credit card information.  Anytime a consumer swipes their Visa card to make a purchase, that data is logged and scanned to see if they are eligible to receive any offers or messages from nearby retailers.  Consumers are eligible for offers if they meet pre-specified criteria such as shopping in a certain zip code, shopping during a certain time of day, or purchasing certain items (i.e. gas, groceries, clothes).  Retailers pay to be a part of this service and can outline the criteria the consumer must meet in order to receive their offers.  The offers are texted to the consumer’s phone and can be presented at the cash register to redeem. The service is free for Visa card holders. This move by Visa to enter the mobile marketing market comes after major new market entrances by giants such as Foursquare, Groupon, and eBay.  Foursquare recently partnered with AmericanExpress during South By Southwest to offer exclusive deals for AmEx holders unlocked by Foursquare checkins.  Groupon and eBay both recently purchased smaller companies specializing in mobile deals unlocked by location based software.  For more information see Ad Age.

Walgreens Joins List of Brands on Foursquare

April, 2011

Walgreens is now running its first Foursquare promotion to promote “Friends and Family Day”. In addition to Foursquare, the promotion is being pushed via other social avenues, such as Facebook, Twitter and SMS list-services. When Walgreens’ customers visit a local store and check-in on Foursquare, Walgreens will provide them with 15% off of select items and 20% off of Walgreens-brand items. Walgreens currently has 35,000 Foursquare followers. To read more about the promotion, visit ClickZ.com.

Home Depot Provides Mobile Barcodes At Shelf

March, 2011

Home Depot has partnered with Scanbuy to provide shoppers with mobile barcodes at shelf. When shoppers scan the codes, they are directed to Do-It-Yourself videos, product and buying guides and even the possibility to purchase the item online. Users must first download the HDScan technology, available as an app or by texting. As for the percentage of users likely to use the technology, “JumpScan claims that 57% of Facebook and Twitter users have also used QR Codes (a similar technology to scannable barcodes) at least once in the past year,” (Mashable.com).

Miller Lite Uses 2D QR Codes At SXSW

March, 2011

Miller Lite promoted its “Beer for the People” campaign via QR codes used at the SXSW Festival. Participants who scan the code have an opportunity to win $20 pre-paid cards. The codes are placed around Austin on posters, case cards and coasters. In addition, the codes have appeared in participating retail stores and restaurants around the Austin, Texas area.

Denmark Offers New Postage Stamp System

March, 2011

In an effort to make sending mail easier in Denmark, the country has introduced mobile stamps. Users can text in “PORTO” to a 1900 number to receive a code that is to be written where a stamp is traditionally placed. The code will only be active for seven days following the request, and works only on standard sized letters. The new system is aimed to help those who need to quickly send mail without access to stamps.

Zoove Allows Faster Text-Sending

March, 2011

Zoove, a new mobile start-up company, allows consumers to quickly send text messages to receive voice or text information. Rather than type in a set of numbers provided, the user can dial ** plus a word to get brand content. The Girl Scouts have used this product to help consumers find local areas to buy the popular cookies. The technology currently works on 95% of all US mobile devices, says Joseph Gillespie, president and chief executive of Zoove. For more information, visit MediaCoder.com.

Sobe Lets You Try A New Look

March, 2011 The SoBe Tent at SXSW Interactive gave participants to try out a new look at interactive kiosks. Consumers stood in front of a camera and screen, and were able to add quirky additions such as moustaches, crazy hair and funny hats. Once the new look was selected, the screen prompted the consumer to deliver a seven-second video message. A snap tag delivered on the screen became a customized link to the video, allowing instant sharing via Facebook and Twitter.

Kellogg Collects Photos to Help Fight Hunger

March, 2011

In support of National Breakfast Day, which was March 8, Kellogg launched a campaign to help bring breakfast to children in need. Now through July, consumers are encouraged to share photos of their breakfast through shareyourbreakfast.com and for each photo shared, Kellogg will donate breakfast to a child who would normally go without one. Those who want to share can also text their photo to 21534 or share via Twitter with the #ShareUrBreakfast tag.  The campaign efforts are being communicated through broadcast, print, digital and social media and over 1,000 photos have been uploaded to the promotion site to date.

Miller Lite’s College Basketball Promo

February, 2011 Miller Lite is doing a sweepstakes promotion just in time for NCAA men’s basketball tournament, otherwise known as March Madness.  The sweeps asks eligible consumers to text in a code to receive a a score (i.e. 61-61) along with a code (HOOPS10) that can be used for discounts at the Miller Lite store.  Contestants can also enter via a microsite (http://millerlite.com/hoops/).  If the score matches the score of any eligible games, then you win a prize.

Skinny Water Launches SMS Sweeps Campaign

January, 2011

Skinny Water has launched a new campaign, “Get Fit Challenge”, via SMS. The sweepstakes campaign will reward text-ins with chances at gym memberships, consultations with nutritionists, personal training sessions and more. “Skinny Water consumers lead busy, ‘on-the-go’ lives. Choosing mobile to identify, reach and engage their customers illustrates a marketing approach that is as fresh and progressive as is their product”, said Paul Faherty, Managing Partner at Text2VIP, the mobile marketing agency representing Skinny Water.

