Text messaging is gaining traction as a marketing tool

I remember talking to an advertising colleague of mine a couple of years ago about using text messaging as part of a campaign his firm was planning.

His response? Something along the lines of "huh?"

Today, we're seeing increased acceptance of text messaging as an outreach tool -- and a way to build community. That same advertising firm now routinely recommends text messaging components to its clients, and some are quick to see the value.

It's no different than any other new technology ... it simply takes awhile for early adoption to morph into widespread use.

Along the way, pioneering SMS firms -- like my client, qtags -- have developed new products and new uses that are finding ready markets.

For example, qtags now offers a "virtual jukebox" system that allows viewers to choose the next song or video to play simply by texting a number.

Sitting in a doctor's office? You can choose the health video you want by texting its number to 7-8-2-4-7 (q-t-a-g-s).

Taking a break at work? Queue up the CEO's most recent chat on the flat-panel monitor in the break room with your mobile phone.

Entertaining guests with music during a party or reception? Build a virtual playlist and let your friends/clients choose which song comes next.

The same technology can power a questionnaire at conferences, trade shows or retail establishments. Put the question up on a screen, and let viewers cast a vote with their cell phones. The results show up in real time.

qtags can also gather constantly updated data from a third-party website and deliver it via text message. Think weather. Or prices. Or any kind of information that people might want or need quickly or while away from a PC.

There are also more "traditional" uses that incorporate other media ... for example, restaurant/hotel rating company Zagat recently distributed packets of tissues at the NYC Revlon Walk/Run promoting its new Zagat to Go mobile service (see picture above).

The packets encouraged participants/spectators to text ZTG to 78247 for a free, 14-day trial (go ahead ... give it a try).

qtags can deliver a .mobi website link directly to consumers, and even connect people with your podcast on iTunes.

By far, however, qtags' biggest success stories involve "opt-in" campaigns where consumers text a keyword to sign up for news and information on a regular basis about a product, service or brand. These community-building programs enable marketers to build direct relationships with people who desire to have more interaction ... a win-win.

Can text messaging help you or your business? No doubt ... I encourage you to learn more.