Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Consider this SMS approach as a fundraiser for your organization

See How Mobile Works for Starbucks

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Image via Wikipedia

Though it’s only in Mexico right now, Starbucks is planning to introduce 2D barcodes for mobile campaigns in the United States soon. That’s due to a 60% coupon redemption rate for their program in Mexico, a success rate we’d all like to experience.

Their campaign is designed to both reward existing customers and to bring new customers into the stores.

* Postcards are being handed out in malls, universities and retail outlets, with an invitation to text keyword STARBUCKS to 80080. This results in a text message with a barcode to “buy one get one free.”
* In-store signage with call-to-action to text VENTI to 80080 to receive various offers and product size upgrades.

The stores are equipped to read the coupons directly from the 2D codes on the customers’ cell phones. 80% of consumers in Mexico carry a cell phone, and the redemption rate is reported to be 60%. The two-pronged approach of rewarding loyal customers and attracting new ones is quite successful.

Each time a coupon is presented, the offer is modified, encouraging another store visit to redeem it. Consumers find it easy to participate, as they carry their cell phones anyway, so popping it out to get a free drink or product upgrade is hardly a deterrent. There is also a benefit in learning more about what their customers value, as the redemption rate for different products can also be tracked.

Just reading this, there are gears turning in marketing minds. How does their business and customer compare to Starbucks? Are there parallels, and can mobile barcode coupon marketing work for their business. Many will definitely see how to make it happen for their business. And, we’re here to help with everything it takes for success.

In tough economic times, moving marketing budget from 3% response rate methods to 50% or higher is not just smart, it’s necessary.

from http://cellforce.com/blog

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Topless Car Wash

I had to chuckle when I read this one because it strikes close to home. A couple of years ago four college coeds found themselves short of rent money, so they put on a real topless car wash. They made over $10,000 in a weekend before the authorities shut them down. It took some quick work on the part of the city council because there no laws on the books specifically forbidding topless car washes or being topless in public for that matter. Now it is definitely against the law, but it wasn't then. Anyway, here's a plan for a topless car wash spoof fundraiser. This is run just like a regular car wash. Advertise that it’s a “Topless” car wash and set up the car washing area behind a business where it can't be seen from the street. People will flock to it out of pure curiosity! Designated hunks and "hunketts" lure people to the car wash.  When the driver pulls into the wash area they find that a "Topless" car wash means 1) the bottom of the car is washed free but a donation of $X is required if they want the top washed; 2) the entire car is washed except for the roof for $X and for an additional $Y you wash the top; or 3) convertibles with the top down (topless) get a free wash! Pick the option you like best. Folks are generally pretty good natured and appreciate the ingenuity.

Get Creative with Twitter and other Social Media

Get Creative with Twitter and other Social Media