Read more: http://www.benzinga.com/press-releases/11/01/p756321/text-message-marketing-provider-text2vip-powers-get-fit-challenge-mobil#ixzz1AIUmSzdh

Celebs Die (Digitally) for World Aids Day

December, 2010

Some of Hollywood’s most popular celebrities are giving up all digital communication, including Twitter and Facebook, in honor of World Aids day. Celebs such as Kim Kardashian, Justin Timberlake and Ryan Seacrest are giving up their digital lives to raise donations for Keep a Child Alive. Their ‘lives’ will be restored once donations made reach $1 million. Donations can be made through the Buy Life Site, a StickyBits app that scans Buy Life barcodes (which can also be found on the site) or by texting BUYLIFE to 90999. Print ads are out to accompany  the campaign, featuring each participating celebrity’s ‘digital death’.

1800Flowers Uses 360 Mobile Campaign

April, 2010

1800Flowers will roll out a 360 degree mobile marketing campaign for the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday. The campaign will circulate through SMS messaging, downloadable apps, mobile websites, and optimized mobile advertising. The goal is to ensure all types of mobile phone are able to access their marketing during their busiest season.

Cavaliers Help Brands with Mobile Opportunities

April, 2010

With attendance high, the NBA Cavaliers provide brands with mobile advertising opportunities through their jumbo-scoreboards within the stadium. Brands post trivia that game attendees vote for with their mobile devices. Once attendees have voted, the brands have developed larger mobile databases and the consumers walk away with prizes, such as free pizza for a year from DiGiorno, should they win.

“The Cove” Uses Oscars for Social Activism

March, 2010

“The Cove”, a documentary about dolphin hunting in Japan, used the Oscar’s as a chance to support their social media campaign. During the show, Ric O’Barry, who helped create the documentary, held up a sign asking viewers to text “DOLPHIN to 44144″. The text code brought viewers to a number of their current social networking sites dedicated to helping the cause. The documentary currently has pages set up on Facebook, Takepart.com, and Zannel.

Salon Uses SMS to Reduce No-Show Rates

March, 2010

Headrush Salon in the UK had a 70% reduction rate for their no-show’s. The decrease is attributed to the salon’s SMS reminders of up-coming appointment dates and times. The decrease in no-show rates helps avoid the brand develop a bad image due to long waiting periods or missed profit opportunities.

North Face Location-Based Mobile

February, 2010

North Face launched a location-based mobile marketing campaign that will target consumers near a location that sells North Face merchandise. This is not the first mobile campaign for North Face, who launched an iPhone weather app designed for skiers and snowboarders last year. At this time, text alerts will only be received by consumers who have previously opted-in for North Face promotional messages.

Pizza Hut Mobile Contest – Case Study

February, 2010

Pizza Hut, who partnered with Songwhale Agency in Pittsburgh, ran a contest during the month of April in 2009 to promote their pizza and pasta dishes amongst area competitors. Participants could text in to win free pizza for a year or receive perks such as a free large pizza or soda for simply passing along the message to friends. The contest was promoted via television with a text-in code and keywords. Results show the contest had 12,000 entrants within the first two weeks and 3,000 of these participants texted-in while viewing the television spots.

Salvation Army – Holiday Mobile Campaign

February, 2010

The Salvation Army’s campaign for donations during the holidays was a success with a 53.3% click-through-rate to the donation form from their mobile email. By using online methods to gain donations, this Salvation Army campaign was more cost-effective and easier to reach on-the-go mobile users. “We need to appeal to users when and where they are receiving these opportunities to donate,” said Phillip King, president and CEO of Artez Interactive in Toronto, Ontario.

American Greetings – New MMS Service

February, 2010

American Greetings and Mogreet will join together to create a new greetings service for mobile phones. Greetings will use American Greetings content along with video and music. There are currently over 500 mobile greetings available to choose from. ”For years, the industry has tried to bring to market a mobile e-card solution that was easy-to-use, reliable, and offered a genuinely compelling entertainment experience. With the help of Mogreet, we’ve finally done it,” says Michael Waxman-Lenz, senior vice president and general manager of AmericanGreetings.com. For more information about this new service, visit CNN.com.

2010 Valentine’s Day Mobile Marketing Guide

February, 2010

Clickatell, a mobile messaging solutions company, published their “2010 Valentine’s Day Mobile Marketing Guide” for businesses hoping to capitalize on the money spent during the holiday. Bizcommunity.com reports that over 1.06 billion text messages were sent last Valentine’s Day and that the average amount spent this holiday will be around $103 on Valentine’s Day merchandise. Pieter de Villiers, Clickatell CEO states, “This Valentine’s season, the most popular forms of social media, SMS and Facebook, will help retailers generate more awareness and buzz about brands, products, services, and special offers instantly and effectively.”

Jim Beam Launches Mobile Charity Donation

February, 2010 Jim Beam has partnered with nonprofit organization Operation Homefront to collect charity donations for US Troops. By texting SALUTE to 90999, consumers can donate $5 to this organization which provides support for the troops and their families. The campaign is supported by social media efforts and off-premise signage.