SMS Text entry is a highly effective mechanism for engaging customers in POS or on-pack promotions. Using a dedicated short code - typically a 5-digit number provides a quick and easy call to action - customers can instantly take part in the promotion, wherever they purchase or use the product.

This service can be free to enter or entrants can be charged at various price points; a typical price range is from £0.25 to £1.50, dependent on the perceived value of the prize or value of the information or content to be received, though we have found that users are not particularly sensitive to the price point.

Mobile users text in a keyword followed by the required information. This can be an answer to a question for competition purposes or if no degree of skill is required the user can be asked to text back other information such as name, DOB and/or contact details. During the promotion, the iTouch mobile platform will react dynamically to all incoming text messages with the appropriate responses designed to maximise the interaction with the customer. Return text messages can provide information on the status of their competition entry; detail upcoming scheduled events; generate premium content download information and also allocate virtual tickets and discount vouchers for retail redemption.

The of SMS for on-pack promotions provides flexible and positive consumer involvement with your brand leading to higher awareness generating active purchases and ultimately increased sales.

iTouch has a lot of experience running promotions in many different mediums and will provide expert guidance on industry regulations, best practice, effective promotional copy to motivate maximum response, prize sourcing and ultimately manage the entire event end to end. iTouch works closely with the brand owner to ensure prizes are compelling and relevant to the audience.

While competitions and promotions represent a valuable revenue stream database generation is also a positive by product. Once a caller has sent a text to the promotion he/she have transacted with iTouch and therefore are 'soft opted in' iTouch will be able to manage mobile marketing strategies to users to promote additional and similar services to this database.

Demographic information can be harvested from effective SMS campains providing valuable insights into consumer behaviour (type of response, time of response location etc) that can be used for future effective communications with your customer.

iTouch can provide a comprehensive range of reports dependent on the clients requirements. iTouch will advise the client on the level and frequency of reporting to be provided. Reports can normally be provided as follows:

• Frequency: Daily, Weekly and Monthly
• Detailed by Number promoted and sub-grouped by volumes, time of calls, average duration and revenue
• Geographical Analysis of originating calls
• Analysis of 'repeat' calls

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